Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Employer-contributing pension

On-campus nursery

Discounts

Sports & library access

Job summary

Oxford Brookes University is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to provide high-level, confidential support directly to the Vice-Chancellor. This central role involves coordinating with the Senior Leadership Team and managing the Vice-Chancellor's diary with tact and discretion.

You will join a collaborative team in a busy university environment, supporting travel, events, budgets, and major university activities while maintaining calm under pressure and delivering a first-class service

Qualifications

• Proven experience providing executive or personal assistant support to a senior leader.
• Excellent written English and interpersonal skills with a diplomatic, reassuring manner.
• High attention to detail and discretion with confidential information.
• Knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Workspace desirable.
• Willingness to work flexible hours when required by university business.

Responsibilities

• Executive support and liaison for the Vice-Chancellor, triaging queries and drafting communications.
• Diary and schedule management with briefs and itineraries.
• Stakeholder engagement with staff, students, parents, and external partners.
• Travel and event logistics for UK and international itineraries.
• Financial administration including budget monitoring and expense claims.
• Collaborative projects with the Vice-Chancellor's Office on major university activities.

Skills

Executive support

Diary management

Stakeholder engagement

MS Office

Google Workspace

Communication skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you an experienced Executive Assistant looking for a rewarding role at the heart of a vibrant university community?

We have a wonderful opportunity for an organised, discrete, and proactive Executive Assistant to join the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at Oxford Brookes University. In this central position, you will provide high-level, confidential support directly to the Vice-Chancellor, working alongside colleagues across the team to help support the wider Senior Leadership Team.

You will be joining a friendly, collaborative group of experienced colleagues who are looking forward to welcoming you and supporting you to succeed in the role. As the first point of contact for the Vice-Chancellor, you will represent the office with warmth, tact, and professionalism, offering a welcoming service to staff, students, and visitors alike.

This is a varied role in a supportive environment, perfectly suited to someone who enjoys multi-tasking, remains calm under pressure, and takes pride in delivering high-quality executive support.

Salary, Benefits & Working Pattern

• Salary: Grade 8 (£36,636 rising to £39,906)
• Location & Working Pattern: Dynamic Hybrid Working (Campus-based with hybrid options. On-site requirements vary weekly based on the Vice-Chancellor's diary, requiring high flexibility, short-notice adaptability, and full on-site presence during peak periods)
• Paid Leave: Generous annual leave allowance, plus statutory bank holidays and extra paid closure days over the Christmas period.
• Pension & Perks: Access to a highly competitive, employer-contributing pension scheme, enhanced family leave, on-campus nursery, local/national discounts, and university sports and library access.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value, and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support & Liaison: Serve as the main point of contact for the Vice-Chancellor, triaging queries, drafting communications, and liaising across university faculties and directorates to keep business flowing smoothly.
• Diary & Schedule Management: Proactively manage the Vice-Chancellor’s diary, ensuring meetings are well organised, time is protected, and comprehensive briefings and itineraries are prepared in advance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Handle enquiries from staff, students, parents, and external partners with sensitivity, warmth, and sound judgment.
• Travel & Event Logistics: Plan complex UK and international travel itineraries, accommodations, and event arrangements.
• Financial Administration: Support budget monitoring for departmental cost codes, process expense claims, and reconcile monthly credit card statements.
• Collaborative Projects: Work alongside colleagues in the Vice-Chancellor's Office on major university activities, including senior recruitment campaigns, graduation ceremonies, and conferences.

About You

We are looking for a reliable, adaptable, and personable colleague who thrives in a busy administrative environment.

Key qualifications and experience:

• Experience: Proven experience providing executive or personal assistant support to a senior leader within a large, complex organisation.
• Communication: Excellent written English and interpersonal skills, with a diplomatic, reassuring, and confident manner.
• Organisation & Discretion: High attention to detail, strong problem-solving ability, and complete discretion when handling confidential information.
• IT Skills: Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with Google Workspace is desirable.
• Flexibility: A practical, helpful approach with the willingness to occasionally work flexible hours when required by university business.

Interview Date:

Expected to take place on 23 October 2026.