Executive Assistant

Aston University; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic working – on campus 3 days a‑w

Training and development

30 days annual leave + 13 bank holiday

Staff discounts

On-site gym and pool

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

Aston University in Birmingham seeks an Executive Assistant to the Executive Director Finance and the Chief Information Officer. You will manage busy diaries, coordinate meetings, prepare papers, and handle sensitive information with discretion.

This role supports a dynamic Executive Support Team, offering hybrid working with on-campus presence and home-working, and opportunities to contribute to strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting senior staff in a PA/EA role.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage dynamic and demanding diaries for senior leaders.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and papers, and take accurate minutes.
• Track actions and follow through to completion.
• Organise events/visits and UK and international travel.
• Handle expenses and procurement; support budget processes.

Skills

Diary management

Stakeholder liaison

Executive support

Minute taking

Travel planning

Communication

Job description

ClosingDate: 23.59 hours BST on Thursday 01 October 2026

InterviewDate: To be confirmed

Reference: 0993-26A

ReleaseDate: Thursday 17 September 2026

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and professional Executive Assistant who thrives on managing complexity and making things happen. In this pivotal role, you will provide high-level support to the Executive Director Finance and the Chief Information Officer, ensuring they are fully briefed, well-prepared and able to operate effectively across their portfolios.

You will manage dynamic and often demanding diaries, oversee communications, and act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. You will coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and papers, take accurate minutes and track actions to completion. Alongside this, you will organise events and visits, arrange UK and occasional international travel, handle financial administration such as expenses and procurement, and ensure the smooth running of executive priorities in a sensitive and professional manner.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting senior members of staff in a PA or Executive Assistant role, who brings excellent organisational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities. You will be confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and take a proactive, solutions-focused approach while handling sensitive information with discretion.

In return, you will join a collaborative and high-performing Executive Support Team and gain exposure to strategic decision-making at one of the UK’s leading universities. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your career in a role that is both challenging and rewarding.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• The role is offered as 'dynamic working', which means working both on campus (expected on campus 3 days per week) and from home dependent on the activity. Further information on dynamic working can be found here .
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
• Great family friendly policies
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here

Aston University may be able to sponsor those who are already on a Skilled Worker Visa issued before 22nd July 2025. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role.

Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions.

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications
While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at [e-mail]