Executive Assistant

University of the Highlands and Islands; Inverness; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

42 days’ annual leave (pro rata)

Pension scheme options

Flexible working policies

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) invites applications for an Executive Assistant based at UHI House, Inverness. The role provides high-quality executive support to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and the Senior Executive Team, with responsibility for managing a complex diary, coordinating meetings, and preparing briefing papers.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, sound judgement, confidentiality, and the ability to manage

Qualifications

• Executive support to senior leadership.
• Manage a complex diary and coordinate meetings/engagements.
• Prepare papers/briefing information and manage correspondence.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality executive support to the University's senior leadership.
• Develop effective working relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure key actions and priorities are progressed effectively in a busy environment.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Judgement

Discretion

Prioritisation

Stakeholder management

Confidentiality

Job description

UHI is the United Kingdom’s leading integrated university encompassing both further and higher education. We are more than a college and more than a traditional university: a diverse, flexible partnership, rooted in our communities and driven by their needs. Our network of colleges, specialist teaching centres and internationally recognised research institutes delivers supported, flexible learning from access level to PhD.

To support our work we are recruiting to the following role:

Executive Assistant

• Salary range: £36,215 - £38,421 per annum
• Duration: Permanent
• Working hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
• Location: UHI House, Inverness (campus based)
• Closing Date: 18 October 2026

A key role within the Principal and Secretary Office, the Executive Assistant role will provide high-quality, executive support to the University's senior leadership. Working closely with the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, members of the Senior Executive Team, University Court and colleagues across UHI, the postholder will provide proactive and trusted support within a busy and varied environment. The role includes managing a complex diary, coordinating meetings and engagements, preparing papers and briefing information, managing correspondence and ensuring key actions and priorities are progressed effectively.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent organisational and communication skills, sound judgement and a high level of professionalism and discretion. They will be confident in managing competing priorities, handling sensitive information and developing effective working relationships with a range of senior internal and external stakeholders.

Interviews will be held at UHI House, Inverness on a date to be confirmed..

• Job description
• Person specification
• Further information
• Guidance notes for candidates
• Summary of terms and conditions of employment

UHI Employee Benefits

At UHI, we offer a supportive, flexible and rewarding place to work, with a range of benefits including:

• 42 days’ annual leave (pro rata)
• Attractive pension scheme and options for additional contributions
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies
• Occupational sick pay and an Employee Assistance Programme (incl. spousal support)
• High-street and online retail discounts
• 10% off Highlife Highland memberships
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Contribution towards DSE prescription glasses
• Free parking and EV charging (where available)
• LinkedIn Learning access for ongoing professional development
• Long-service awards and active social events