Private Secretary to the Executive Chair

LOCATION: Swindon (Hybrid) 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE 

As Private Secretary, the successful applicant will be responsible for providing an overall package of support to the Executive Chair, allowing them to fulfil their strategic leadership role, supporting effective and decision-making, and operational delivery. This is a pivotal role supporting a broad-ranging, dynamic and innovative research council agenda, with leadership across UKRI, including creative industries. 

The successful applicant will manage a team of Executive Assistants who support the AHRC Executive Office. They will work closely with the AHRC COO Office and the International Office in coordinating the portfolio of the Executive Chair’s responsibilities.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

The successful applicant will be responsible for: 

• Strategic running of the Executive Office
• Effectively delivering and delegating on behalf of the Executive Chair, convening and coordinating the right people to develop solutions
• Building and maintaining effective stakeholder networks, effectively information sharing, maintaining confidence and operating with a high level of tact, discretion and integrity
• Working with teams across AHRC to deliver an effective programme of communications and strategic engagement for the Executive Chair and Senior Leadership Team
• Lead a team of Executive Assistants to support the day-to-day affairs of the Office, and working closely with the wider Governance and Executive Office (GEO) team to ensure smooth running of AHRC as an organisation
• Be a visible and approachable point of contact for AHRC staff, working collaboratively and inclusively with teams

Process and delivery: 

• Manage information flows to and from the executive team, effectively information sharing and making sound judgements on briefing stakeholders
• Input to AHRC’s business planning and business cycles, including major strategic outputs such as Strategic Delivery Plans and Spending Reviews
• Commission briefings, seeking expert input and advice from the relevant teams
• Problem solve and develop effective solutions to issues arising
• Facilitate effective engagement between the Executive Chair and AHRC staff
• Oversee compliance with UKRI policies and processes, including Declarations of Interest, Gifts and Hospitality, ensuring regularity, propriety and value for money
• Work with the GEO team to provide a resilient service to the whole organisation 

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE 

• Ability to work at pace, think strategically and respond to shifting priorities
• Ability to plan ahead and manage competing priorities
• Ability to solve problems with a high degree of initiative and ingenuity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to lead a small, high-performing team, matrix manage and delegate effectively 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

DEVELOPING TALENT: 

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations. 

BENEFITS: 

UKRI can offer the successful candidate: 

- Flexible Working
- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider 

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Advert information