Executive Assistant to Principal - Hackney

Executive Assistant to Principal – Hackney We are seeking a highly organised and experienced Executive Assistant to the Principal to join a successful and well-established secondary school in Hackney. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the Principal, Senior Vice Principal, Executive Leadership Team, Trust, and Governing Body within a fast-paced educational environment.

The school is a highly regarded secondary setting serving a diverse local community and is recognised for its commitment to academic excellence, inclusion, and student wellbeing. Staff benefit from a collaborative working environment, strong leadership, and a culture of continuous improvement, making this an excellent opportunity to become part of a dedicated and professional team.

As the Executive Assistant to the Principal , you will provide comprehensive executive support, managing complex schedules, coordinating high-level meetings, and handling confidential information with the utmost professionalism and discretion. This is a temporary full-time position , working Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:30 , with occasional later finishes required to support Governor meetings . The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and have substantial experience supporting senior leaders at executive level.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive executive support to the Principal, Senior Vice Principal, Executive Leadership Team, Trust, and Governors.
• Manage complex and frequently changing diaries, appointments, and schedules.
• Coordinate senior leadership meetings, Governor meetings, and other high-level events, including preparing agendas, documentation, and taking accurate minutes where required.
• Attend and support occasional evening Governor meetings, ensuring all documentation is prepared and governance processes run smoothly.
• Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence, and executive documentation to a consistently high standard.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, maintaining professional relationships at all levels.
• Handle highly confidential information with complete discretion and professionalism.
• Support strategic projects and ensure actions are followed through to completion.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure effective communication across the senior leadership team.
• Provide administrative support for governance processes and statutory meetings.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures and school policies are followed at all times.

Essential Criteria

• Significant previous experience working as an Executive Assistant supporting senior leaders or executives – essential.
• Proven experience managing complex executive diaries and competing priorities.
• Experience coordinating senior leadership, governance, board, or Governor meetings.
• Exceptional organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to work under pressure while managing multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information with complete discretion.
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Preferred Criteria

• Previous experience working within a school, academy, trust, or educational setting.
• Experience supporting Principals, Headteachers, Chief Executives, or Executive Leadership Teams.
• Experience preparing board or Governor meeting documentation and taking formal minutes.
• Knowledge of governance procedures within education.
• Experience coordinating strategic projects and executive-level communications.

This role would suit a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys supporting senior leaders at executive level.

Please note that this role is not suitable for candidates whose experience is solely within general administration or administrative support. Applicants must have substantial Executive Assistant experience supporting senior leadership or executive teams. The successful candidate must also be flexible to work occasional later evenings to support Governor meetings as required.

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