Executive Assistant - Operations Manager

YMCA England & Wales; Luton; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity is seeking a highly organized Executive Assistant to support senior leaders in a fast-paced environment. This role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency of the CEO and Deputy CEO, allowing them to focus on strategic growth and community impact. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional communication skills, emotional intelligence, and a proactive approach to managing tasks. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. If you are adaptable and thrive in dynamic settings, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.

Qualifications

• Proven experience supporting senior executives in dynamic environments.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide critical support to CEO and Deputy CEO, maximizing their efficiency.
• Facilitate communication across the charity and senior leadership team.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

High levels of emotional intelligence

Diary, travel, and meeting management

Flexibility in working hours

Job description

Location Hatfield or Watford, Hertfordshire (Hybrid by agreement)

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in a month at 23:59 BST.

The Vacancy

Are you highly organised and passionate about providing top-level support to Senior Leaders in a dynamic environment? This is a fantastic opportunity to work closely with our approachable CEO and Deputy CEO as they drive forward the growth and vision of our ambitious charity.

This new role blends Executive Assistant duties with coordinating key operational tasks for our senior team. Whether you're an experienced PA, an operations manager, or come from another background, we're open-minded about who might be the right fit.

If you can show that you are a good fit for the job description attached on this listing, then we would be very keen to hear from you!

One YMCA has grown substantially over the last five years and currently has an annual turnover of over £40m, and development programme of circa £22m and 650 staff working in a range of services across three counties to support around 150,000 vulnerable individuals each year.

Our strategic priorities are to substantially and sustainably achieve further growth and expansion within and around our current areas of geographical operation and areas of service specialism.

Our extensive range of services currently include Housing & Community, Children’s Centres and Family Support, Youth Work, Early Years education, and Specialist Therapeutic Support services. In all cases supporting all those we help to belong, contribute and thrive within their community.

We are committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families to develop the skills and confidence they need to progress towards independence and independent living, so they are able to live their life to the full and play an active part in their community.

About the role

1. After a period of significant growth and the launch of a new five-year strategy, we know we are ready to achieve even more for the beneficiaries and communities we serve.
2. This is a key role within the Charity, reporting directly to the CEO & Deputy CEO, providing them critical support to maximise their own efficiency and delivery. You will be the 'glue' and proactive facilitator across the wider Charity and senior leadership team.
3. No two days will be the same and the pace will be far beyond that usually expected in the sector, but that’s the key to this role. We have developed a culture that means we are able to innovate, change, adapt and deliver beyond the norm.
4. Whilst proactively supporting the CEO/DCEO with absolute discretion and efficiency, you will be an extension of their reach and influence. You will take on delegated tasks and opportunities to engage with key internal and external stakeholders.
5. You will use your natural skillset to think independently, anticipate needs, understand what makes a decision good for the team and the charity, and then communicate that effectively with influence to ensure we achieve the outcomes required!

Requirements:

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high levels of emotional intelligence and an ability to adapt and respond appropriately to situations and individuals.
2. Experience of working within the Housing Association, Charity or similar sector.
3. Extensive and proven experience of successful diary, travel and meeting management for senior executives.
4. Flexibility, including the willingness to adjust working hours to meet operational needs, including evening working where necessary.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities.

This is a Full Time role. Hours per week: 37.5. Working Pattern: Monday - Friday (Occasional Evening Meetings)

We encourage prospective applicants to have an informal conversation about the role before applying. If you're interested in having a discussion, please reach out to [e-mail] to schedule an informal chat.