Executive Assistant to the CEO

Royal Academy of Dance HQ; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent arts organization based in Greater London seeks a proactive Executive Assistant to the CEO. The role involves managing the CEO's diary and correspondence while coordinating international travel. Key responsibilities include acting as secretary for the Executive Board and collaborating with senior staff. Candidates should have proven experience in a similar role, strong organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities. This position offers various benefits, including paid holiday and a pension scheme.

Benefits

Staff discounts for classes

25 days paid holiday

Contributory pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Executive Assistant role.
• Experience in managing busy diaries and email inboxes.
• Experience preparing papers and meeting minutes.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CEO's busy diary and email inbox.
• Arrange UK and international travel.
• Act as secretary to the monthly Executive Board.

Skills

Exceptional organisational skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Strong written and oral communication skills

IT skills

Confidentiality

Ability to juggle varied workloads

Job description

An exciting opportunity for a highly organised, proactive and discreet professional to support the CEO of the RAD

As Executive Assistant to the CEO, you will act as her representative, working closely with directors and staff across the RAD, both in the UK and internationally. You will ensure the smooth running of the CEO's office and provide administrative support to the Board of Trustees.

This role is responsible for ensuring the CEO operates effectively by managing her busy diary and email inbox. This includes arranging UK and international travel and acting as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including international offices and Board members.

A key part of the role is acting as secretary to the monthly Executive Board, which involves agreeing agendas, commissioning papers, preparing minutes, and following up on all actions. The EA will also work with the Head of Governance to provide administrative support for the Board of Trustees and related committees, including logistics, maintaining records, and managing trustee processes.

This vacancy has arisen due to the planned retirement of the current postholder in Easter 2026. The timing of this advert allows for a transitional handover period.

Qualifications & Experience

• Has proven experience in an Executive Assistant role, ideally within an organisation of a similar size, and preferably with an international reach.
• Exceptional organisational and IT skills with good attention to detail and excellent administrative skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, helpful manner, and the ability to build trusted relationships at all levels while maintaining confidentiality.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with experience of preparing succinct, clear papers and minutes.
• Experience of juggling varied workloads and relationships, and the ability to prioritise effectively.

If this is you, we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits

• Staff discounts for dance and fitness classes, wellbeing resources, and a range of lunchtime activities including book club, in‑house free movement classes and a craft club.
• 25 days paid holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays and a birthday day off.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme, health cash plan and life assurance.

Legal & Safeguarding

Due to the nature of the RAD’s work, the successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. Applications which do not include a full employment history, and reference details will not be taken forward to the shortlisting stage.

All colleagues are required to promote and safeguard the welfare of children they are responsible for, or come into contact with, and to adhere to and ensure compliance with the RAD’s Safeguarding Policy at all times.

Equality & Diversity

We encourage and welcome applications from people with a disability, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

Access and Interview

Please let us know if you have any access needs for the interview.

Recruitment Information

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and bring relevant documents if invited to attend an interview. We are unable to sponsor people under the Skilled Worker scheme.

No agencies please.

Our Values

• Exceptional Together – working collaboratively to achieve exceptional outcomes.
• Creative Innovators – at the forefront of new artistic ideas and approaches.
• Champions of wellbeing – providing a supportive environment and promoting the wellbeing of the dance community.
• Open to all – removing barriers to participation.
• Happy to help – providing excellent customer service and being helpful and friendly.