Weekend Porter/College Receptionist
Weekend Porter/College Receptionist
Salary: Grade 4.1 Balliol College Salary Scale (£27,319, pa, pro rata)
Contract type: Full-time, permanent
Location: Balliol College, Oxford, OX1 3BJ
Department: Broad Street Porters Lodge
Reports to: Broad Street Lodge Manager
Responsible for: N/A
Hours: 15 hours per week, Saturday and Sunday. Whilst the normal working hours are 06:45 to 19:00, (Early shift 06:45 to 14:45, late shift 11:00 to 19:00) work outside of these hours may occasionally be required for which time-off in lieu will be granted, or overtime paid.
Holiday: 6 weeks (30 days) (pro-rated), plus Bank Holidays (pro-rated), during a complete holiday year, some of which are taken during the Christmas period when the College is closed. The College reserves the right to require staff to work on Bank Holidays during full term, receiving a day in lieu.
Probation period: 12 months
Notice period: 1 month on either side (during probation)
3 months on either side (after probation)
Balliol College
Situated in an historic site in central Oxford, Balliol has been a hub of learning and community since its foundation in 1263. As one of the larger colleges within the University of Oxford, it is home to roughly 860 students, with undergraduates making up just under half of the student body. The College also employs over 80 Fellows, 50 lecturers, and about 180 support staff, with Dame Helen Ghosh as its current Master. While academic excellence is at the core of Balliol’s mission, visitors are often struck by the College’s informal and welcoming atmosphere. Beyond its walls, Balliol has an active and engaged global community of over 8,000 alumni and donors.
Further information about the College is available at www.balliol.ox.ac.uk.
Purpose of the Post
An Oxford College Porter is the front-of-house professional who acts as the first point of contact for students, staff, and visitors. The role blends security, administration, and general support. Typical responsibilities include monitoring who enters and leaves the college, handling keys and post, responding to emergencies, and providing directions or assistance.
Porters also help maintain a sense of order and safety—locking up buildings, coordinating with maintenance teams, and sometimes dealing with welfare concerns or incidents. At the same time, they’re known for being approachable and knowledgeable, often offering practical help or local advice.
In short, they’re a central, reassuring presence in college life—part receptionist, part security officer, and part problem-solver.
Job duties and responsibilities:
The main duties are included below.
Main desk receptionist
• Issuing room keys and Salto key fobs (for both bedrooms and meeting rooms)
• Checking guests in and out
• Answering and directing telephone enquiries and announcing callers
• Sorting post
• Receiving deliveries and ensuring they are then collected
• Selling entrance tickets to tourists
• Assisting with enquiries from Students
• Directing both College and Conference guests to dining rooms and meeting rooms
• Putting out signage where necessary
• Acting as the College information point
• Booking taxis
Overseeing College security
• Regular patrols around College grounds during closed hours
• Monitoring CCTV
• Switching on and off quad lightings in the evenings and mornings, and collecting temporary lights after an event
• Ensuring the removal of unauthorised individuals from the premises, in conjunction with University Security Services or the Police
• Ensuring that all contractors report upon arrival and are issued with a badge
• Ensuring all vehicles entering the college are recorded
• Ensuring that the Lodge remains compliant with GDPR
Ensuring that the College’s Health and Safety code is adhered to
• Running fire alarm tests, fire drills and responding to real alarms
• Training and then acting as a First Aider
• Recording and reporting accidents and incidents
• Contacting emergency services when required
• To be fully conversant with the College’s Emergency and Safety Procedures
Assisting the Development Office
• Helping with Degree Day ceremonies and gowning
• Assisting with VIP guests during alumni events
• Assisting with elderly or disabled guests during alumni events
Assisting the Accommodation/Housekeeping Department
• Liaising with the Housekeeping team
• Helping to ensure students vacate their rooms on time
• Ensuring that student keys are accurately logged in and out
Assisting the Conference and Events Manager
• Organising and preparing room keys/fobs and internet access for Conference guests
• Ensuring that rooms are set up with the correct AV equipment as detailed on the booking system
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties. You will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the College's organisation and the overall objectives of Balliol College.
Person Specification – skills and experienceEssential
Computer literate
Excellent customer service skills
Organised and reliable
Well presented
Calm under pressure
Team player
Good situational awareness and judgement
Discreet and professional
DesirableKnowledge of working in an Oxford College
Previous security or front-of-house experience
First aid training
Conflict resolution skills
Record-keeping and reporting skills
Employee Benefits
Hall, when the kitchens are open.
:Oxford University Staff Pension Scheme (OSPS) This is a contributory pension scheme, with contributions from both the employee and the College. Further details are available
here.
University Club, which offers food, drink and accommodation in an exclusive space for staff, postgraduates and alumni.
visitor accessto the 45 colleges and halls of the University, the University’s Libraries, Botanic Gardens, Arboretum and Museums.
exclusive discount codes for Universitystaff and with a
TOTUM(formerly NUS) card.
Application procedure
Informal enquiries: Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation about the role should in the first instance contact Mike Hooker michael.hooker@balliol.ox.ac.uk
Written applications: Applications should be made by 12:00 on Wednesday 13th May online at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/careers.
Interviews: Candidates selected for interview will be notified by email. First stage interviews will be held on Monday 18th May.
Right to Work Shortlisted candidates will be expected to supply original documentation proving that they have the right to work in the United Kingdom (UK).
Equal Opportunities Balliol College is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants are asked to complete a separate confidential Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form to help us fulfil our duties in this regard. Applicants should let us know if they require reasonable adjustments for any part of the recruitment process.
Data Protection Personal data is processed in accordance with Balliol College’s Privacy Policy which is available at https://www.balliol.ox.ac.uk/privacy-policy