Senior Executive Officer to CEO

Early Years - the organisation for young children; Belfast; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

An early childhood organization based in Belfast is seeking a Senior Executive Officer to assist the CEO with confidential support and governance compliance. The role demands a degree-level education and at least two years of relevant experience. The successful candidate will manage administrative tasks and ensure effective communication with stakeholders. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level standard or above in a relevant discipline.
• At least two years’ experience in corporate governance or legal compliance.
• Certification in data protection is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide complex support to the CEO and Board of Directors.
• Plan and coordinate administrative tasks for the CEO.
• Manage Board and Committee meetings and governance documentation.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Attention to detail

Discretion

Ability to handle confidential information

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Degree in relevant discipline

Job description

6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT12 6TA United Kingdom

Senior Executive Officer to CEO • Negotiable • Full Time • NJC Scale Points 32–41 (£41,511-£50,788) per annum pro rata

Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Senior Executive Officer to CEO

Location: Negotiable

Hours: 37 hours per week

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 38 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

This is a senior-level support role within the CEO office. You will provide complex and highly confidential support to the CEO and Board of Directors requiring discretion and diplomacy.

The Senior Executive Officer to the CEO will be responsible for the provision of a high-level secretariat support to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors. This includes efficient and effective planning, co‑ordination, administrative and communications management support to a busy CEO. The role is also responsible for Company Secretary support including the management of Board and Committee meetings, updating governance documentation and ensuring governance compliance processes.

We're looking for people who:

• Educated to degree level standard or above in a relevant discipline.
• At least two years’ corporate governance or legal compliance or information security or policy research and development.
• Highly proficient in MS Office applications and strong IT skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• A high level of discretion and ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Have or be willing to obtain a corporate governance qualification.
• Certification in data protection.

An information pack containing the job description and personnel specification is available by clicking here.

Please note, the information pack will not be available after the job posting closes therefore you may want to download it.

As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the criteria as outlined above and, on the personnel specification, and provide a copy of your CV.

Shortlisting will be completed based on the information contained with the application form, therefore it is important to clearly outline how you meet the criteria. Please note that your CV will only be used to support your application in assessing employment history.

Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 17 November 2025.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that assessment and interviews will take place on Tuesday 25 November 2025.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.

Contact

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under‑represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.