"Executive Assistant to the Dean"

** This is a re-advertisement for the Executive Assistant to the Dean (Ref: 184339), previous applicants need not apply. **

About the Blavatnik School of Government

Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.

About the role

We’re excited to be looking for an Executive Assistant for our founding Dean, Professor Ngaire Woods.

As Executive Assistant to the Dean, you will relish a job where no two days are alike. You will deal with a wide range of matters, sometimes of a highly confidential nature, on behalf of the Dean. The post-holder will be the point of contact for internal and external visitors for the Dean, and act as a critical interface between the Dean and a wide range of contacts, often at very senior and VIP levels.

You will be engaging, diplomatic, have excellent judgement, and engender extremely high levels of trust from the Dean and all those with whom you liaise. You will be a core member of a friendly and supportive Executive Office team – who provide support to the School’s senior faculty – but you will be expected to carry significant responsibility and autonomy, performing the role with high levels of accuracy and pace.

This is a primarily in-person role based at the Blavatnik School of Government. By agreement with the Chief of Staff to the Dean, the postholder may work from home for a few days each month (for example, when the Dean is travelling). However, the expectation is that the postholder will be in the office whenever the Dean is on site.

About You

This would be a great role for a wide variety of candidates – both those with experience of providing outstanding executive support, and those with less direct experience but who are passionate about the mission of the School and eager to learn and build their skills in an exciting environment.

For experienced PA/ EAs:

Are you a talented PA or EA eager to make the next move in your career? Perhaps recent events in global politics have given you a burning desire to come and work within an organisation that really cares about making a positive impact on government and public policy around the world. You might have a small amount of EA/PA experience, or you might have significant amounts – either way, we’d love to hear from you.

For recent graduates or those earlier in their careers:

Are you just starting out in your career? Perhaps you’ve graduated recently and are not yet sure of the direction in which you want to take you career. If you’re efficient, diligent, quick to learn, and have strong writing skills – this could be the job for you.

Whilst this role is a grade 5 position, we would be willing to consider applications from suitably experienced candidates, for which the appointment would be at grade 4 (£28,437 - £ 32,108 p.a.) with the responsibilities adjusted accordingly. This would be discussed with applicants at interview/appointment where appropriate.

What we offer

The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford. We host regular events and talks with well-known guest speakers – all of which are open to staff. On the social side, we have regular coffee/cake mornings for staff, a family-friendly Halloween event, and Christmas and summer parties.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days’ annual leave
• Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Opportunities for remote working.

More information about working at the School can be found on our jobs page.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon (UK time) on Monday, 23 March 2026.

Candidates may be contacted before the application deadline for a brief conversation to about their candidacy. We encourage early applications and advise not waiting until the closing date.

Interviews will take place during the week commencing 30 March 2026 and will be held in-person at the School.

Salary: Grade 5 £32,108 - £37,338 per annum (with a discretionary range to £40,514) per annum

Location: Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX26GG

Vacancy ID: 185384