Executive Officer to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport

Loughborough University; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking an Executive Officer to support the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport. In this role, you'll provide high-quality strategic support and manage projects in a fast-paced environment. Ideal candidates will have a degree-level education and skills in problem-solving and communication. This position offers flexibility and opportunities to represent the university at significant events.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

On-site nursery

Discounted gym memberships

Flexible and hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Ability to deliver high-quality strategic and operational support.
• Capacity to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive support to the Pro Vice-Chancellor.
• Prepare briefings and manage key projects.
• Represent the University at events alongside the Pro Vice-Chancellor.

Skills

Strategic support

Problem-solving

Communication

Relationship building

Flexibility

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent expertise

Job description

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees\' financial wellbeing. Further information about the Loughborough Real Living Wage Supplement can be found on our HR webpage.

Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship. For further information and eligibility please visit the UKVI website.

Job details

Job reference REQ250887 | Date posted 03/10/2025 | Application closing date 19/10/2025 | Location Loughborough | Package Management and Specialist grade 6 from £35608 to £46049 per annum. Subject to annual pay award.

Executive Officer to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport

Be the principal support to a leader in the world’s number one sporting university.

Loughborough is recognised as the world's best University for sport – a place where Olympic and Paralympic ambitions sit alongside grassroots participation and community impact.

We are recruiting an Executive Officer to the Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport within our Vice-Chancellor’s Office – a unique opportunity to work at the very heart of a global sporting ecosystem.

This is not a routine support role. As the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s principal support, working side by side with them, you will anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and provide proactive, high-quality strategic and operational support. You will work closely with their Personal Assistant while taking the lead on critical functions such as preparing impactful briefings, managing key projects, and ensuring focus on what matters most in a fast-paced environment.

The role demands flexibility – occasional evening and weekend work, plus travel (fully covered) to represent the University alongside the Pro Vice-Chancellor. In return, you will gain unparalleled experience working with high-profile sporting organisations and leaders across the Olympic, Paralympic, professional, and participation landscape.

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Deliver outstanding strategic and operational support to a senior leader
• Anticipate challenges, solve problems creatively, and exercise sound judgment with discretion
• Thrive under pressure, managing stretching workloads and shifting priorities with confidence
• Communicate clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in person
• Build strong, professional relationships with diverse stakeholders at the highest levels
• Bring degree-level education or equivalent professional expertise

This is a career-defining role for someone who wants variety, responsibility, and the chance to contribute directly to the global success of the world’s number one university for sport.

If you’re ready to step up and make your mark, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Jenna Waters (Deputy Chief of Staff): [e-mail].

First-stage interview date: Friday 7th November 2025

Final-stage interview and assessment: Friday 14th November 2025

Benefits and additional information

Our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

• Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Where you work - access to a range of facilities with green space across our 523-acre campus, plus a London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and your family - on-site nursery, flexible and hybrid options, and family-friendly policies.
• Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to high-quality sporting facilities, including wellbeing offers.
• Travel and sustainability - electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes and other travel offers.
• Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.