At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level support to the Group CEO and senior leadership team.
- Company: Join the RAF Association, dedicated to supporting the RAF community.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 42 days annual leave, life insurance, and a health cash back plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a prestigious role that makes a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting C-Suite executives and excellent organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 38000 £ per year.
The RAF (Royal Air Forces) Association has a clear objective: to help sustain a resilient and empowered RAF community. Through our sector-leading welfare and wellbeing services, we offer a wide range of support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. With thousands of members and supporters across the UK and further afield, plus hundreds of dedicated employees and volunteers, we have the network and experience needed for a personal one-to-one approach. We work together to make sure no one is ever left behind.
The Executive Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of the Association's leadership, providing high-level administrative, organisational and strategic support. The role is a trusted assistant to the senior leadership of the Association, acting as the first point of contact both internally and externally for the Group CEO, the Chair of Council (the Board of Trustees) and the President of the Association. Responsible for providing a professional, responsive, efficient and highly confidential executive support service, the role of Executive Assistant is complex and demanding, requiring great skill and dexterity at many levels: managing relationships, information and communication.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Maintaining a proactive annual engagement schedule for the Group CEO and, on occasion, the Senior Management Team, by arranging regular employee briefings, team away days, branch visits and tours of various locations across the group structure.
- Maintaining a strategic overview of the appointment schedule through thoughtful planning and arrangement of meetings, itineraries, accommodation and travel.
- Playing a central role in the team organising our annual conference, with specific responsibilities for managing VIP attendance, and ensuring staff and trustees hosting VIP guests are fully briefed.
- Developing and administering the Association's Honours and Awards policy and procedures, supporting the Honours and Awards Committee in its consideration of applications.
- Monitoring, screening, responding to and distributing incoming communications.
- Providing administrative and operational support across the Group as required.
- Obtaining best value in regular arrangements for meetings, travel and accommodation for the President, Chair, Group CEO and Council meetings. Responsible for authorising expenditure up to £2,000.
- Line managing, and supporting the training and development of the Team PA.
This is a prestigious role within the Association and is well suited to a professional PA with a qualification such as a Level 3 Award in Professional PA and Administration skills or equivalent. We need you to have experience of supporting a C-Suite Executive and be adept at coordinating multiple tasks in tandem and to tight deadlines (for example coordinating board meetings, scheduling, logistics, minuting and papers). As a confident networker, you will demonstrate diplomacy, persuasiveness and flexibility and be comfortable to delegate effectively and deal with difficult situations sensitively. Previous experience in arranging domestic and international travel, visas and accommodation is essential for success in this role along with the ability to be a forward thinker able to anticipate and resolve problems. You will be line managing and developing our Team PA to support the wider Association and Subsidiary work.
It is highly recommended that you read the full role profile and person specification which is available to download on our website www.rafa.org.uk
To make your application really stand out, please take some time to include a cover letter to tell us how your skills and experience align with our role profile and person specification. Relevant supporting cover letters lead to a better chance of shortlisting for interview.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK as we are unable to enter into sponsorship agreements. The RAF Association is a Disability Confident employer. Please let us know if you require any assistance with your application.
RAF Association – Professional Executive Assistant to Group CEO in Leicester employer: Confederation of Service Charities
The Poppy Factory is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting veterans in their transition to meaningful employment. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer flexible working options and a collaborative work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Joining our team means being part of a mission-driven organisation that values your contributions and provides opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of those who have served.
Contact Details:
Confederation of Service Charities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RAF Association – Professional Executive Assistant to Group CEO in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or through mutual contacts. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the RAF Association thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your skills as an Executive Assistant can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror. This will help you articulate your experience and show off your confidence when discussing your past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace RAF Association – Professional Executive Assistant to Group CEO in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experience match what we're looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements.
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with the role of Executive Assistant. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your skills, especially in supporting C-Suite executives.
Show Off Your Organisational Skills:As an Executive Assistant, organisation is key. In your application, highlight any experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or coordinated events. This will show us you're up for the challenge!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you can find more info about us and our mission there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Confederation of Service Charities
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Executive Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as managing schedules and coordinating meetings. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As an Executive Assistant, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks efficiently. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex schedules or coordinated events. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise tasks and handle tight deadlines, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, practice clear and concise responses. You might also want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewers about their communication style and expectations. This shows that you value open dialogue and are keen to adapt to their needs.
✨Research the RAF Association
Take some time to learn about the RAF Association's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their work will not only help you align your answers with their goals but also allow you to express your enthusiasm for contributing to their mission of supporting the RAF community.
