At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-level support to the Chief Executive and manage key projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity transforming social enterprises across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days holiday, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the charity sector while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in executive support and strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 43200 £ per year.
About Social Business Trust
Social Business Trust exists to help some of the UK's 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.
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 SBT's 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.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive in London employer: SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST
Social Business Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a charity dedicated to transforming lives through social enterprise. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference in society. Located in the vibrant Somerset House, London, the role of Executive Assistant provides a dynamic environment where your skills can flourish while being part of a close-knit team committed to impactful change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of SOCIAL BUSINESS TRUST. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
