Executive Coordinator

Overview

ZSL is looking for two executive coordinators to join our executive support team. As an executive coordinator you will play a pivotal role in providing high-quality administrative, coordination, and operational support to a Director and nominated senior team members. This role ensures the department operates efficiently while driving strategic projects that deliver measurable impact. Acting as a central point of coordination, you will support effective communication, project delivery, and general administration, helping translate strategic priorities into well-organised day-to-day operations.

Through proactive diary and meeting management, coordination of correspondence, and oversight of key departmental processes, you will enable leaders and teams to focus their energy on high-impact conservation outcomes. The role is dynamic and collaborative, contributing to strong team culture, continuous improvement, and effective ways of working across ZSL. Your individual responsibilities and project priorities are shaped to the needs of the department and refined through regular Performance Development Review (PDR) conversations, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, operational requirements, and ZSL’s wider organisational strategy.

This is a permanent role offering hybrid working, with 2-3 days based at our Regent’s Park offices. For the Zoo Operations role, at least one of these days will be spent at Whipsnade Zoo.
Position 1 – Working with our Director of Zoo Operations, helping enable world-class zoo delivery.
Position 2 – Working alongside our Director of Fundraising and providing wider coordination across Marketing, Events, and Communications to drive supporter engagement for conservation. You are welcome to express an interest in either position when applying and will have the opportunity to discuss your preference in more detail at interview.

• Key responsibilities:
  • Diary and Schedule Management: Manage diaries, schedules, and meetings for the Director and nominated senior team members, including arranging appointments, travel, and team events.
  • Meeting Coordination and Governance Support: Prepare agendas, minutes, and action points for team, committee, and relevant board meetings, ensuring follow-up on agreed actions.
  • Team Development and Onboarding: Assist with team development and effectiveness, including onboarding of new staff with induction plans, supporting internal communication, and contributing to the improvement of aligned financial administrative processes and systems.
  • Governance and Compliance Support: Provide low-level governance support to senior leaders, including preparation of documentation for audits, compliance checks, and committee/board meetings if required.

About You

• Strong background in executive administrative or coordination roles, ideally within a charity or multi-stakeholder environment. With the ability to prioritise competing demands and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Confident supporting senior executive staff, managing diaries, meetings, and projects.
• Skilled in basic financial administration, including invoices, purchase orders, and expense claims.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, confident in liaising with senior stakeholders and team members.
• Discreet and trustworthy, handling sensitive information with care and confidentiality.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other administrative systems.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is…