Executive Assistant

Summary of the role

The Executive Assistant will play a dual role:

1. Providing high-quality executive support to the Principal and Executive Leadership Team, enabling them to operate efficiently and strategically.
2. Assisting the Principal, the Director of Finance and Operations and the Chair of the Trustees with the administrative operations of the Board of Trustees and its subcommittees.

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.