The Office of the Chair and College Secretariat is seeking a proactive and professional Executive Assistant to support the work of the Chair of Council and the University Secretary. This fixed term appointment is a maternity cover role, anticipated to be of 11 months duration, with a start date as soon as possible.
This key role will provide an effective, efficient, and confidential executive support service to ensure that the Chair of Council and the University Secretary have the information and support required to discharge their responsibilities. Duties will include complex inbox and diary management, committee support and representing King’s well to high profile external visitors and partners.
This unique opportunity would suit a high performing individual with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities to challenging deadlines. A highly motivated self-starter, with significant executive experience supporting those at board-level or equivalent, you will have keen attention to detail and the ability to operate confidentially, calmly, tactfully, and methodically, in a complex and evolving environment.
Executive support
*Provide high-level professional executive support to the Chair of Council and to the University Secretary, including end to end schedule coordination, diary management, meeting and travel arrangements and other business requirements.
*Monitor and act upon incoming correspondence, ensuring responses are relevant and timely.
*Be a professional first point of contact for colleagues and external contacts, conducting matters with diplomacy, sensitivity, and tact. Receive and host visitors to the Office of the Chair and College Secretariat.
*Interact with internal and external contacts who require information, signposting and retrieving information as appropriate.
*Liaise with key groups and individuals from across the University to secure information or advice that may be required to make effective and efficient decisions.
*Provide all relevant papers for meetings and provide or draft research and briefing documents where appropriate.
*Arrange internal meetings, including arrangement of venues, materials, catering and AV.
*Make travel arrangements for national and international engagements.


Business Support
*Participate fully as a member of the wider Governance Services Team, supporting the operational governance work undertaken.
*Provide secretariat support for committees or ad hoc groups as required, taking minutes, following up on action logs and collating papers.
*Undertake a range of financial processes, including raising purchase orders, processing invoices and expenses and preparing monthly reports.
*Support the operational arrangements for University events managed by the Office.
*Participate in the efficient functioning of the Office and work seamlessly within the wider team, providing cover when necessary, and contributing to project initiatives.
*Keep appraised of wider university developments and understand how these might impact or benefit the Office.


The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.
Skills, Experience and Education
1) Previous experience in an executive support role in a large complex organisation. Experience interacting with senior colleagues and distinguished external contacts.
2) Strong organisational and IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages. Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills with high attention to detail.
3) Ability to thrive in a fast paced and dynamic environment, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to foresee and proactively act on issues and challenges.
4) Professional and positive attitude, with an ability to remain cool and composed under pressure, and the capacity to handle confidential matters with discretion and diplomacy. Demonstrated commitment to a high service standard.
5) Proactive approach with the ability to work independently and flexibly, but also as part of a team, exercising initiative as appropriate.
6) Ability to work confidently and proactively across organisational boundaries and flex role to encompass new duties in an evolving environment.
7) Desirable - Experience working in a higher education environment.
8) A first degree or equivalent experience.