At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governance processes and coordinate meetings for effective decision-making.
- Company: Join the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, a leading charity focused on social change.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, part-time options, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in governance while developing your administrative skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office required.
Permanent, Part Time (21 hours per week)
About the role
Here at Joseph Rowntree Foundation, we are looking for a Governance Assistant to join our Chief Executive’s Office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the smooth running and continuous improvement of the organisation’s governance.
Working as part of the Governance team, you will provide high-quality administrative support across the Group’s governance cycle, helping to enable effective decision-making and strong governance practice. You will coordinate Trustee, Board and committee meetings, maintain the annual governance calendar, manage meeting logistics, arrange travel and accommodation, support workshops and events, and provide confidential support to Trustees and senior colleagues. You will also monitor the Governance inbox, maintain the governance decisions database and ensure actions and key issues are followed up promptly.
Alongside governance responsibilities, you will contribute to the effective running of the Chief Executive’s Office by supporting the Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive with meetings and events, providing diary management for the Associate Director, and carrying out a range of day-to-day administrative tasks. The role offers the opportunity to improve administrative systems and processes, including maintaining relevant intranet and SharePoint pages, while contributing to new projects and continuous improvements across the Chief Executive’s Office.
About you
We are seeking an organised, proactive and highly professional individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills. The successful candidate will demonstrate the highest standards of honesty, integrity and discretion, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
You will be a collaborative team player who builds and maintains positive, productive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels, and you will bring a proactive approach, a strong commitment to teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure while maintaining a positive, can-do attitude. Confident working independently, you will use your initiative to make sound decisions and provide high-quality administrative support within a busy, high-profile environment.
You will be proficient in the use of IT systems, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, together with experience of using SharePoint. You will also have proven experience of managing complex electronic diaries and leading improvements of organisational systems and process.
How to apply
If you share our passion and this role sounds like you, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Please submit your CV and supporting information via our online application platform. The closing date for applications is 24th August 2026. Interviews will take place on tbc. We reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received prior to the current closing date.
Additional Information
Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds, including but not limited to those with experience of living in poverty. We are committed to being an anti-racist organisation and operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process.
In support of our approach to flexible working, we are happy to receive applications from those seeking full-time employment, as well as those who may want to share the role on a part-time basis. When making your application, please state whether you want to be considered for either full or part-time work and, if part-time, the number of hours per week you would be looking for.
At JRF we’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and hope others will do the same. So, for those roles which allow it, we’re developing a more blended approach to how and where you work. This means you can expect to work flexibly between the office and home (with an expectation of two days a week in your home office).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We shall also offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you have any additional needs and need reasonable adjustments to be made to the interview process, please let us know.
Governance Assistant in York employer: Joseph Rowntree
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the County Durham community and committed to fostering equitable and just futures. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive and flexible work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact alongside passionate colleagues. Our culture prioritises diversity, inclusion, and social justice, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to transformative change in the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Assistant in York
✨Tap into Leadership Networks
Join industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attend local management meetups. Networking with fellow leaders can open doors to part-time roles and help you get a feel for the corporate culture at companies like Joseph Rowntree.
✨Leverage Your Existing Connections
Don’t hesitate to ask your professional contacts if they know of any part-time leadership positions. Sometimes it's all about who you know, and your connections might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Spotlight Your Leadership Skills
When you show up to interviews or networking events, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and successes. Tailor your discussion points to how you can bring value to Joseph Rowntree in a part-time capacity, focusing on your ability to drive team performance.
✨Consider Consulting for Flexibility
If you're keen on part-time leadership roles, think about contracting or consulting. It can provide you with a broader range of experiences and allows you to build a diverse portfolio of projects, showcasing your leadership across different challenges.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Assistant in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Leadership Style:Incorporate examples from your experiences that highlight your leadership style and effectiveness. We want to see how you've managed teams or contributed to strategic initiatives, even if it was in a part-time capacity. Make sure to reflect on your decision-making process and any measurable outcomes you've achieved.
Cater to the Corporate Environment:Tailor your CV to highlight skills that are crucial for corporate leadership, like strategic thinking, problem-solving, and people management. Don’t forget to mention relevant coursework or certifications that align with the part-time role. It's all about showing how you can bring value to Joseph Rowntree through your academic and professional background.
Make Your Part-Time Availability Clear:Since this is a part-time role, be upfront about your availability in your cover letter. Let us know how many hours you can dedicate each week and how your schedule fits with the needs of Joseph Rowntree. This helps us understand how you can seamlessly integrate into our team while balancing your commitments.
Engage with Our Vision:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for Joseph Rowntree’s mission and how your values align with our corporate culture. We want to see your passion for leadership and management in action, so don't hold back on conveying what draws you to this specific part-time opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree
✨Show Off Your Strategic Thinking
In corporate leadership, they’re looking for someone who can think strategically and make tough decisions. Be ready to discuss past leadership experiences where you had to analyse complex situations and come up with solutions. Think of using the STAR method to structure your answers—it's a game changer for giving clear examples!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect plenty of behavioural questions during your interview with Joseph Rowntree. They might ask how you've handled team conflicts or how you’ve inspired others. Brush up on key leadership theories or practices you've applied before, so you can demonstrate your fit for a part-time role without sacrificing experience.
✨Know Your Numbers
Even in part-time corporate roles, you might be asked to discuss key performance indicators or metrics relevant to the position. Brush up on how you’ve used data to drive decisions or track project success. It's a good way to show you understand the business side of leadership and can contribute meaningfully from day one!
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Commitment
In a part-time role, the ability to adapt to changing priorities is key. Be prepared to talk about how you manage your time and remain committed to your responsibilities. Share a few anecdotes showcasing your dedication and how you maintain high performance even with part-time hours. It's all about showing you can make a difference without being full-time!
