RQ1767668 – Interim Executive Officer/PA EK

Job Details

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable Executive Support Officer to provide high-level support to a senior leader within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

This is a fast-paced, highly visible and externally facing role, requiring exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of senior stakeholders. You will manage a complex and constantly changing diary, coordinate meetings and engagements, prepare briefing materials and ensure the senior leader is fully prepared to respond to emerging priorities.

You will act as a trusted point of contact for MPs, elected members, government departments, businesses, community representatives, Police, Fire and other senior stakeholders, representing the office with professionalism and discretion.

The successful candidate will be confident working independently, able to anticipate issues before they arise and comfortable taking ownership of urgent and politically sensitive matters.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide high-level executive support to a senior leader, ensuring their time and priorities are effectively managed.
  • Manage a complex and continually changing diary, balancing competing priorities and responding effectively to short-notice changes.
  • Coordinate meetings, briefings, events, public engagements and other commitments.
  • Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, agendas, papers and relevant information to ensure the senior leader is fully prepared.
  • Act as a key liaison with MPs, elected members, government departments, businesses, community representatives, Police, Fire and other senior stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Handle sensitive, confidential and politically significant information with a high level of discretion and professionalism.
  • Lead on reactive and urgent issues, assessing priorities and responding quickly and appropriately to emerging situations.
  • Monitor actions, correspondence and follow-up activity, ensuring matters are progressed and resolved within agreed timescales.
  • Anticipate emerging issues, identify potential reputational or operational risks and escalate matters appropriately.
  • Exercise initiative and sound judgement when making decisions within delegated authority.
  • Ensure the senior leader is kept informed of relevant developments, risks, commitments and outstanding actions.
  • Support effective communication and coordination across the organisation and with external partners.
  • Represent the senior leader’s office professionally at meetings, events and other engagements where required.
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality and comply with relevant organisational policies and procedures.
  • Undertake other duties appropriate to the level and responsibilities of the role.

About You

You will be an experienced executive support professional who is comfortable operating at a senior level in a complex and high-profile environment.

You will have:

  • Significant experience supporting a senior executive, politician, elected member or other high-profile leader.
  • Experience working within a political, public sector or stakeholder-rich environment.
  • A strong understanding of political sensitivities, public accountability and the importance of confidentiality.
  • Proven experience managing complex diaries, competing priorities and demanding workloads.
  • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
  • The ability to work independently, demonstrating initiative, self-sufficiency and sound judgement.
  • Confidence to take ownership of issues, make decisions within delegated authority and drive activity forward with minimal supervision.
  • Experience handling sensitive or high-profile issues and assessing associated risks.
  • The ability to anticipate emerging issues and identify potential reputational, operational or stakeholder risks.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively with senior and high-profile stakeholders.
  • A proactive approach, with the ability to anticipate the needs of the senior leader rather than simply respond to requests.
  • Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing sight of deadlines or quality.

What We Are Looking For

Above all, we are looking for someone who is highly organised, politically aware, discreet, proactive and resilient. You will need to be comfortable operating in an environment where priorities can change at short notice and where your ability to exercise judgement, manage relationships and respond quickly can make a significant difference.

If you are an experienced executive support professional who thrives in a demanding environment and enjoys working at the heart of a high-profile leadership function, we would be keen to hear from you.