Executive assistant to the deputy executive director jobs
ID: 1557
Job Title: Deputy Director of Services & Innovation, Central Region of England
Service: Services & Innovation
Salary: £65,782 - £72,959 Additionally, £480 home-based allowance FTE per annum
Location: Homebased with regular travel across the central region of England and occasional London Head Office.
Hours: full-time 37 hours per week.
We offer flexible working arrangements - please see below for more details.
Contract: Permanent
Family Action & the Role’s Impact:
At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.
We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the
importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.
Are you an innovative, strong, team player, who is solution focused and passionate about making a difference in everything you do? Do you have a proven track record of growth and retaining services, delivering excellent, inclusive services and cultivating quality and diversity? Are you looking for a diverse, ambitious and fast paced organisation – if so, you have found it.
About the role:
The roles primary function is to lead the operational teams and lead on strategic development and growth across the region. The post holder will model the organisations values; people focus, can do, excellence and mutual respect.
The Deputy Director leads the strategic development and transformation of Family Action services across the Central region, and implements the organisation’s strategic plan and its 5 key objectives. The role focuses on stakeholder engagement, partnership, service development, and system leadership across sectors. It requires inclusive leadership and the effective line management of Operational Managers and one Assistant Director.
The role has responsibility for service delivery, risk management, performance, quality and practice, safeguarding, income generation and budgets across the region. The post holder drives accountable leadership, innovation, co-creation, and continuous improvement across all the Central region. The Deputy Director will be an excellent communicator, highly resilient, and a decision maker, while always championing Family Action’s values in delivering inclusive, outcome-focused support for children, families, young people and adults.
Main Responsibilities:
· Be accountable for service delivery across the region, contractual performance, safeguarding, quality assurance, risk management, ensuring services meet regulatory standards, delivering positive outcomes and embedding equality, diversity and inclusion in everything we do.
· Lead senior stakeholder engagement and foster strong cross-sector partnerships across the geographic area.
· Line manage Operational Managers, and an Assistant Director, oversee budgets to ensure efficient, cost-effective service delivery. Champion the sharing of learning, development of staff and volunteers and best practice across services to support continuous improvement and innovation.
· Strategic and accountable leadership, leading the region by motivating and galvanizing the team to achieve innovation, growth and quality services maximising outcomes for the people we support
· Working alongside the Business Development & Corporate and Marketing team, drive the region’s income generation through generating and responding to new opportunities, and by leading innovative service design and modelling.
· Be part of a dynamic and supportive team of other regional and national Deputy Directors, sharing and influencing cross-organisational decision making, resource allocation, strategy and organizational development and leadership.
Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):
· Passionate about social justice and improving the life chances and supporting children, young people and adults who experience disadvantage.
· We are looking for someone who has senior level leadership and management experience and expertise in at least one of the settings in social care, health, young people and community sector. Who is highly robust, able to priorities multiple workflows and issues, with a good understanding of and leadership around service risks and decision making.
· We are also looking for someone who can think strategically across systems, contribute to innovation, creativity and diversity, and is an excellent inclusive leader that can inspire their teams as well as their peers and senior leaders in Family Action.
· Appointments are subject to Family Action receiving a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service – Enhanced and children’s barred list.
· Benefits:
- an annual paid leave entitlement of 30 working days plus bank holidays
- up to 6% matched-pension contributions
- flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
- cycle to work scheme
- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities
We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.
To Apply:
Click 'Apply Now' to complete our online application form by the closing date of Sunday 28th September at 23:59
Interviews and an assessment exercise will be virtual over Microsoft Teams – Week commencing 13th October.
For any queries, or if you would like to discuss any aspect of the selection process or the potential for flexible working, please email: Helen Cantrell (full email address on advert document)
All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.
We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. For this vacancy, we are also applying positive action to improve the representation of people of colour in management roles at Family Action. As such, the guaranteed interview scheme is extended to applicants of colour who meet the minimum criteria.
To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.
Registered Charity
501 - 1000
Family Action is an award-winning national charity working from the heart of local communities across England and Wales.
Thank you!
As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we’re determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We’re working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.
The Senior Executive Assistant will play a pivotal role in the Chief Executive’s Office, working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the smooth and effective execution of strategic, operational, and governance priorities. Acting as a trusted partner and first point of contact, the Senior Executive Assistant will proactively manage high-level administrative functions, facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagement, and contribute to organisation-wide planning and coordination. The role requires a high level of discretion, organisational acumen, and an ability to anticipate the needs of senior leaders in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.
In addition to supporting the Deputy Chief Executive, this role also provides specific project support to the Directors within the Fundraising and Marketing Directorate and contributes to the governance, internal communications, and strategic coordination across Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK).
Main duties and responsibilities of the role:
Executive Support
· Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted liaison for the Deputy Chief Executive, managing their calendar, commitments, and priorities with discretion and strategic foresight.
· Proactively coordinate complex diaries, internal and external meetings, and briefings, ensuring effective time management and optimal scheduling across teams and stakeholders.
· Prepare agendas, compile and distribute papers, attend meetings as needed, and record minutes and action points with professionalism and accuracy.
· Manage comprehensive travel arrangements (domestic and international), including bookings, itineraries, visa requirements, and expenses in line with organisational policy.
· Screen incoming correspondence (emails, calls, invitations), handle or redirect enquiries, and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up.
· Provide responsive and high-quality administrative support across the Senior Leadership Team as needed, in coordination with the Executive Support Manager.
Governance, Project and Strategic Support
· Coordinate and manage key organisational meetings including: Monthly Heads meetings across ARUK and Fundraising and Marketing Leadership Team (FMLT) meetings
· Ensure the smooth delivery of these meetings by preparing documentation, recording actions, and driving follow-through with relevant stakeholders.
· Support cross-organisational strategic initiatives, such as ARUK’s Stakeholder Engagement programme and other priority activities led by the Deputy Chief Executive.
· Proactively use ARUK’s CRM system (Salesforce) to support relationship management and strategic engagement by Executive Directors.
· Assist in the planning and delivery of internal communications activities and events that build alignment and engagement across the organisation to include the annual Fundraising and Marketing away day and monthly Fundraising and Marketing meeting.
· Take on discrete projects on behalf of the Deputy Chief Executive
· Work closely with the Executive Support Manager and Head of Governance to support Board and trustee-related activities, including the preparation of papers, coordination of logistics, and accurate record-keeping.
· Help ensure the delivery of effective governance arrangements and contribute to continuous improvement in the support of ARUK’s leadership and oversight functions.
Team and Leadership Contribution
· Act as a senior member of the Executive Support team, sharing best practices and supporting colleagues with guidance, training, and mentoring where appropriate and deputising for the Executive Support Manager where appropriate
· Contribute to process improvement initiatives that increase the efficiency and impact of the Chief Executive’s Office.
· Stay informed of sector developments, best practices in executive support, and opportunities for innovation within the charity’s operations.
What we are looking for:
· Extensive experience providing high-level executive support to senior leaders
· Discretion, integrity, and sound judgement in handling confidential and sensitive information.
· Experience coordinating meetings, travel, and logistics for senior leaders.
· Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with proven ability to manage complex and competing priorities.
· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and professional presentation.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce.
· Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.
Additional Information:
Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.
Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals. This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.
Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD.
Salary: Circa £35,000 per annum, plus benefits
Please download the Vacancy Pack on our website for more information.
The closing date for applications is the 21st September 2025, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.
As part of our commitment to being an inclusive employer and ensuring fairness and consistency in our selection process, we will handle your CV and application with the utmost confidentiality. While we strive to anonymise your CV where possible, there are certain sections, such as the application question, that cannot be fully anonymised. We kindly ask that you remove any personal information, including your name, when answering the application question. The hiring panel will not have access to your personal details, such as your name and address, until you are invited for an interview. Should you require any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, please contact us via our website.
How to apply: Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.
About Alzheimer’s Research UK: Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.
There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.
In 2024, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement. This is the second consecutive time; we have been awarded a Best Companies 3-star accreditation.
We were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:
· 18th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.
· 10th in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.
· 2nd in the 30 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.
ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference.
To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Job title: Deputy Director of Global Development, Asia
Salary: circa £80,000 to £90,000
Location: Hybrid/South Kensington and White City (with travel to other Imperial campuses/meetings as required).
This role is based at Imperial’s White City campus. This role is a hybrid role, and the post holder will normally be expected to work 60% of their time onsite or out on university business.
Imperial College London seeks an accomplished and strategic development professional for the position of Deputy Director of Global Development, Asia – a key position as we prepare to launch our first university-wide fundraising and alumni engagement campaign.
Imperial is one of the world’s great universities, ranked second globally and first in the UK and Europe. Our excellence in research and education is matched by our commitment to solving global challenges - from climate resilience and global health to transformative technologies and sustainable innovation.
As a member of the Principal Gifts and Global team, you will lead our development efforts across Asia and also oversee fundraising in the Middle East and Africa. Working closely with colleagues in Advancement and in partnership with senior academic and university leadership, you will shape and deliver the College’s philanthropic strategy in these regions. The role will be central to cultivating major philanthropic relationships, supporting regional engagement for Imperial’s President and senior representatives, and contributing to the wider success of our global campaign.
Reporting to the Director of Development: Principal Gifts and Global and working closely with senior leadership across the university and the Advancement Division, you will lead a high-performing team focused on principal gifts and international development. You will also serve as the strategic lead for Asia, while overseeing development efforts in the Middle East and Africa.
This is a unique opportunity to shape and lead our engagement with high-net-worth individuals and stakeholders across these regions, connecting them to Imperial’s world-leading research and innovation ecosystem.
This position is an opportunity for an experienced fundraiser with international vision, deep cultural awareness, and a strong record of securing significant gifts. The role will require diplomacy, strategic insight, and the ability to operate effectively within a complex global institution. Experience working across Asia and fluency in one or more Asian languages would be advantageous.
If you share our belief in the transformative potential of STEMB and are inspired by the chance to help deliver lasting global impact through education and research, we encourage you to consider this unique opportunity.
This is one of three exceptional opportunities to join our dynamic team. As we continue to expand our international presence, we are recruiting for the following key leadership roles:
- Director of Development: Principal Gifts & Global
- Deputy of Global Development, North America
Each of these roles offers a unique opportunity to shape our strategic direction and build impactful partnerships.
Interested?
Please familiarise yourself with the attached Candidate Pack.
To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter.
Further Information
Imperial College is partnering with Constellate Global Talent on this search.
No agencies please.
