Executive Assistant

Based in the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Environment and reporting to the Executive Support Manager, you will combine high-level executive support with practical assistance that makes a difference every day. You will build a trusted working partnership with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Dean, providing confidential, proactive support across a complex leadership portfolio while supporting faculty priorities and helping to make university life accessible.

Personal assistance is central to this role, not an additional duty. You will combine senior executive administration with practical workplace support, respecting the PVC Dean’s accessibility requirements, independence, confidentiality and preferences.

You will manage a complex diary; coordinate meetings, events, papers, minutes and actions; arrange UK and international travel; and prepare correspondence, reports, presentations and briefings.

Working with senior colleagues, professional services and external stakeholders, you will progress actions, support strategic projects and committees, and coordinate conferences and communications for a funded research network.

For more information please visit: Careers at the School of Science, Engineering and Environment | University of Salford

Applicants should be aware that this advert may close early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Personal assistance: a core part of the role

Alongside executive support, you will provide personalised practical assistance to the PVC Dean to support accessibility and independence at work. This rewarding responsibility calls for a thoughtful, responsive approach and includes:

• Planning accessible travel, checking venues and coordinating accessibility requirements;
• Accompanying the PVC Dean at meetings, conferences and external events, providing practical assistance and navigation at unfamiliar venues; and
• Supporting journeys between campuses and transporting equipment, including a mobile scooter.

This is professional and practical workplace assistance and does not involve personal care or lifting. Appropriate training will be provided, including training on transporting the mobile scooter.

This role is based on campus 

Normal hours are 08:30–16:30, Monday – Friday, with flexibility around the PVC Dean’s commitments. Travel may require early starts, evenings, occasional weekends and overnight stays, including support throughout multi-day events. International travel is expected once or twice a year. 

Driving requirement

Driving is essential, typically a couple of times a month, to take the PVC Dean to engagements across Greater Manchester and the UK, with occasional overseas driving. You must:

• hold a full UK driving licence with no more than three penalty points;
• have access to your own suitable vehicle for work related travel; and

What you’ll bring

You will bring significant experience of proactive, business informed executive or senior administrative support as an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Executive Officer, Senior Administrator or equivalent. Higher education experience is welcome but not essential; experience in other complex organisations is equally valued.

We are looking for someone who will bring:

• Excellent organisation and time management to balance competing priorities;
• Initiative and sound judgement to anticipate issues and find practical solutions;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to build confident, collaborative relationships with stakeholders;
• Strong Microsoft 365 skills
• A sensitive, professional approach to working relationships and the ability to respond effectively to changing priorities

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and excellent pension scheme
• 32 days' annual leave, plus bank holidays, additional time off at Christmas and the opportunity to buy additional leave
• Professional development, with access to training and development opportunities
• A welcoming community, where different backgrounds and experiences are valued
• Wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, counselling and sports and fitness facilities

Job Description