Executive Assistant - Director's Office

Are you an experienced and highly organised Executive Assistant seeking an exciting opportunity in a world-renowned academic institution? The Institute of Astronomy (IoA) is looking for a dedicated professional to provide essential support to our Co-Directors, Professor Cathie Clarke and Professor Mark Wyatt.

In this pivotal role, you will oversee the administration of the Directors' office, ensuring the smooth coordination of activities. You will manage complex schedules, facilitate high-level meetings, and support strategic projects within one of the world's leading centres for astronomical research. 

About You

You will hold a degree (or equivalent qualification) and have extensive experience providing executive-level support, ideally within higher education. Strong communication, organisation, and planning skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive support, including complex diary management.
• Prepare and draft presentations, briefing notes, agendas, and minutes for key meetings.
• Organise departmental events, scientific conferences, and travel arrangements.
• Oversee office administration, including records management (SharePoint) and departmental web updates.
• Coordinate the Institute's Visitors Programme and act as Secretary to committees.
• Process expenses and manage budgets for travel and seminars.
• Liaise with senior academics, funding bodies, and donors to arrange high-profile visits.
• Provide support to the Departmental Administrator as required. 

Why Join Us?

This is a Grade 6 role offering a competitive salary (£33,482 - £39,355), commensurate with experience alongside excellent benefits:

• Generous leave: 36 days per year (including bank holidays, pro rata for part-time staff).
• Career development: Access to University training courses for ongoing professional development.
• Work-life balance: Hybrid working opportunities and a supportive environment.
• Family-friendly policies: Extensive parental leave, workplace nurseries, and childcare support.
• Pension scheme: Attractive employer contributions for long-term financial security.
• Exclusive discounts: Savings at over 2,000 retailers and travel benefits.

Join the University of Cambridge and contribute to a world-class institution dedicated to research and academic excellence.

We welcome informal enquiries, which can be emailed to Angela Macharia at Departmental.Administrator@ast.cam.ac.uk. If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact HR@ast.cam.ac.uk. 

The post holder will ideally start in May/June 2025.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 23:59 GMT

Please note, should we receive a large amount of applications for this vacancy, we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date.

Interview Date: Week commencing 28 April 2025

Please ensure that you outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role on the online application form. 

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference LG45561 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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