Senior Executive Assistant in London

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Executive Assistant to join a highly respected, award-winning pan-European think tank operating at the forefront of European foreign and security policy. For almost 20 years, this organisation has brought together policymakers, academics, activists and senior political figures to promote informed debate and shape values-led European policy. With approximately 120 employees across Europe and a dynamic, entrepreneurial culture, the organisation combines intellectual rigour with the pace and agility of a start-up environment.

This role will suit a highly accomplished Senior EA with experience operating within international academic institutions, embassies, foreign ministries, diplomatic organisations, global universities or similarly complex, stakeholder-heavy environments. Working closely with senior leadership and alongside an existing Senior EA, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating international board activity across six European entities, while providing high-level executive and logistical support in an environment involving academics, former Prime Ministers, senior policymakers and European councillors.

The Role

This is a varied and highly visible position combining senior executive support, international board coordination and compliance-related responsibilities across multiple European jurisdictions. A key part of the role will involve organising approximately eight board meetings annually across London, Berlin, Madrid, Rome, Paris and Warsaw. These meetings involve senior external board members and high-profile stakeholders, requiring exceptional diplomacy, discretion and relationship management skills.

Responsibilities will include:

• Complex international diary and travel management across multiple time zones
• Coordinating and delivering international board meetings from planning through to completion
• Organising venues, travel, accommodation and meeting logistics across Europe
• Preparing and distributing board papers and meeting documentation
• Liaising confidently with senior academics, policymakers and high-ranking officials
• Ensuring local meeting formalities and governance requirements are adhered to across different European jurisdictions
• Minute taking and meeting follow-up actions
• Supporting the coordination of larger Main Board meetings and Annual Councils alongside the existing Senior EA
• Managing stakeholder engagement with tact, patience and professionalism
• Working proactively to secure attendance and commitments from senior external board members with demanding schedules, having all details finalised 6 months before the board meetings are due to take place

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a polished and highly credible Senior EA who thrives in intellectually driven, international environments and is confident operating with senior stakeholders. You will bring:

• Significant experience as a Senior Executive Assistant within an international academic, diplomatic, governmental or policy-focused organisation
• Strong experience supporting boards, committees or governance structures
• Proven experience organising meetings for senior officials, academics or political stakeholders
• Exceptional organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage complex logistics months in advance
• Outstanding interpersonal and influencing skills with the gravitas to engage senior-level stakeholders confidently
• Experience operating within fast-paced or entrepreneurial environments
• Excellent minute taking and administrative governance experience
• A flexible, diplomatic and highly proactive approach
• The ability to take ownership and see projects through from start to finish

Experience navigating governance or compliance-related processes across international or academic settings would be highly advantageous.