Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor

About The Job

Interview Date: 16 July 2025

We are seeking an experienced individual to provide comprehensive, proactive and professional executive assistant duties including administrative, financial and project management support to the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor (Education & Student Experience), and where necessary other members of the executive team and the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC).

The post holder will:

• Manage complex diaries, appointments, and travel arrangements (national and international).
• Prepare high-quality briefing documents, presentations, and correspondence.
• Organise and service high-level committees and meetings, including minute-taking and action tracking.
• Coordinate recruitment and onboarding for senior staff reporting to the executive team.
• Assist with the delivery of strategic projects and provide day-to-day executive project support.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including Board of Governors and senior academic leaders.
• Collaborate with event and marketing teams on planning university-wide events.

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.  With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.

About You:

You will bring:

• Proven experience as an Executive Assistant, supporting senior leaders in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Excellent IT and digital collaboration skills, including advanced Microsoft Office capabilities.
• Confidence in managing multiple priorities, taking initiative and working independently.
• A collaborative, adaptable and forward-thinking approach.
• (Desirable) Previous experience in the Higher Education sector.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A level qualification or equivalent professional experience

Desirable:

• A degree or professional qualification in a linked discipline

Office of the Vice Chancellor

The Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) provides strategic and operational support to the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, and the Pro Vice Chancellor (Education & Student Experience), ensuring the effective delivery of institutional priorities, governance, and external engagement.

The OVC is staffed by a team of experienced professionals who ensure the smooth operation of executive functions and uphold the University’s values through professional and confidential support services.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right To Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include:

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON’s Major Commitments:

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON