2 Initial response officer assistant jobs

Rays of Sunshine, recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, is looking for an experienced and proactive Executive Assistant to the CEO to join our small, ambitious and collaborative team.

This is a varied part-time role at the heart of the organisation, working closely with the CEO to provide high-quality executive support and help coordinate governance, projects, organisational priorities and key operational activity.

You will be joining Rays of Sunshine at an exciting point in our development, with a clear focus on strengthening how we work, delivering our ambitions well and continuing to grow our impact for seriously ill children and their families.

This is much more than a traditional diary-management role. You will work closely with the CEO across a broad range of priorities, helping to create structure, maintain momentum and ensure important actions are followed through. The role will involve coordinating meetings, briefings and actions; supporting Committee and governance processes; helping to keep key organisational projects on track; and providing practical support across operational activity.

You will also play an important role in the wider rhythm of the organisation, helping to coordinate team meetings, collaborative sessions, away days, staff engagement activity and actions arising from staff feedback.

We are looking for someone who is highly organised, calm under pressure and confident working independently. You will need excellent judgement and absolute discretion, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately. You will be someone who can anticipate what is needed, take ownership of tasks through to completion and build strong relationships with colleagues, Trustees, advisers, partners and suppliers.

Our team is small, values-led and ambitious. We value collaboration, kindness, accountability and a willingness to get stuck in. Because of our size, everyone has a visible impact, and this role will suit someone who enjoys being at the centre of an organisation, understands how to keep things moving and takes pride in doing the small things exceptionally well.

Experience in governance or the charity sector would be helpful but is not essential. We are more interested in finding someone with strong EA or senior coordination experience, excellent judgement and the ability to bring structure and pace to a busy environment.

At Rays of Sunshine, we brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families through magical wishes, hospital services and our wider Wish Community. This is an opportunity to use your skills in a role where the quality of your work will directly support the effectiveness and impact of the charity.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with interviews held on a rolling basis on or before 8 October 2026. An immediate start is desirable, so early applications are encouraged.