Executive Assistant

University of Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Cambridge is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to join the Senior Leadership Team, providing high-level administrative support, coordinating priorities and engagements, and ensuring timely information flow across the university. The role requires strong organisational and interpersonal skills, ability to manage competing deadlines, and a proactive, resilient approach to a fast-paced leadership office.

Regular on-site working (2–3 days a week) is required.

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to join our highly regarded team, supporting members of the University’s Senior Leadership Team.

This is a rare opportunity to work at the heart of one of the world’s leading universities, supporting some of its most senior leaders and engaging with colleagues and stakeholders from across the institution and beyond. You will gain unique insight into the breadth and complexity of the University’s activities while helping to coordinate priorities, decisions and engagements at the highest levels.

Working in a fast-paced and varied environment, you will manage competing priorities, coordinate complex diaries and engagements, and ensure senior leaders have the information and support they need to operate effectively. You will build relationships across the University, organise significant meetings and events, and play an important role in maintaining the smooth running of a busy leadership office.

We’re looking for someone who is highly organised, proactive and resilient, with excellent judgement and the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. You’ll enjoy bringing order to complexity, building strong relationships and delivering an exceptional level of support.

What makes this role distinctive is the team around you. While each Executive Assistant has dedicated areas of responsibility, we work as one team, sharing knowledge, expertise and support to provide a seamless service across the Senior Leadership Team. We are proud of the quality of support we provide and have created a collaborative, supportive environment where colleagues learn from one another, step in to help when priorities shift, and celebrate successes together.

This role requires regular on‑site working, typically 2-3 days per week, depending on business needs. The Executive Assistant team operates as a shared resource, providing seamless in‑person support through a coordinated rota, so flexibility is required to meet team and business requirements.

Informal enquiries regarding this position, and any questions regarding the recruitment process, should be directed to Nicola Gillam, Senior Executive Assistant and Team Leader ([e-mail]).

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Karin Kuchta, HR Coordinator ([e-mail])

Please quote reference AJ51604 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.