Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

The National Forest; Moira; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

30 days annual leave + 10.5 days’ HOL

Staff bonus

Job summary

The National Forest is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Chief Executive, Chair and Senior Leadership Team in East Midlands. You will manage senior-level diaries, prepare papers, coordinate board and governance activities, and liaise with ministers, civil servants and ambassadors to strengthen stakeholder relations.

You will work closely with trustees and external partners to ensure smooth governance, high-quality executive support and delivery of organisational objectives in a

Qualifications

• Exceptional organisation and professionalism with experience supporting senior executives, boards or committees.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with strong attention to detail.
• Sound judgement and ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and confidence.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level executive support to the Chief Executive, Chair, SLT and Board.
• Coordinate board, committee and working group activities and governance processes.
• Prepare papers, briefings and manage complex diaries and meetings.
• Engage with ministers, civil servants, ambassadors and external partners to support stakeholder relationships.
• Organise high-profile events and Trustee recruitment and development.

Skills

Executive support

Board liaison

Governance administration

Schedule management

Job description

Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive

Organisation

The National Forest

Location

East Midlands

Salary

£ 38,465

About the National Forest

This is a defining moment for the National Forest, with a renewed Vision to harness the transformative power of forests to restore nature, connect communities, and drive enterprise for a positive future. Over 30 years, this 200 square mile landscape has been reshaped, more than 10 million trees planted, and forest cover increased from 6% to 26%. Now, we are ready to build on this successenabling three new national forests and championing a forest network for England.

The Role

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of the charity, providing high-level support to our Chief Executive, Chair, Senior Leadership Team and Board.

As a trusted advisor and key liaison, you will help ensure the smooth and effective running of the organisation through executive support, governance administration and stakeholder engagement. You will coordinate board, committee and working group activities, support strategic decision-making processes and help maintain the highest standards of governance across the organisation.

Working closely with senior leaders, trustees and external partners, you will manage complex schedules, prepare papers and briefings, coordinate meetings and events, and support relationships with stakeholders including ministers, civil servants, ambassadors and other influential partners. You will also play a key role in organising high-profile events, facilitating Trustee recruitment and development, and supporting the delivery of our wider organisational objectives.

To succeed in this role, you'll be an exceptionally organised and professional individual with experience supporting senior executives, boards or committees. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, sound judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and confidence. A proactive and collaborative approach, alongside a commitment to the National Forest’s vision and values, will be essential.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the UK's leading environmental initiatives while working alongside senior decision-makers to help shape the future of the National Forest. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, enjoy building relationships and take pride in delivering excellent governance and executive support, we'd love to hear from you.

The Benefits

• Starting salary of £ 38,465
• Civil Service Pension scheme
• 30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 days’ public and privilege holidays
• Staff bonus

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 16 November 2026 -

The National Forest is an equal opportunities employer and utilising the experience and commitment of people of all ages and backgrounds. It operates as an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from all.