Personal assistant to director of development and smt jobs

About Impetus

Impetus transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get the right support to succeed in school, in work and in life.

We find, fund and build the most promising organisations working with these young people, providing core funding and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their leaders over the long term to help them become stronger.

At Impetus we focus on the critical factors that influence the education and employment outcomes for disadvantaged young people in the UK, working with organisations that have the potential for impact at scale, helping their leaders to deliver lifechanging, benchmark beating, sustained outcomes.

We provide them with the funding and the tools to grow and deliver on their promises to the young people they serve. We also seek to influence government and the wider sector to back effective support for young people and invest with other like-minded organisations to tackle the most difficult and under-supported challenges.

We are resolutely focused on outcomes and impact, driven by quality evidence.

You would be joining a team that is passionate, rigorous, determined, creative and warm. We care deeply for our colleagues, our charity partners and the young people we serve.

Impetus is a registered charity and our charity number is 1152262.

About the team

This is an important role based in a busy Operations team which covers office management, information technology, finance and human resources. The team play a key role in supporting the organisation to achieve its mission of supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed.

The Operations team comprises the Director of Finance and Operations, HR and Learning Manager, Head of Finance, HR Officer, Finance and Operations Assistant and a part time Administrator. Payroll and IT support are outsourced.

About this role

The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Chief Executive at Impetus plays a vital role in providing high-level administrative and project management support to the Chief Executive and ensuring the smooth operating of the Senior Management Team (SMT). The EA acts as a key liaison between the Chief Executive and internal/external stakeholders, managing sensitive information and handling a wide range of administrative and executive support tasks.

This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and offer creative solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Key responsibilities

Executive Support:

• Provide sophisticated calendar management for the Chief Executive.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters pertaining to the Chief Executive, including those of a highly confidential or critical nature.
• Prioritise and determine the appropriate course of action, referral, or response, exercising judgement to reflect the Chief Executive’s style and organisational policy.
• Prioritise inquiries and requests while troubleshooting conflicts; make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements.
• Anticipate the Chief Executive’s needs (e.g. travel bookings, briefings, preparation time) in advance of meetings, conferences, etc.
• Coordinate all SMT meetings and offsites and assist with staff meetings and events as needed.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to keep them well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately.
• Act as a "barometer," having a sense for the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the Chief Executive updated.
• Provide a "gatekeeper" and "gateway" role, providing a bridge for smooth communication between the Chief Executive and staff, demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust and support with the senior management team.
• Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks that facilitate the CEO’s ability to effectively lead the organisation including: assisting with special projects; designing and producing complex documents, reports, and presentations; collecting and preparing information for meetings with staff and outside parties; composing and preparing correspondence; maintaining contact lists; making travel arrangements; and completing expenses.

Governance:

• Act as a liaison and provide support to the Board of Directors.
• Arrange and handle all logistics for Board meetings, sub committees and events: schedule meetings; draft agendas; develop, compile, and distribute presentation materials and record meeting minutes.

Operations Support:

• Support a professional and effective office/remote working environment for Impetus staff.
• Assist the Director of Finance and Operations (DFO) with any ad hoc Operations duties and projects, such as an office move, health and safety reviews, optimising remote and agile working.
• Assist the HR and Learning Manager with HR administration, including straightforward queries, recruitment support and ad hoc projects where needed.

Person specification

Essential:

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant executive support experience, acting as a trusted advisor and support to senior colleague/s (ideally within the charity or not for profit sector).
• Good business acumen and a keen interest and understanding of operations support.
• Excellent technical skills. Experience utilising CRM systems effectively; expert proficiency with Microsoft Office; ability to design and edit graphic presentations and materials.
• Exceptional organisational skills and impeccable attention to detail.
• Ability to react with appropriate levels of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround.
• Ability to complete a high volume of tasks and projects with little or no guidance.
• Excellent judgement and problem solving; with the ability to make appropriate, informed decisions regarding priorities and available time.
• Excellent project management and planning skills, including effective contingency planning and responsibility for managing actions, people and priorities.

People and Communication skills

• High degree of proactive professionalism in dealing with diverse groups of people, including Board members, senior executives, staff, charity partners, donors, and other external stakeholders.
• Work flexibly, collaboratively and creatively, with the ability to adapt to change, and work effectively as part of a team, remain calm under pressure and support others where required.
• Commitment to a continual focus on improving service to stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience of writing in a variety of formats and communicating complex and sensitive information in a clear, correct, coherent and professional manner.
• Ability to influence and negotiate, presenting arguments or proposals with skill and confidence.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information, dealing with sensitive issues and managing conflict.

Commitment to Impetus’ mission and values

• Ability to act as an ambassador for the organisation.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion with the ability to execute work with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.

Desirable

• Experience working in the charity or not for profit sector.
• Experience working with a not for profit Board.
• A keen interest in youth and/or education sector.

Our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

We want our team at Impetus to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our team to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop.

We want to reach a diverse pool of candidates. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful.

We recognise the importance of a good work/life balance. We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, working part-time job shares and other arrangements.

Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore.

Impetus is an equal opportunity employer and is determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We value diversity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

How to apply

You will need to:

• Complete the online form (including the equal opportunities monitoring form).
• Upload a comprehensive CV and supporting statement. 

The supporting statement should be no more than two sides of A4 and should address the criteria in the person specification.

You should also include the contact details of two referees, one of whom must be your current or most recent employer. Referees will only be approached with your express permission.

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at interview stage.

The deadline for applications is 9am Monday 14th July 2025.

Interviews

First round interviews will take place: 21st July 2025.

