Executive Officer

Overview

This full-time, permanent position is based in York and offers a salary range of £31,236 to £33,951 annually. York St John University, known for its rich heritage and strong commitment to quality academic teaching and research, operates campuses in York and London. The university values inclusivity, innovation, ambition, and a welcoming community spirit.

Role Summary

The successful candidate will join a compact and amicable team comprised of the Executive Support Office (ESO) and the Central Services Office (CSO). The ESO delivers proactive executive assistance to the University's Executive Board, managing senior meeting administration, minute-taking, governance procedures, project coordination, and overall executive support. The CSO assists academic personnel with recruitment and financial systems. Team members are encouraged to collaborate flexibly across both units to ensure service efficiency aligned with university goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate complex diaries, organize meetings, manage travel plans, and arrange events for senior leadership.
• Compile briefings, reports, and correspondence, translating complex information into clear summaries.
• Serve as Secretary for committees, including planning agendas, distributing papers, and taking minutes.
• Support governance activities, such as those related to Academic Board and sub-committees of the Board of Governors.
• Participate in strategic initiatives by conducting research, analyses, and coordination.
• Track action items to ensure timely completion.
• Assist with the smooth operation of both the Executive Support Office and Central Services Office by collaborating proactively with colleagues to improve services.

Candidate Profile

• Confidence and proactive work ethic with strong organizational and interpersonal abilities.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Outstanding communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to manage a diverse workload effectively under pressure.
• Experience supporting senior executives or working in comparable positions.
• Detail-oriented with a solution-focused mindset.

Additional Information

• Informal inquiries can be directed to Mandy Towell at m.towell@yorksj.ac.uk.
• The recruitment process is expected to include interviews and skills assessments; shortlisted candidates will receive further details.
• This role does not support Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship, but applications are welcomed from individuals with valid UK work authorization through other means.
• The university promotes family-friendly and inclusive policies, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups and considering requests for flexible working or job sharing.
• The vacancy closes on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at midnight but may close earlier if sufficient applications are received; applicants will be notified with 24 hours’ notice.
• Support is available throughout the recruitment process, including reasonable adjustments upon request. CVs are not accepted in lieu of the application form, which includes work-related questions designed to assess suitability in the candidate's own words.

Employee Benefits

• Generous annual leave including five discretionary university closure days over Christmas.
• Disability leave for staff with disabilities or disabled dependants.
• Access to pension schemes.
• Health Cash Plan eligibility after six months of service.
• Employee Assistance Programme availability.
• Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists.
• Opportunities for on-campus training, one-on-one tutorials, and digital skills development resources.
• Relocation expenses covered for certain positions.
• Reimbursement and loan schemes for Skilled Worker Visa application fees where applicable.

Closing and Interview Dates

Application deadline is midnight on Sunday 26 July 2026. Interviews are provisionally scheduled for Friday 07 August 2026.