At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch executive support to Cambridge City Council leaders and manage their busy schedules.
- Company: Cambridge City Council, dedicated to serving the community with integrity and professionalism.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and contribute to meaningful public service.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the face of local leadership and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a proactive attitude are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
To provide professional, pro‑active, efficient and effective executive support to the Cambridge City Council Leadership Team, the Leader of the Council, Councillors and the Mayor of Cambridge (Principal Clients) to enable them to fulfil their role effectively, whilst maintaining the neutrality of the office you are representing at all times. To manage the offices of the Mayor and the Leader of the Council, to ensure there are effective briefing and administration systems in place to support them in their roles. To provide an initial contact point for internal colleagues and external partners, callers, visitors and complainants, filtering calls appropriately to relevant parts of the Council. Contribute to the corporate objectives and overall success of Cambridge City Council through effective working with colleagues in the Council, with partners and elected members.
In this role you will:
- Provide a professional public face and initial point of contact for customers, officers of the Council, Councillors and the Mayor, managing customer expectations within agreed standards and timetables, and finding alternative contacts if necessary.
- Provide a pro‑active, full and efficient administrative service for your Principal clients by:
- Managing diaries for your principal clients to balance competing demands on their time.
- Managing emails and phone calls on their behalf.
- Preparing agendas and taking minutes of meetings, chasing follow up actions if required.
- Managing, sourcing and reporting on appropriate information.
- Analysing, managing and organising correspondence.
- In the absence of your principal client, action appropriately any items on their behalf without supervision, seeking support as required.
- Producing letters, briefing notes, reports, speeches, presentations and documents in line with agreed parameters.
- Developing effective filing protocols for document management.
- Operating bring forward and follow‑up monitoring systems.
- Reviewing processes and systems for effectiveness, implementing improvements to meet changing support needs.
Executive Assistant employer: Coyles
Cambridge City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the community. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture of collaboration, you will have ample opportunities for growth while supporting key leaders in local governance. Located in the heart of Cambridge, you will enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere, fostering both professional and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Coyles, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Coyles and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Coyles and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coyles
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Coyles, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Coyles.
