Head of Private Office to Group CEO

About the role

We are seeking a highly professional, discreet and proactive individual to oversee the smooth, efficient and strategic running of the Group CEO's Office. Reporting to the Group Chief of Staff and Group Chief Governance Officer, you will manage complex programmes of activity, ensure exemplary diary and communications management, and act as a trusted conduit between the Group CEO and both internal and external stakeholders.

You will coordinate resources across multiple sites, produce high-quality briefings and communications, commission analysis ahead of key engagements, and support governance requirements, including preparation of Board materials and provide a professional and personal administrative support of the Group CEO.

What you do

• Own the day-to-day operations of the Group CEO's Office, ensuring timely, professional communications and information flow.
• Provide high-quality executive and personal assistant support, prioritising and optimising the CEO's diary to maximise impact.
• Lead coordination of resources, facilities, events and travel across College and Trust sites; oversee high-profile visits.
• Draft, review and manage internal/external communications, working closely with the Communications team, support appropriate use of social media.
• Prepare concise briefings and reports; commission and synthesise analysis ahead of meetings and public engagements.
• Track and deliver strategic projects for the Group CEO and Directorate, monitoring progress and risks.
• Promote a "can do" customer-service culture, mentoring Executive Assistants and embedding effective digital processes
• Horizon-scan across FE, HE and schools' policy; summarise implications for the Group CEO and leadership teams.
• Support governance and compliance, coordinating Board papers and ensuring follow-through on decisions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and professional judgement in handling sensitive matters.
• Oversee non-pay budgets and expenses for the CEO and Directorate
• Contribute to CRM development for stakeholder engagement and using his for effective communications.

About you

• Degree-level education (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience in business operations within an educational or similarly complex organisation.
• Proven track record engaging senior decision-makers and influencing change.
• Leadership of administration/secretarial teams with multi-site coordination.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident using social media professionally.
• Able to work in a highly pressurised environment and at pace.
• Able to use AI effectively and ethically and have innovative ways and ideas to embed in our systems and processes.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft 365 and adaptable to new systems.
• Methodical, organised and resilient-able to juggle multiple priorities and work to short deadlines.
• Able to move rapidly between detail and the big picture; present complex information clearly.
• Strong ambassadorial skills; discretion, integrity and confidentiality.
• Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and the Nolan Principles of public life.

Working arrangements

This is a full-time role (1.0 FTE) based primarily at Bromley and Orpington with hybrid working and travelling across all school and college sites in SE London, Surrey and East Sussex. Evening/weekend working and occasional overnight stays may be required to support the Group CEO's schedule. UK Driving License is essential as travelling with and driving the Group CEO will be required.

About Us

Elevare Civic Education Group

Elevare Civic Education Group is the umbrella organisation that comprises our Group Organisations, London South East Colleges, London South East Academies Trust and Elevare Education Foundation. The Group rationale is borne from a shared mission, vision and values. It seeks to optimise governance alignment through a Group Strategy and provide efficiencies across the organisations. Built on charitable principles and a co-incidence of interest, the Group ethos is founded upon high-quality teaching and learning, the development of curriculum models fitting each school and cohort, and a core and bespoke school improvement strategy which focuses…