Secretary to the Principal’s Office

Role Description

35 Hours a week, Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm

Our client is seeking an experienced, calm and highly organised individual to act as a trusted right-hand to the Principal & CEO of their business. This is a pivotal role, providing seamless and proactive support that enables the Principal & CEO to focus on delivering their strategic priorities.

Operating at the heart of the Executive Office, you will manage highly sensitive and confidential matters with absolute discretion, integrity and sound judgement. You will be entrusted with privileged information and expected to handle all interactions with professionalism, diplomacy and the utmost confidentiality.

The role requires someone who remains composed under pressure, effectively manages competing priorities, and communicates with clarity and authority. You will build strong, trusted relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders, ensuring the Principal & CEO is supported with efficiency, insight and care. You will also act as a key point of contact for people seeking engagement with the Principal & CEO.

In addition to supporting the Principal & CEO, you will provide coordinated support to members of the Executive Group and contribute to the smooth and effective running of senior leadership and governance processes.

Key Responsibilities

 Executive Support to the Principal & CEO

• Act as the primary point of contact, managing all internal and external enquiries 
• Act as a key point of contact for students seeking engagement with the Principal & CEO, providing appropriate guidance, managing expectations, and ensuring interactions are handled with sensitivity and respect.
• Proactively manage a complex and sensitive diary, ensuring priorities are aligned with strategic objectives 
• Coordinate travel, expenses, and purchase orders 
• Manage email correspondence, including drafting responses on behalf of the Principal & CEO 
• Prepare briefings, reports, presentations, and speeches 
• Ensure the Principal & CEO is fully prepared for meetings, with clear forward planning and briefing materials 
• Maintain and develop a comprehensive, “living” contacts database 
• Build trusted relationships internally and externally to support effective communication and minimise risk 
• Support relationship management with key stakeholders, including alumni, benefactors, and external partners 
• Assisting to develop relationships
• Arranging lunches and dinner, on and off campus
• Keeping all contact details up to date
• Where necessary managing relationships with agents/key contacts
• Any ad hoc tasks that help to allow the Principal & CEO to focus and drive forward the business.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide high-level, proactive support to the Principal & CEO 
• Ensure effective prioritisation of time, commitments, and strategic focus 
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement in handling sensitive matters 
• Deliver high-quality written and verbal communication 
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships at all levels 
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative and inclusive organisational culture

Events & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the planning and delivery of high-profile meetings and events involving senior stakeholders 
• Liaise with internal teams to ensure seamless delivery 
• Support the development of relationships within the Higher Education sector and beyond 
• Assist in coordinating engagement with external bodies, including government and funding organisations

 Governance & Clerking Support

• Coordinate and support key leadership meetings, including: 
• Prepare agendas, take accurate minutes, and track actions through to completion 
• Support the Clerk to the Board in coordinating governance activity,
• Manage meeting logistics, documentation, and systems (e.g. Convene) 
• Provide administrative and technical support for Board-related activity
• Assist in the creation of Executive Papers for the Board

 Support to the College Executive Group (CEG)

Including, Deputy Principal, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Service Delivery and

Director of Corporate Affairs

• Provide coordinated support to senior leaders including diary and travel management 
• Maintain awareness of key activities and priorities across the Executive team 
• Support effective communication between the Principal & CEO, CEG, and wider College 

Executive Office & Operations

• Ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Executive Office 
• Coordinate administrative and secretarial activities across the Executive Group 
• Review and improve filing and administrative systems to enhance efficiency and reduce duplication 
• Maintain office supplies and oversee general office organisation

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience at an appropriate level

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Essential

• Significant experience supporting senior executives in a fast-paced environment 
• Experience working with Boards and senior leadership teams 
• Strong organisational skills with exceptional attention to detail 
• Excellent time management and ability to manage competing priorities 
• Highly developed communication skills (written and verbal) 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint) 
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism 
• Proactive, solution-focused approach with the ability to anticipate needs 

Skills & Attributes

• Highly organised and methodical 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships quickly 
• Confident communicator at all levels 
• Able to work independently and use initiative 
• Professional, calm and resilient under pressure 
• High level of integrity, discretion, and diplomacy 
• Commitment to continuous professional development
• Empathy with the arts

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now!