Executive Assistant

Oriel Partners Limited; Oxford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training grants for qualifications

Generous pension schemes

Free school lunches

A discount of up to 50% on fees for GD

Interest free loans for training

Job summary

Oriel Partners Limited in Oxford seeks an experienced Executive Assistant to support the Head in a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation. You will manage the Head's busy diary, balance priorities, and provide proactive upward management to keep strategic priorities front and centre.

In a collaborative, fast-paced educational environment, you will coordinate meetings, prepare papers and presentations, liaise with senior stakeholders, and help ensure the Head's office runs smoothly while

Qualifications

• Experience supporting a CEO or Head of a senior organisation.
• Exceptional diary management and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• High discretion and professional demeanour.
• Collaborative and approachable style.

Responsibilities

• Proactively manage a busy diary and calendar.
• Liaise with senior stakeholders with confidentiality.
• Prepare high-quality papers, reports, and correspondence.
• Coordinate meetings and school events, including governors' meetings.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure GDPR compliance.
• Support projects with the Senior Leadership Team.

Skills

Executive support

Diary management

Stakeholder liaison

Discretion and diplomacy

Organisational skills

Job description

A prestigious and highly regarded independent school in Oxford is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to support its Head in a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation. This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished Executive Assistant to become a trusted right‑hand partner, providing first‑class Executive Assistant support by expertly managing the Head's busy schedule, balancing competing priorities, and delivering proactive upward management. The successful Executive Assistant will be highly organized, confident, and diplomatic, ensuring the Head remains focused on strategic priorities while each day runs seamlessly. Although the role includes some oversight of wider administrative functions and school office coordination, the primary focus is on delivering exceptional Executive Assistant support within a collaborative, welcoming, and fast‑paced educational environment.

Key responsibilities

• Proactively manage a busy and ever‑changing diary, balancing priorities effectively.
• Provide confident upward management, making recommendations on priorities and supporting the Head with competing demands.
• Prepare high‑quality meeting papers, reports, presentations and correspondence.
• Act as a key liaison for senior stakeholders, maintaining professional and confidential communication.
• Coordinate meetings, governors' meetings, school events and key calendar activities.
• Maintain accurate records, ensuring compliance with GDPR and school policies.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support projects and ensure the smooth running of the Head's Office.

Ideal qualifications

• Experience supporting a CEO, Head, Principal or other senior executive.
• Exceptional diary management, organisational and planning skills.
• Confidence managing multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of discretion, professionalism and attention to detail.
• A collaborative, positive and approachable style.
• Experience within education or another complex organisation is advantageous but not essential.

Benefits

• Training grants for qualifications
• Generous pension schemes
• Free school lunches
• A discount of up to 50% on fees for children at GDST schools
• Interest free loans for training