Executive Assistant to the CEO

University of Fort Hare; Diepsloot, Sandton, Midrand, Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university seeks an Executive Assistant to support the CEO with high-level administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will manage the CEO's calendar, communicate with stakeholders, and ensure all tasks are executed efficiently. This role requires exceptional organizational skills, emotional intelligence, and flexibility, including the ability to work long hours to accommodate the CEO’s needs. Fluency in French is an added advantage. This is a hybrid position based in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant preferred.
• Ability to work long and flexible hours to match CEO availability.
• Strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize the CEO's calendar and daily workflow.
• Handle professional and personal administrative tasks as required.
• Prepare briefs, meeting agendas, and executive summaries.

Skills

High emotional intelligence

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Highly organized

Job description

South Africa - Gauteng, Johannesburg - North (Sandton / Midrand / Diepsloot). (Market related)

Executive Assistant to the CEO

Location: Lone Hill, Fourways, Johannesburg

Hybrid/Remote flexibility will be considered

Proposed Start Date: April 2026

1. Role Overview

The Executive Assistant (EA) will provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the CEO. This role ensures the CEO’s time, priorities, and communication channels are optimally managed. The ideal candidate is exceptionally organized, proactive, emotionally intelligent, and able to operate at the fast pace required to support a high-performing CEO.

2. Key Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize the CEO’s calendar, schedule, and daily workflow.
• Handle professional and personal administrative tasks as required.
• Screen, prioritize, and manage the CEO’s inbox and communication channels.
• Prepare briefs, meeting agendas, documents, and executive summaries.
• Assist with follow-ups, track action items, and ensure timely execution.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including board members.
• Represent the CEO with professionalism, discretion, and strong stakeholder management skills.

3. Required Competencies

• High emotional intelligence and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Meticulous attention to detail and strong administrative rigor.
• Proven ability to manage senior stakeholders.
• Strong work ethic and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Highly organized, structured, and able to work at CEO cadence.

4. Experience Requirements

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant preferred.
• Priority is a strong CEO–EA fit and alignment with working style.
• Ability to work long and flexible hours to match CEO availability.

5. Non-Negotiables

• Driven, proactive, and meticulous.
• Consistent high-quality output under pressure.

6. Added Advantage

• Fluency in French (strong plus).