Job Description

Front Desk Receptionist/College Porter

The role

In the University of Cambridge Collegiate system this role is known as a College Porter. It covers similar responsibilities to a front desk reception but also has the additional responsibilities such as the security of the College and student welfare.

This is a diverse 'front-of-house' role that will appeal to anyone who enjoys friendly interaction with a wide variety of people, whilst also helping to ensure the safety and welfare of students and other College members.

The postholder should have excellent communication skills and have a calm but quick thinking approach. Good computer skills and an ability to work alone at times, using their own initiative is also important.

Key responsibilities of the role are:

Reception duties

To welcome students, fellows, staff and visitors at the Porters' Lodge delivering a high-class service 'Front of House' service. Handling small sales or bill settlements. Signing in / out keys for student and college meeting rooms. Welcoming visitors to the Murray Edwards Art Collection.
Security

Ensure the security of the College premises and adjacent properties, including: Handling keys/cards and security codes. Respond to break-ins, fire alarms, lost property, disturbances, intruders, unpermitted car parking. Operation of Chubb door access system. Monitoring of CCTV equipment. Patrolling of college premises.
Student Support

To hold and where necessary disseminate information concerning students, staff, Fellows, keys, university cards and directions. To administer medical assistance, reporting with sensitivity and confidentiality to the appropriate college officers.
Mail

Receiving incoming mail each day and distributing it using recognised systems. Franking outgoing mail.
Cash sales

Assisting in sales of merchandise authorised through the college.
First Aid and Welfare

To administer First Aid when required. To 'Signpost' students and staff to the appropriate support person/s or service.
Fire Officer duties

To assist the Fire Officer in fire practices as required. To assist/take charge of people management, evacuation procedures and liaison with the Fire Service or other Emergency Service during a fire alarm activation or any other emergency
Administration

To maintain the Lodge environment in a clean and tidy state. To keep records, logs and noticeboards up to date always.
Additional Tasks

To undertake additional specific tasks as assigned such as car parking. To undertake any other reasonable duty as required from time to time.

About you

You will:

Good basic standard of education Proven ability to work well on a professional level with a range of people Ability to handle multiple requests in a timely manner in a busy environment Ability to prioritise work effectively Good numeracy skills Effective professional use of e-mail Basic use of Microsoft Word, Excel and other packages Conversant with Health and Safety requirements in the workplace Fluent spoken English Ability to read and write English to a good level Punctual, organised and disciplined approach to work Demonstrates high standard of professionalism Demonstrates integrity and alignment with College values Personally well-presented and smart at all times Calm, quick-thinking, able to handle challenges / emergencies under pressure Good teamwork and collaboration skills Excellent customer service skills Empathetic, inclusive and courteous when dealing with people Good personal judgement Comfortable working alone and at night

What we offer you in return

A friendly, welcoming team! 25 days annual leave plus public holidays, increasing with length of service contributory pension scheme life assurance benefit discretionary annual bonus scheme free gym facilities cycle-to-work scheme on-site parking lunch, provided every day that the kitchens are open.

Flexibility and hours

Average of 36 hours per week. Normally three 12.5hour shifts per week (inclusive of a 30-minute unpaid rest break) to ensure 24hr cover 365 days a year. Day shift 0700hrs - 1930hrs, Night shift 1900hrs - 0730hrs

About Murray Edwards College

We exist proudly as a women's college which empowers students to be confident, successful and happy human beings.

We offer outstanding young women from all backgrounds an academically excellent Cambridge University education in a stimulating and supportive environment.

We actively seek students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

Murray Edwards College is one of the 31 Colleges in the University of Cambridge and is a self-governing academic community, comprising some 650 undergraduates, postgraduates and academics, supported by 120 staff. It has exceptional facilities and listed modern buildings with award-winning gardens.

Please note this is being run as a rolling recruitment process. We will be assessing applications, shortlisting and offering interviews as the applications are received. The job will close once a candidate has been appointed.

Murray Edwards College is an equal opportunities employer and abides by the privacy rules as set out in the Data Protection Act 1998 and subsequent General Data Protection Regulation. You can view our Privacy Statement for Job Applicants on our website: https://www.murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk/about/policies-and-procedures/college-policies-and-procedures/data-protection-job-applicants

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 26,696.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Discounted or free food On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 13/07/2025