At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the Principal’s office and coordinate daily operations with efficiency.
- Company: Join Newnham College, a historic institution promoting women's academic excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, free lunches, gym access, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: This role offers excellent career growth in a supportive atmosphere.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant community and make a real impact in education.
- Qualifications: Strong written skills and experience in high-pressure environments are essential.
The predicted salary is between 43099 - 43099 £ per year.
Permanent, full-time, 37.5 hours per week. £43,099 per annum (inclusive of cost of living increase).
About the role
Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced administration professionals for the full time post of Executive Assistant to the Principal at Newnham College, Cambridge. Playing a key role in the life of the College, the main duties of the post are to co-ordinate and manage the efficient day-to-day running of the Principal’s office, to ensure the smooth flow of incoming and outgoing work and information, to research and draft papers and reports for the Principal and to deliver specific projects. The Executive Assistant supports the Principal, and those around her, in delivering the Principal’s responsibilities across the full range and variety of her activities both within the College, University and the wider community.
Annual salary and benefits
The annual salary for this post is paid at point 45 on the University’s single salary spine which equates to £43,099 per annum from 1 August 2026. The College offers other benefits, including 33 days a year holiday inclusive of bank holidays, an additional paid day of leave on your Birthday, free lunches and parking when on duty, free use of the College gym and the post is pensionable under the College’s attractive contributory pension scheme (USS) with a current employer contribution rate of 14.5%.
About you
This role would suit someone who has experience of, and will be at ease with, dealing and negotiating with people at all levels and who has excellent written skills. We are seeking someone who can work pro-actively with tact and discretion, and who has a strong understanding of the challenges and pressures of a fast-paced working environment, academic, or otherwise, and who is ready to meet those challenges. This vacancy represents an ideal opportunity to take a lead administrative role, in a vibrant, supportive community.
About Newnham College
Founded in 1871, Newnham College has been at the forefront of promoting academic excellence for women in the University of Cambridge for 150 years. The College has an all-women Fellowship and student body, and its thriving community of staff includes both women and men with a range of responsibilities and roles. Newnham College is an equal opportunities employer.
Executive Assistant to the Principal (Permanent, Full-Time) employer: Newnham College
Newnham College offers an exceptional environment for aspiring researchers, providing a unique opportunity to engage in independent research within a vibrant academic community. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and support, employees benefit from access to established researchers across various disciplines, fostering both personal and professional growth. The college's commitment to inclusivity and excellence makes it an attractive place for female graduates seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Principal (Permanent, Full-Time)
✨Get Involved in Industry Events
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Join professional management associations relevant to your career goals. These networks often host workshops, panels, and networking events that can put you in front of hiring managers. Plus, they can give you the scoop on upcoming roles, such as the full-time positions with companies like Newnham College.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
When reaching out to potential employers, particularly for leadership roles, demonstrate your leadership capabilities with real examples. Share stories from your previous positions that illustrate how you handled challenges and drove results. This will help you stand out when you apply to places like Newnham College.
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We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Principal (Permanent, Full-Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Newnham College.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Newnham College. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Newnham College
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Newnham College, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Newnham College, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Newnham College could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Newnham College as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
