Executive Personal Assistant, Vice-Chancellor’s Office

At De Montfort University (DMU), we are seeking a highly professional and proactive Executive Personal Assistant to support the Vice-Chancellor and the Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of university leadership, providing high-level strategic and administrative support to the most senior leader at DMU.

DMU is an ambitious, globally engaged university with a commitment to social impact, innovation and inclusion. Based in the vibrant city of Leicester, we offer a dynamic working environment where you can thrive professionally and make a real difference.

Faculty / Directorate

The Corporate Services Directorate plays a vital role in ensuring the university operates effectively, with strong leadership and governance structures that uphold our values and strategic ambitions.

Role

This is a varied and strategically significant role at the heart of the university’s leadership, in which you will:

• Provide high-level executive support to the Vice-Chancellor, managing a complex diary, coordinating engagements, and ensuring they are fully briefed and prepared.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, maintaining efficient processes and supporting delivery of the university’s strategic priorities.
• Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, representing the Office with professionalism, discretion and authority.
• Ensure timely, accurate communication and briefings, supporting proactive decision-making and reducing last-minute requests.
• Support governance processes, including preparation of agendas, papers and records for key leadership meetings.
• Contribute to major events, visits and projects that enhance DMU’s external reputation and institutional priorities.

We embrace flexible and hybrid working and for this role you would be required to work on campus three days a week and may require occasional work outside normal hours to support major events or visits.

Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for someone with:

• Significant experience of providing executive support at a senior level.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Proven experience in handling sensitive information, exercising sound judgement and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.
• A proactive and diplomatic approach, able to manage relationships with senior leaders, external stakeholders, and colleagues at all levels.
• Confidence in managing formal meetings, preparing documentation, and contributing to project and event delivery.
• A degree or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in the higher education sector is desirable but not essential.

What We Offer

You’ll join a professional, collaborative and inclusive environment where your skills and commitment will be valued. DMU staff benefit from:

• Generous annual leave and pension scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where business needs allow
• Tailored professional development
• A campus at the heart of a thriving city with excellent transport links

To find out more or to arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact David Warden, Head of the Vice Chancellor’s Office and Senior Policy Advisor at David.warden@dmu.ac.uk

For further details about the post, please view the job description and person specification.

Interviews will provisionally take place w/c: 25 August 2025.

Closing date: 27 July 2025

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