Job Description

Salary

Circa 35,000 per annum

Contract type

Permanent

Location

Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AD (Agile; approximately 2 days a week from our office)

This is a permanent

,

, full time vacancy.

The VacancyAs the UK's leading dementia research charity, we're determined to stop this from becoming a reality. We're working to revolutionise the way we treat, diagnose and prevent dementia. But we will not stop there. With your support, we will keep going until every person is free from the heartbreak of dementia. We exist for a cure.


The Senior Executive Assistant will play a pivotal role in the Chief Executive's Office, working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to ensure the smooth and effective execution of strategic, operational, and governance priorities. Acting as a trusted partner and first point of contact, the Senior Executive Assistant will proactively manage high-level administrative functions, facilitate internal and external stakeholder engagement, and contribute to organisation-wide planning and coordination. The role requires a high level of discretion, organisational acumen, and an ability to anticipate the needs of senior leaders in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.


In addition to supporting the Deputy Chief Executive, this role also provides specific project support to the Directors within the Fundraising and Marketing Directorate and contributes to the governance, internal communications, and strategic coordination across Alzheimer's Research UK (ARUK).

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Executive Support

Serve as the primary point of contact and trusted liaison for the Deputy Chief Executive, managing their calendar, commitments, and priorities with discretion and strategic foresight. Proactively coordinate complex diaries, internal and external meetings, and briefings, ensuring effective time management and optimal scheduling across teams and stakeholders. Prepare agendas, compile and distribute papers, attend meetings as needed, and record minutes and action points with professionalism and accuracy. Manage comprehensive travel arrangements (domestic and international), including bookings, itineraries, visa requirements, and expenses in line with organisational policy. Screen incoming correspondence (emails, calls, invitations), handle or redirect enquiries, and ensure timely and appropriate follow-up. Provide responsive and high-quality administrative support across the Senior Leadership Team as needed, in coordination with the Executive Support Manager.

Governance, Project and Strategic Support

Coordinate and manage key organisational meetings including: Monthly Heads meetings across ARUK and Fundraising and Marketing Leadership Team (FMLT) meetings Ensure the smooth delivery of these meetings by preparing documentation, recording actions, and driving follow-through with relevant stakeholders. Support cross-organisational strategic initiatives, such as ARUK's Stakeholder Engagement programme and other priority activities led by the Deputy Chief Executive. Proactively use ARUK's CRM system (Salesforce) to support relationship management and strategic engagement by Executive Directors. Assist in the planning and delivery of internal communications activities and events that build alignment and engagement across the organisation to include the annual Fundraising and Marketing away day and monthly Fundraising and Marketing meeting. Take on discrete projects on behalf of the Deputy Chief Executive Work closely with the Executive Support Manager and Head of Governance to support Board and trustee-related activities, including the preparation of papers, coordination of logistics, and accurate record-keeping. Help ensure the delivery of effective governance arrangements and contribute to continuous improvement in the support of ARUK's leadership and oversight functions.

Team and Leadership Contribution

Act as a senior member of the Executive Support team, sharing best practices and supporting colleagues with guidance, training, and mentoring where appropriate and deputising for the Executive Support Manager where appropriate Contribute to process improvement initiatives that increase the efficiency and impact of the Chief Executive's Office. Stay informed of sector developments, best practices in executive support, and opportunities for innovation within the charity's operations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

Extensive experience providing high-level executive support to senior leaders Discretion, integrity, and sound judgement in handling confidential and sensitive information. Experience coordinating meetings, travel, and logistics for senior leaders. Exceptional organisational and time-management skills, with proven ability to manage complex and competing priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and professional presentation. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce. Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders.


The closing date for applications is the

21st September 2025

, with interviews being arrange once shortlisting has been completed. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity, as on occasion we may have to bring forward the interview date and/or the closing date based on the needs of the business. Although a possibility, this will only happen in exceptional circumstances. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

The Charity

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure. Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope.


There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer's Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented. Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

The Benefits

It is important to offer a range of benefits which are designed to meet both the organisational and individual needs, are market competitive and designed to attract and retain employees.

Holiday entitlement

Healthcare

Sick pay

Pension

Cycle to work scheme

Family friendly policies

Learning & development