Executive Assistant

Job Title: Executive Assistant to Director Location: On-site – Manchester Salary: £40,000 DOE Overview: As Executive Assistant to the Director, you will play a central role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of a high-profile research institute supported by a well-known charity. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly organised professional to work at the heart of a mission driven organisation focused on scientific excellence and global impact. The Executive Assistant will act as a key point of contact for a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including scientific leaders, strategic partners, funders, and senior management.

You will manage a complex and dynamic calendar, coordinate national and international engagements, organise travel and meetings, and ensure the Director is fully prepared for all commitments. This is a highly visible role requiring professionalism, discretion, and exceptional organisational skills. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly, and where attention to detail and a proactive mindset are essential. As Executive Assistant, you will provide high-level support, manage sensitive information with confidentiality, and contribute to the operational success and efficiency of the Director’s office and the wider institute.

Main Duties Manage the Director’s busy calendar, ensuring smooth coordination of meetings, travel, and external engagements. Prepare agendas, briefing documents, reports, and presentations for internal and external meetings. Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders, including board members, funders, partner organisations, and international collaborators. Monitor and prioritise a high volume of email correspondence, taking appropriate action or delegating as necessary. Organise complex travel arrangements and maintain detailed itineraries. Provide full administrative support to the Director, including expense processing, document management, and project coordination. Coordinate formal visits and events, ensuring a high level of hospitality and professionalism.

Support the Director’s involvement in collaborative projects across academia, healthcare, government, and charity sectors. Maintain strict confidentiality and uphold the highest standards of integrity and discretion. Knowledge and Experience Essential: Proven experience as an EA/PA supporting a senior leader in a fast-paced, high-profile organisation. Highly organised with excellent problem-solving abilities. Professional, discreet, and confident when handling sensitive information. Outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams). Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet tight deadlines. Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing high-level meetings and events. Desirable:

Experience in the academic, clinical, or scientific sector. Familiarity with charity or non-profit organisations. Project management experience. Benefits: 32 days annual leave plus bank holidaysEmployee wellbeing support and EAPUniversity enhanced pension schemeFamily-friendly and flexible working policiesAccess to health and fitness facilitiesOn-site cafés, discounts, and cultural venues