Executive Assistant to the Principal (Permanent, Full-Time)

Newnham College; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days holiday per year

Birthday leave

Free lunches

Parking on duty

Gym access

Pension scheme (USS)

Job summary

Newnham College in Cambridge is inviting applications for a Permanent, full-time Executive Assistant to the Principal. The role focuses on coordinating the Principal’s office, ensuring smooth workflow, drafting papers, and delivering projects across the College and wider community.

The post offers a salary of £43,099 per annum (£43,099 from 1 August 2026) plus benefits including generous leave, free lunches, gym access, parking, and a contributory USS pension scheme.

Qualifications

• Experience as an administration professional at a fast-paced organisation.
• Excellent written skills and ability to draft papers and reports.
• Pro-active, tactful, and discreet in all professional dealings.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage the day-to-day running of the Principal’s office.
• Research and draft papers and reports for the Principal.
• Deliver specific projects and support the Principal and colleagues across College activities.

Skills

Administrative experience

Written communication

Discretion

Stakeholder negotiation

Job description

Permanent, full-time, 37.5 hours per week

£43,099 per annum (inclusive of cost of living increase)

About the role

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced administration professionals for the full time post of Executive Assistant to the Principal at Newnham College, Cambridge.

Playing a key role in the life of the College, the main duties of the post are to co-ordinate and manage the efficient day-to-day running of the Principal’s office, to ensure the smooth flow of incoming and outgoing work and information, to research and draft papers and reports for the Principal and to deliver specific projects. The Executive Assistant supports the Principal, and those around her, in delivering the Principal’s responsibilities across the full range and variety of her activities both within the College, University and the wider community.

Annual salary and benefits

The annual salary for this post is paid at point 45 on the University’s single salary spine which equates to £43,099 per annum from 1 August 2026. The College offers other benefits, including 33 days a year holiday inclusive of bank holidays, an additional paid day of leave on your Birthday, free lunches and parking when on duty, free use of the College gym and the post is pensionable under the College’s attractive contributory pension scheme (USS) with a current employer contribution rate of 14.5%.

About you

This role would suit someone who has experience of, and will be at ease with, dealing and negotiating with people at all levels and who has excellent written skills. We are seeking someone who can work pro-actively with tact and discretion, and who has a strong understanding of the challenges and pressures of a fast-paced working environment, academic, or otherwise, and who is ready to meet those challenges. This vacancy represents an ideal opportunity to take a lead administrative role, in a vibrant, supportive community.

About Newnham College

Founded in 1871, Newnham College has been at the forefront of promoting academic excellence for women in the University of Cambridge for 150 years. The College has an all-women Fellowship and student body, and its thriving community of staff includes both women and men with a range of responsibilities and roles.

Newnham College is an equal opportunities employer.

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