Strategic Executive Assistant – Reading/London | Salary: £60,000
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Strategic Executive Assistant to join the CEO's office of an international not-for-profit organisation in the education sector. Working closely with their inspirational and dynamic CEO and wider Senior Leadership Team (SLT), this is a key role within the organisation, providing strategic support and executive assistance. You will act as an extension of the CEO, enabling the smooth running of the SLT and their strategic priorities. This role is based between Reading and London office locations, with some flexibility for remote work.
Duties to include:
- Provide Executive Assistant duties for the CEO, acting as the first point of contact for internal and external communications, managing complex diary and travel arrangements, and processing relevant financial transactions.
- Ensure close management of relevant meeting actions and outcomes, ensuring clear ownership and delivery in line with agreed timescales. Escalate actions and outcomes to relevant stakeholders and follow through on delivery.
- Act as a sounding board to the CEO, providing feedback, sharing observations and views based on your knowledge of the organisation and sector.
- Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, providing and sharing feedback and updates to ensure clarity of expectations and priorities in line with the CEO’s strategic objectives. Influence decision-making and escalate business-critical issues as required, ensuring that the objectives of the Executive are on track and aligned.
- Lead, deliver, and contribute to strategic projects on behalf of the CEO and the organisation, enabling the streamlining of operational activities and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation.
- Lead on internal and external communications and events on behalf of the CEO, working in partnership with the internal communications team and external brand and marketing. Act as a brand ambassador on behalf of the CEO.
- Liaise with key business areas and internal stakeholders to develop and present management information on behalf of the CEO, such as presentations, reports, communications, and meeting documentation for both internal and external presentation.
- Build strong relationships and work in partnership with the Corporate Governance team to enable the smooth running of all support services to the Board of Trustees, Leadership Team, and governance of the organisation. Maintain high levels of professionalism and strict confidentiality while ensuring appropriate filing systems for documents and correspondence.
Required skills & experience:
- Excellent knowledge of project management principles.
- Excellent knowledge of business operations such as strategic development, governance, communications, and human resources.
- Experience in a consulting environment, providing strategic input and guidance.
- Previous experience in a Senior Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff role, or similar experience, including diary management, complex logistics, and travel arrangements for a Chief Executive.
- Experience guiding and enabling an executive board to align and achieve strategic objectives.
- Experience presenting data and information in an accessible format to a very high standard.
- Proven experience as a strategic thinker, providing analytical insight and guidance in an organisation.
- Demonstrable track record in the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives.
- Demonstrable experience managing and influencing stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience providing expert advice and guidance.
- Strong experience working with boards and executive leadership teams.
- Minimum of five years working as an EA within a fast-paced, global business.
- Strong MS Office skills.
- Outstanding diary management skills.
- Outstanding time management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Discretion and confidentiality are a must.
This role will be split between Reading and London, with some flexibility for hybrid working.
This wonderful role with a prominent CEO and organisation is ideal for a strategically minded Executive Assistant looking for visibility, involvement, responsibility, and a voice!
Lily Shippen are experts in recruiting top business support and Human Resources talent, including Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Private PAs, and Office Managers on a temporary, permanent, and fixed-term contract basis. We work with clients across the UK, including key cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, Sheffield, and more.