Academic ConnectSenior Executive Assistant / Team Leader
The Governance and Compliance Division is one of the divisions of the Unified Administrative Services (UAS), overseeing the University's governance processes, data and information compliance, assurance, (internal) audit, regulatory compliance work, incident management and business continuity planning. The Division also includes the executive support offices, the Vice-Chancellor's Office and the Pro-Vice-Chancellors' Office.
We are seeking a highly organised, proactive and people-focused Senior Executive Assistant and Team Leader to lead our team of Executive Assistants. In this role, you will provide dedicated executive support to at least one member of the senior leadership team, while also managing, developing and coordinating the Executive Assistant team to deliver high-quality support across the senior leadership group.
You will work closely with Pro-Vice-Chancellors, the Registrary, Academic Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Governance and Compliance, members of the Division, and the Vice-Chancellor's Office. You must therefore be confident, articulate and comfortable liaising with all levels of stakeholders across the University and with external partners.
As Team Leader, you will use your leadership skills to mentor, motivate and support the EA team, helping to shape efficient working practices and continually improve service quality. You will oversee day-to-day operations, manage HR-related matters (including sickness management, leave coordination, recruitment and capability issues), and ensure smooth and consistent service delivery.
As Senior Executive Assistant, you will manage complex diaries, organise meetings and travel, produce draft correspondence and research matters of importance to your executive. You will develop a deep understanding of their portfolio to help prioritise requests for their time and support their strategic priorities.
You will be an organised, approachable and resilient individual, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. You will have experience supporting a senior executive in a large complex organisation and will be adaptable, able to exercise sound judgement, and comfortable working under pressure. Tact, diplomacy and strategic awareness are essential.
You will be educated to degree level or have relevant equivalent experience, and will possess excellent secretarial and administrative skills, including word processing, drafting correspondence, and diary management. High levels of digital competency, particularly in Microsoft Office, are required, along with professionalism, discretion and strong interpersonal skills.
Your application should clearly outline how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification, using relevant examples. Shortlisting will be based on this evidence.
The University of Cambridge is committed to supporting our staff to thrive both professionally and personally. We aim to support a good work/life balance, whilst retaining the positive aspects of our unique in-person environment and culture. Elements of this role are suitable for hybrid working, where staff can split their time between in-person collaboration and remote working. Most of our team work in a hybrid fashion, with an average of 2-3 days per week being office based (pro-rata for part-time staff).
The frequency and pattern of the remote elements of the role are managed across the EA team to ensure cover. More time on site will be expected initially to support induction and familiarisation.
Closing date for applications is 19 February 2026.
Interviews will be held on 5 March 2026.
We welcome enquiries from individuals who wish to explore the role as a secondment. Please contact the Operations Manager (details below) to discuss a secondment possibility, or ensure your wish to undertake the role as a secondment is clearly noted on your application [internal applicants only].
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Informal enquiries regarding this position, and any questions regarding the recruitment process, should be directed to Elaine Mortimer, Operations Manager (Elaine.Mortimer@admin.cam.ac.uk).
Please quote reference AJ48515 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Key information
Department/location
Governance and Compliance Division
Salary
£35,608-£46,049
Reference
AJ48515
Category
Academic-related
Date published
19 January 2026
Closing date
19 February 2026
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