Diary and Social Secretary – Family Office of HNW Philanthropist | Hybrid Role

A Diary and Social Secretary is required to join the family office of a high-net-worth philanthropist. Working alongside two other PAs, you will be responsible for managing a busy, ever-changing, and complex business, personal, and social diary. Liaising globally with a wide range of political, government, high-net-worth, and business leaders, you will also produce and send correspondence via email and letter, and must be comfortable taking dictation (which can be done via laptop; no shorthand or speedwriting required). You will work closely with the principal's wife (and her Private PA) to ensure their schedules run seamlessly and both parties are informed of changes and updates.

An excellent standard of written and spoken English is essential in this role, as is your ability to prioritise, take ownership, plan, and anticipate needs. This busy, interesting, and varied role will see you working for an inspirational and highly regarded individual, where excellent attention to detail and accuracy are essential for success.

Duties:

• Diary management: arranging appointments and meetings via Outlook, including inviting external guests, booking meeting rooms, and liaising with other PAs (internal and external).
• Preparing the weekly/monthly diary schedule and distributing it to the team.
• Composing your own correspondence, including responses to invitations and drafting letters.
• UK and overseas travel arrangements, including coordinating the private jet, transfers, and liaising with the chauffeur.
• Managing social arrangements and annual events.
• Audio dictation and copy typing (must be to a high level; can be done via laptop).
• Assisting with some personal administration for the team when required.
• Maintaining the filing system—both electronic and physical.
• Fielding phone calls and opening/distributing post.
• Other general office activities and supporting other PAs in the Principal’s office.
• Maintaining the contacts database and other contact lists.

Key Requirements:

• Excellent diary management skills; must be able to juggle diaries and deal with ever-changing appointments—requires creative thinking and common sense.
• Advanced IT skills—Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Excellent written English and spelling.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task.
• Strong attention to detail and a quality-focused approach.
• Ability to work as part of a team as well as independently and on your own initiative.
• Flexible and hands-on approach; self-motivated and proactive.
• Confidential and discreet with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ambitious with a strong personality; intuitive and instinctive.

This is a hybrid role, offering one day of working from home. Benefits include private healthcare and a discretionary bonus.

Lily Shippen is a leading business and executive support recruitment agency, specialising in recruiting top talent for roles in diary management and personal assistance. Our expertise extends to hiring skilled Personal Assistants, Executive Assistants, and Office Managers, ensuring we connect businesses with exceptional support professionals. We recruit for various positions, including roles supporting high-net-worth individuals, founders, and organisations across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds, and Sheffield. Whether you’re seeking temporary, permanent, or fixed-term contracts, we help you find the right fit for your business.