Executive Assistant

Summary of the role

The Executive Assistant will play a dual role:

This is a pivotal role requiring strong organisational skills, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to deliver proactive executive assistance.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support:

• Provide comprehensive administrative and executive support to the Principal and the Director of Finance and Operations (the Clerk), including diary management, correspondence, travel, and meeting arrangements.
• Support the senior leadership team with scheduling, coordination, and preparation of key documents and reports.
• Manage the flow of information to and from the Principal and leadership team, ensuring priorities are addressed promptly.
• Assist in the preparation of presentations, reports, and briefing papers.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion at all times.

Governance and Compliance Administration:

• Support the Clerk with the day-to-day administration of the work of the Board of Trustees and its committees.
• Assist the Clerk with the preparation and management of agendas, papers, and minutes, ensuring they are delivered in a timely and accurate manner.
• Monitor the Board and Sub-committees' compliance on governance, regulatory matters, and best practice, as directed by the Clerk and the Principal.
• Assist with the maintenance of records of governance activity, membership, and statutory filings.
• Assist the Chair of the Trustees with timely and relevant communication with the executive.

Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Experience providing executive or senior administrative support at leadership level.
• Excellent organisational, planning, and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including minute-taking.
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity.
• High level of IT proficiency (Microsoft Office Suite, digital board portals, etc.).
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable:

• Understanding and empathy with the education sector.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., Charity Commission, Companies House, DfE, OfS, ISI etc.).

Key Attributes:

• Professional, calm, and resilient under pressure.
• Diplomatic and able to build effective relationships at all levels.
• Detail-oriented but able to see the bigger picture.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Discretion when dealing with sensitive institutional matters.