Executive Assistant

The Marine Biological Association; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine research organization in Plymouth is seeking an Executive Assistant to support its Chief Executive and wider Executive Team. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong administrative skills and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively. Experience providing support to senior managers and working under tight deadlines is critical. The role requires excellent communication skills and discretion in handling confidential matters. Applications are due by January 4th, 2026, with potential for interviews on the week of January 12th.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience of providing administrative support to senior managers.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Proactive problem-solver who meets tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Support the Chief Executive and the MBA Executive Team.
• Ensure effective delivery of MBA’s goals.
• Handle confidential matters with discretion.

Skills

Administrative support

Time-management

Problem-solving

Communication

IT proficiency

Discretion

Education

Executive PA qualification or Business Administration

Job description

Contract Type

Open

Location

The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

Hours

30 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with Line Manager

About The Role

Are you keen to use your administrative abilities to support a world‑class marine biology research programme? Then join us at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) as our new Executive Assistant. This key role supports our Chief Executive and the wider MBA Executive Team in an exciting period as the MBA seeks to expand its research and activities further.

You will work with our leadership team to help ensure the effective delivery of the MBA’s goals. You will need excellent administrative and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to communicate clearly and work proactively, often handling confidential matters with discretion. This will be a varied role, including helping to support some of the MBA’s external partnerships. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Ideally, the successful candidate will be able to assume the position by 3rd March 2026 to facilitate a handover period.

Essential experience/skills/qualifications:

• Demonstrable experience of providing administrative support to senior managers and leadership teams
• Strong time‑management skills with the ability to organise and coordinate multiple concurrent projects/work
• Proactive problem-solver with experience of working to tight deadlines with competing demands and schedules
• High standard of communication both internally and externally with the ability to maintain positive relationships
• Proficient IT user with the ability to learn new software and systems
• Proven ability to work with discretion and tact

Desirable experience/skills/qualifications:

• Qualified Executive PA or other relevant qualification (e.g. Business Administration)
• Experience of business performance reporting
• Knowledge of the charitable sector and governance
• Experience of developing internal processes and systems

For a full job description please visit our website

To apply

Please [e-mail] quoting reference 1125EA. You will need to provide the following to apply:

1. Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
2. CV of education and employment history along with details of three referees (one must be your current or most recent employer). References will not be sought in advance of interview.
3. Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*.

Your application will not be considered without this information.

Interviews will take place week commencing 12 January at the MBA in Plymouth. You will only be notified if you are shortlisted for interview.

Closing date 4th January 2026