Second round interviews will take place: 28th July 2025.

You will also be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK.

Personal Data

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.

Haven House Children’s Hospice cares for children and young people who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions across North and East London, West Essex and East Herts. Our mission is to provide the highest quality palliative and holistic care services to children and their families in our local communities.

Since the hospice opened its doors in 2003, it has gone from strength to strength both in terms of the care we provide to children and their families as well as the close bonds we have developed and nurtured with individuals and organisations who are inspired by our work.

This role sits within the High Value partnerships team, working within the Corporate fundraising team, and alongside Philanthropy, Trusts and Grants, and Special Events. It reports into the Assistant Director of IGM/ Head of High Value Partnerships.

The team pride themselves on their fantastic partnerships and results, and it’s a great time to join as they are currently developing a high value strategy, to underpin the organisation wide strategy and the overall IGM strategy.

At Haven House the focus within the Income Generation and Marketing Team is to put the supporter and donor at the centre of everything we do, ensuring they feel inspired by our work and the children and families we support; engaged and committed to our cause and ultimately make a commitment to do something amazing.

We’re looking for an individual who is has the experience, confidence and skills to win new corporate partnerships and manage our current relationships with existing partners to a high standard.

We want someone to join us who loves being part of a hardworking and collaborative team and who is willing to try new things, bring fresh ideas and who has the energy and personal drive to execute them.  

If this role sounds right for you and you have the right skills and experience, please download the job description and apply.

As an employee you will be entitled to the following range of benefits:

· Hybrid office/home based arrangement

· 27 days' annual leave (pro rata)

· Pension scheme (company matches contribution up to 7%)

· Free onsite parking

· Employee Assistance Programme

· Eye care voucher scheme

· Cycle to work scheme

· Life cover (if eligible)

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

Ethex and our sister company Energise Africa, are two leading direct impact investing platforms for individual investors that want to invest in extraordinary organisations. Our award-winning crowd-funding platforms enable individuals to invest directly in businesses that support causes they believe in – whether it’s fighting climate change, reducing poverty or building resilient communities. 

Since 2013 Ethex and Energise Africa have raised over £160 million of investment for over 100 impactful organisations from 20,000 impact investors. We are leading innovators in the field and this role provides the right candidate with an excellent opportunity to be part of a group at the cutting edge of impact investing.

Ethex is a 50% shareholder in Energise Africa and, although the two platforms offer different investment opportunities to individuals, there is very considerable overlap in their target market, proposition and opportunity.  The two businesses share Marketing, Finance and Operations resources.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Ethex is committed to providing equal opportunity for all applicants. Growing, maintaining and promoting a diverse team is a top priority for us and we believe that we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company. Applications are welcome from all, regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or socioeconomic background. We positively encourage applications from people from marginalised backgrounds.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

General

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Financial Controller to oversee all financial aspects of both Ethex and Energise Africa. Reporting to the CFO, the Financial Controller will be a key member of the senior management teams, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timely delivery of financial information for both entities. This role requires a good understanding of accounting standards, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to contribute strategically to the growth and sustainability of both Ethex and Energise Africa. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the missions and values of both organisations and comfortable working in a dynamic and purpose-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting:

• Oversee financial accounting for both companies, working with our finance assistant, who is responsible for book-keeping, banking, AR and AP.

• Prepare accurate and timely management accounts.

• Manage the process for production of the annual report and accounts for both entities, liaising with external accountants / auditors and ensuring timely completion.

• Prepare and present financial reports and analysis to the respective senior management teams, Boards of Directors and funders of Ethex and Energise Africa.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

• Lead the annual budgeting processes for both organisations, working collaboratively with departmental heads to develop realistic and achievable budgets.

• Develop and maintain financial forecasting models to support strategic decision-making for both entities.

• Monitor budget performance, analyse variances, and provide insightful commentary and recommendations for both Ethex and Energise Africa.

Cash Flow Management:

• Manage the cash flow of both companies, ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs and strategic objectives.

• Develop and implement strategies for optimising cash flow and working capital across both entities, considering any intercompany transactions.

Tax & Compliance:

• Stay up to date and ensure compliance with all relevant tax legislation and accounting standards.

• Prepare quarterly VAT returns.

• Check corporation tax returns prepared by external accountants.

Systems & Processes:

• Continuously review and improve systems, processes, and controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy and safeguard the assets of both entities.

• When applicable, oversee the implementation accounting software and other relevant financial tools for both organisations.

Stakeholder Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including accountants, banks, non-executive directors and funders.

• Provide financial information and support to teams within Ethex and Energise Africa.

Skills & Experience:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.

• Proven track record in a responsible finance role, ideally as a Financial Controller or similar, with experience managing finances for multiple entities or a group structure.

• Strong technical accounting skills and a thorough understanding of relevant accounting standards and regulations.

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide insightful analysis for both organisations.

• Strong budgeting, forecasting experience across multiple business units.

• Experience managing cash flow and working capital effectively across multiple entities.

• Proven ability to develop and implement robust financial controls and procedures for different operational contexts.

• Experience managing the audit process and liaising with external accountants.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and concisely to different stakeholders across both organisations.

• Strong IT and modelling skills, including advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with accounting software.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• A proactive and results-oriented approach with strong attention to detail.

• A genuine commitment to the missions and values of both Ethex and Energise Africa.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly ethical and trustworthy.

• Strong work ethic and a proactive approach.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage demands from two separate organisations.

• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving environment.

• Collaborative and team-oriented.

• Passionate about positive impact, ethical finance, and renewable energy in Africa.