Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

About Social Business Trust

Social Business Trust exists to help some of the UKs best and most ambitious social enterprises grow faster and go further. We connect them with expert support and funding from some of the UK's biggest businesses so they can reach more people who need it. Since 2010, we've backed organisations tackling real problems in education, employment, and health and wellbeing, transforming charities and social enterprises with big ambitions into organisations changing thousands of lives. It's a small, close-knit charity with an outsized network and an even bigger mission, and we're looking for someone brilliant to help keep it running like clockwork.

About this role

The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Chief Executive at Social Business Trust plays a key role in providing high-level administrative and project support to the Chief Executive and helping the Senior Management Team (SMT), currently two people, operate effectively day to day.

The EA acts as a central point of contact between the Chief Executive and colleagues, Trustees, the Investment Committee and external stakeholders, handling sensitive information and a broad range of administrative, governance, finance and HR support tasks.

This is a varied role that calls for someone who can anticipate what's needed, think on their feet, and find practical solutions to problems, all while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Job description

Title

Executive Assistant

Reports to

Chief Executive

Salary

£43,200 per annum plus benefits including 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (this includes three days between Christmas and New Year) pro-rata for part time staff.

Contract

Permanent

Working hours

Full time (37.5 hours per week). We are happy to consider requests for part-time hours or flexible working.

Location

Hybrid working. Based at Somerset House, London, WC2R 1LA, with at least 2-3 days per week expected in the London office. Additional in-person attendance may be required for team meetings, away days and events.

Starting date

As soon as possible

Key responsibilities

Executive Support:

• Manage the Chief Executive's diary and inbox, screening correspondence, weighing up shifting priorities and building in time for preparation, travel and thinking space.
• Act as the first point of contact for people trying to reach the Chief Executive, using judgement to decide what needs their attention now, what can wait, and what you can resolve yourself.
• Get ahead of what the Chief Executive will need for upcoming meetings and commitments, briefing papers, travel logistics, background reading.
• Keep the Chief Executive across what's happening day to day: pick up on issues early, flag them appropriately, and help them stay on top of a full schedule.
• Project Management: Owning specific initiatives or office-system upgrades from start to finish.
• Build trusted working relationships across the organisation so you can act as a reliable link between the Chief Executive and colleagues, helping information and decisions flow smoothly in both directions.
• Support the Senior Management Team with meetings, including offsites and lend a hand with other staff meetings and events when needed.
• Take on a broad mix of administrative work that keeps the CEO's office running well, drafting correspondence, preparing papers and presentations, researching for meetings, managing contact lists, booking travel, and processing expenses.

Governance:

• Support the Chair of Trustees directly and act as a point of contact between the Chair, the Chief Executive and the wider Board.
• Coordinate logistics for the Board and Investment Committee, scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, compiling briefing packs, taking accurate minutes and tracking action points.

Other Support:

• Provide ad hoc support to finance-related administration and projects, such as invoice handling or budget tracking, as required.
• Process staff expenses accurately and in line with SBTs expenses policy.
• Coordinate the onboarding of new starters so they have a smooth, well-organised introduction to SBT.
• Support day-to-day HR administration, including responding to routine queries, assisting with recruitment logistics, and helping with ad hoc HR projects.
• Help maintain a well-run, professional office and remote working environment for the team.
• Pick up ad hoc operational projects as they arise, for example office logistics, health and safety matters, or improving how the team works remotely.

Person specification

Essential

Qualifications and Experience:

• Solid track record providing executive-level support to a senior leader, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
• A practical understanding of how operations, finance and HR functions work, and genuine interest in supporting them.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint) to create polished documents presentations and materials.
• Curious and open to emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, and a willingness to use them appropriately to enhance personal and team productivity, decision-making and service delivery.
• Sharp organisational skills and a keen eye for detail.
• A calm, quick response to situations that need urgent turnaround.
• Comfortable managing a high workload independently, with minimal oversight.
• Sound judgement and able to weigh up priorities and make sensible calls about how to use your time.
• Confident planning and managing projects, including building in contingency and keeping people, actions and deadlines on track.

People and Communication skills:

• A professional, adaptable manner when working with a wide range of people including Trustees, committee members, senior leaders, staff, corporate partner organisations and social enterprises.
• Flexible and collaborative, able to adjust to changing priorities, stay composed under pressure, and pitch in to support others when needed.
• A genuine drive to keep improving the experience of everyone you support, inside and outside the organisation.
• Strong writing and speaking skills, with experience presenting sensitive or complex information clearly and professionally across different formats.
• The confidence to put forward a case or proposal persuasively when needed.
• Discretion and integrity when handling confidential information or sensitive situations.
• Commitment to Social Business Trust's mission and values
• Willing and able to represent SBT positively in every interaction.
• A genuine commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, reflected in how you approach your work.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in the charity or social enterprise sector.
• Experience supporting a Board, committee or similar governance body.
• Some exposure to finance or HR administrative processes.
• An interest in social enterprise or the wider charity sector.