Back to search
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
Private Secretary
Salary: 拢43,116 per annum聽
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 0.8 FTE)
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: London
Closing Date: 21st May 2024
This is an exciting opportunity to provide direct support to Professor Christopher Smith in his role as AHRC Executive Chair and International Champion and gain a unique insight into the Arts and Humanities research landscape, working alongside him as he leads AHRC through the next electoral and strategic planning cycle.
As his Private Secretary, you will ensure that the business of AHRC鈥檚 Executive Chair is supported effectively for the successful coordination of AHRC鈥檚 strategic leadership and decision-making, and effective operational delivery. This is a pivotal role supporting a broad-ranging, dynamic and innovative research council agenda, with leadership across UKRI, including creative industries.
This role will support a team of Executive Assistants and Personal Assistants alongside the Private Secretary to the AHRC COO, providing high quality executive support to all members of the Executive Chair鈥檚 Directors Group. They enable engagement across AHRC, support consistency of standards, and embed best practice in executive support.
We have a great all-round package, including 30 days annual leave, flexible working, civil service pension, and access to employee benefits. AHRC has committed to hybrid working: our focus is on what you deliver as opposed to where you deliver it from.
Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience
Shortlisting Criteria
路A forward thinker, able to drive the agenda and respond to shifting priorities
路Highly-organised, methodical and proactive with the proven ability to plan ahead
路Able to solve problems with initiative, creative thought and interpretation
路Able to work flexibly to adapt to change
路Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
路An understanding of the business of AHRC and UKRI sufficient to be able to see the bigger picture and understand the implications
路Able to lead a small but high-performing team to achieve high quality and timely outcomes through both direct and matrix management
路Able to accompany the Executive Chair on official business visits within the UK and overseas
Interview Criteria
路Able to work independently and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across teams, councils and communities
路Sophisticated and highly sensitive communication and interpersonal skills (verbal, presentational and written), able to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information in language appropriate to the audience
路Multi-tasks with precision and prioritises to meet deadlines and deliver at pace
路Demonstrable emotional intelligence and tolerance of ambiguity and uncertainty
路Operates with a high level of tact, diplomacy, integrity, resilience, patience and discretion
路Deals effectively with challenging situations
路Can achieve outcomes by working across boundaries and structures to support the Executive Chairs priorities and agenda
Desirable
路Understanding of the arts and humanities research sector
路Understanding of working in a public service governance structure
