Senior Private Secretary

Location: Caxton House, London - Flexibility for Hybrid working, Pattern will change week to week

As the Senior Private Secretary, you will hold overall responsibility for the successful delivery of these functions. The exact nature of this role will vary according to business needs and may change over time, but you will work very closely with the Chief of External Affairs and Communications as well as being responsible for the overall running of the office (including management oversight of other team members).

The external affairs and communications private office is a new function in the directorate. This small team will sit at the heart of the directorate, playing a critical role in its success and directly supporting the senior leadership and wider function. In particular, the office currently:

• Supports the Chief of External Affairs and Communications, providing them and their senior leadership team with advice and challenge as appropriate
• Supports the directorate as a whole, driving out a clear understanding of both organisational and directorate leadership priorities and advising teams to ensure that these strategic priorities are met.
• Problem solves to remove barriers and drive forward priority areas of work
• Ensures the operations of the directorate run smoothly; and
• Oversees diary and other wider support to the leadership team

This role requires an individual who is:

• Highly organised and able to work in fast-paced, uncertain environments while maintaining a strong overview of both their own and team’s priorities.
• Displays strong personal resilience and a proven ability to support others in maintaining theirs.
• Contributes to the building of an effective and supportive culture within their immediate team and beyond.
• Has outstanding written and oral communication skills, able to communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels with experience communicating directly at senior levels.
• Displays strong judgement, evaluating how and when to step in to support others and when to escalate matters.
• Has strong diplomatic skills and emotional intelligence that can be drawn upon to provide support, advice and challenge, maintaining strong relationships even when delivering difficult messages.
• Displays discretion and tact when handling challenging and sensitive issues.
• Can work with initiative, motivation, and drive and inspiring these qualities in others to ensure that the whole office delivers for the directorate.
• Has a strong track record of working in or with external affairs and communication and understands its role as a strategic lever for delivery.

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org

How to apply:

For full details, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role. 

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