An exceptional Executive Assistant opportunity
We are seeking an outstanding Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive, high-level support to the Principal of the College.
This is a pivotal role at the heart of the College, requiring an experienced Executive Assistant who can operate with complete confidence, discretion and professionalism in a fast-paced and complex environment. You will act as the Principal's trusted partner, managing competing priorities, handling highly confidential matters, and ensuring the smooth operation of the Principal's office.
This is not a stepping-stone PA or administrative role. We are looking for a career Executive Assistant with a proven track record of supporting senior executives, principals or senior academics at the highest level.
Applicants without substantial senior Executive Assistant experience will not be considered.
The Role
Working with a high degree of autonomy, you will:
- Serve as the Principal's primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage an exceptionally busy and complex diary, ensuring the Principal's time is used effectively.
- Prioritise requests for meetings, information and access, exercising sound judgement and diplomacy.
- Monitor and manage correspondence, including email, telephone and post, responding independently where appropriate.
- Prepare the Principal thoroughly for meetings, visits and engagements.
- Handle highly confidential and sensitive information with absolute discretion.
- Welcome and coordinate visitors to the Principal's Office.
- Organise UK and international travel, accommodation and detailed itineraries.
- Coordinate College events, formal dinners and guest hospitality, including liaison with catering and preparation of seating plans.
- Arrange meetings, prepare agendas and papers, and provide professional minute-taking and committee support.
- Support academic reviews and College governance activities.
- Liaise with senior College Officers, Fellows, students, University colleagues, donors and external partners.
- Maintain accurate electronic and paper filing systems, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection requirements.
- Support the Development Office by tracking actions, maintaining relationship records and assisting with events and publications.
- Lead and support projects on behalf of the Principal and identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and efficiency.
About You
You will be an experienced Executive Assistant who thrives in a demanding environment and is accustomed to supporting senior leaders with professionalism and discretion.
You will have:
- Extensive experience as an Executive Assistant supporting senior executives, principals, vice-chancellors, senior academics or equivalent C-suite leadership.
- Outstanding diary and inbox management skills within a complex organisation.
- Proven experience of preparing board or committee papers and taking accurate minutes.
Essential Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must demonstrate:
- Significant experience in a senior Executive Assistant role providing comprehensive support to senior leaders.
- Proven experience supporting senior academics, principals, executives or equivalent leadership.
- Extensive diary management, stakeholder management and complex scheduling experience.
- Strong committee administration and minute-taking experience.
Please note: Applicants who do not have a strong background as a senior Executive Assistant will not be shortlisted.
Vacancy ID 23835