Executive Assistant

Strategic PA Recruitment - SPECIALIST EA/PA AGENCY; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialised recruitment consultancy is looking for an Executive Officer to work with senior leaders in the education sector. This hybrid role based in Chichester requires strong stakeholder management and organisational skills, with a salary between £35,608 and £37,694. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in senior support and a genuine passion for delivering excellence. The position offers a defined benefit pension and professional development support.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension (18.5% employer contribution)

Generous annual leave

Professional development support

Membership to the Strategic PA Network

Qualifications

• At least five years of senior-level support experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex priorities for COO and CFO.
• Draft high-level communications and support governance.
• Engage confidently with senior stakeholders.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality

Judgement

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Job description

EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER& CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER | EDUCATION SECTOR

HYBRID ROLE (3 DAYS IN OFFICE) | PERMANENT POSITION

We are delighted to be recruiting an Executive Officer to the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer within a highly respected education organisation based in Chichester. This is a permanent, hybrid position (three days in the office) offering a salary of £35,608 to £37,694 per annum. It is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, operating as a trusted extension to two senior leaders and bringing structure, foresight and operational discipline to a fast-moving environment.

This is far more than traditional diary and inbox management. The successful candidate will operate as a genuine business partner to the COO and CFO, managing complex priorities with sound judgement, drafting high‑level communications, supporting governance and statutory reporting, and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders across the organisation and wider community. Confidentiality, discretion and commercial awareness are essential, as is the ability to remain composed under pressure and bring clarity to complexity.

You will be joining a forward-thinking, values‑led education environment rooted in integrity, accountability and respect. The COO describes this as a true partnership role, seeking a right hand who understands executive rhythm, anticipates what is ahead and takes pride in delivering excellence. There is real exposure to strategic discussions, planning and leadership decision‑making, alongside the opportunity to add tangible value every day.

The package includes a defined benefit pension (18.5% employer contribution), generous annual leave, professional development support and membership to the Strategic PA Network. We are seeking an experienced Executive Assistant or Executive Officer with at least five years’ senior‑level support experience, exceptional attention to detail, strong stakeholder management skills and a genuine passion for the profession.

If you are commercially aware, highly organised and motivated by operating at the centre of an ambitious leadership team, we would love to hear from you.

YOUR APPLICATION IS IMPORTANT

It is part of our ethos to respond to every application individually. In a competitive market, we believe professionalism, transparency and respect matter more than ever.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, a commitment shared across Strategic PA Recruitment and our client partnerships. All applications and conversations are treated in the strictest confidence.

ABOUT STRATEGIC PA RECRUITMENT

We are an award‑winning boutique recruitment consultancy specialising in Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chiefs of Staff and senior business support roles. We offer a high‑touch, confidential and values‑led recruitment experience for both clients and candidates. Integrity sits at the heart of everything we do.

APPLICATION PROCESS

We anticipate high interest in this role. Our team will carefully review every application and respond individually. We appreciate your patience while we ensure each candidate receives the time and consideration they deserve.