Royal United Services Institute
Receptionist
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Reports to: Venue Operations and Events Director Department: Facilities Salary: £18,500 (Prorated from full time at £29,000) Location: London Contract: Permanent Hours: 08:30 –15:00 Monday - Thursday
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.
About the role
This role is focused on providing excellent customer and administrative services to both internal and external stakeholders at the Institute. The receptionists’ duties and responsibilities include greeting and welcoming guests and helping them to navigate through the building.
Key tasks
- Provide excellent customer service to all visitors, members, and staff, including welcoming all guests to RUSI’s building.
- Answer, screen and direct telephone calls in a timely, professional, and friendly manner, taking accurate notes and forwarding messages by email or Teams, where required.
- Manage RUSI’s email account and respond to all enquiries in a timely manner.
- Utilise the Venue Management System to retrieve information about RUSI events and direct visitors accordingly.
- Assist with administration and logistical aspects for RUSI Members Events.
- Assist, upon request, during the on the day registration of conference delegates.
- Manage the arrival of guests to small RUSI events/meeting as requested from the Events Team.
- Always keep the reception desk tidy and presentable.
- Prepare the WIFI code each day
- Sort, distribute, frank and manage all incoming and outgoing mail, packages and other correspondence.
- Arrange couriers, where required.
- Administer the Institute’s hotdesking system including setting up new users, where required.
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The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.
Person specification
Essential skills and experience
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Previous reception and/or customer service experience.
- Good administrative skills.
- Calm and professional demeanour.
- Capable of muti-tasking and problem- solving.
- Excellent time keeping.
- Experience using Office 365
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience of working in a not-for-profit sector organisation.
- Experience of working in Events.
- Experience of working with government officials and visitors from abroad
Benefits
- 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
- Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
- Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution
- Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Season ticket loan
- Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders
- *Enhanced sick pay
- *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- *Depending on length of service
Our expectations
We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement
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Application Process
To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit your CV and cover letter. Please submit your CV and any supporting writing as one document. Your cover letter should be no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.
Please note that is role requires Right to Work status in the UK. We are unable to sponsor this role.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 26th July.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Equal Opportunity and Values
At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.
We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.
If you have any questions, please contact hr@rusi.org
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