Executive Assistant to the Connétable

Description

The Executive Assistant to the Connétable plays a key role in supporting the effectiveness of the Connétable and the wider Parish. The postholder must build a trusted working relationship, enabling them to act on the Connétable’s behalf, exercise sound judgement and take appropriate decisions or actions within agreed parameters.

The role requires close partnership working, including the ability to adapt to the Connétable’s style and priorities, anticipate requirements and support the effective flow of information, decisions and communications.

The role provides high quality, confidential and proactive executive support to ensure the Connétable’s office runs efficiently and professionally. It is a broad, fast-paced position covering executive administration, policy and project support, community liaison, communications, meeting governance and civic protocol. The postholder will manage multiple priorities, exercise a considered approach with limited supervision and handle sensitive information with complete discretion.

Application Deadline: 13 September 2026

Department: Constable's Office

Location: Town Hall

Compensation: £49,071 / year

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise all correspondence, communications and enquiries addressed to the Connétable, ensuring timely and appropriate responses, while maintaining effective relationships with parishioners, community groups, businesses, elected representatives and Government departments.
• Manage the Connétable’s diary and priorities, ensuring sufficient preparation time, timely follow-up and appropriate focus on strategic matters. Screening emails, telephone calls and visitors, resolving issues where possible and escalating appropriately.
• Draft correspondence, briefings and responses on behalf of the Connétable, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Ensure all matters referred to the Connétable are supported by relevant background information, advice and draft responses where appropriate.
• Manage meeting requests, including diary coordination and agenda preparation, and prepare comprehensive briefing packs supported by relevant background research, analysis and recommendations where appropriate.
• Take minutes and maintain action logs for meetings chaired by the Connétable, ensuring timely follow up.
• Accompany the Connétable to meetings or attend on their behalf where required, representing agreed positions, preparing briefing notes, reporting back on discussions and decisions, and recording and monitoring follow-up actions.
• Support engagement with the Procureurs du Bien Public and other stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination and communication.
• Research and analyse information to support decision making and the preparation of complex or sensitive documents.
• Manage and maintain effective filing systems to ensure information is accessible and secure.
• Oversee the organisation and presentation of the Connétable’s office, ensuring it is professional and welcoming.
• Coordinate the Connétable’s attendance at civic, ceremonial, community and stakeholder events, including protocol arrangements, official visits, dignitary engagement, twinning activities and civic relationship management, ensuring appropriate briefing and follow-up action.
• Support and manage the Connétable’s communications as required, including social media, newsletters, public statements, website content and wider community communications.
• Ensure all written communications meet organisational standards by reviewing, editing and improving clarity, tone and presentation as required.
• Maintain data protection compliance, including records management, retention and secure disposal of information.
• Promote and uphold Parish standards, procedures and governance requirements across all interactions.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Significant experience operating as an Executive Assistant or in a comparable senior administrative role. Experience within the States of Jersey, a Parish, another public body or a similar civic or government environment would be advantageous.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to draft high quality correspondence.
• Proven ability to work independently, exercise judgement and maintain confidentiality.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when dealing with sensitive matters.
• Excellent IT skills, including advanced use of Microsoft 365 and electronic document management systems.
• Understanding of the Parish structure and, ideally, knowledge of the States of Jersey and local governance.
• Strong political awareness, diplomacy and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders in a public-facing environment.
• Ability to connect related issues, identify opportunities and proactively recommend practical solutions.

Benefits

Discounts

At the Parish of St Helier, you will be eligible for our comprehensive Cash Health Plan from the date you successfully complete your probation period. Enjoy a range of health and wellness benefits, including:

• GP consultations: £75
• Dental care: £75
• Optical services: £75
• Dental accident cover: £300
• Physiotherapy, acupuncture, or chiropractic treatments: £200
• Diagnostic tests & scans: £300
• Health assessments: £100

Additionally, you’ll receive exclusive discounts on gym memberships, spa services, swimming pools, cinema tickets, and more.

Pension

When you're a contracted hours employee, you're automatically part of the Public Employees Pension Fund. Here's the exciting part: we match your 6.77% employee pension contribution with an incredible 13.8% from the Parish. It's a powerful boost to your financial future.

Learning and Development

We provide access to an extensive accredited eLearning package as well as opportunities to study for role-specific qualifications through our HR department.

Holidays

25 days holiday per annum (*plus bank holidays), increasing with service.