Executive Assistant

The Isaac Newton Institute (INI) is seeking an exceptional Executive Assistant to provide high-level executive and governance support to its Director, Deputy Director and Senior Management Team. The INI is a national and international visitor research institute, hosting world-leading research programmes in the mathematical sciences and welcoming over 3,000 leading scientists each year. Based in a dedicated building on the Centre for Mathematical Sciences site, the Institute is supported by a friendly and dedicated professional services team of around 25 staff.

Working at the heart of the Institute, you will ensure that leadership time, information and decision-making are aligned with the Institute's strategic objectives. You will manage complex diaries and workflows, plan the Director's forward agenda, and provide full secretariat support to the Scientific Steering Committee and Management Committee, including preparing agendas and papers, minuting meetings and tracking actions. You will also draft high-level correspondence and briefing notes, plan visits and events involving high-profile academic, funder and donor engagements, support senior-level recruitment, and undertake financial administration including expenses, purchase orders and budget monitoring. The role involves extensive liaison with academic organisers, funders, University and College officers, and other professional services teams.

You will have substantial experience providing PA or EA support to senior leaders in a complex, fast-paced environment, together with experience of governance and committee servicing. You will bring exceptional written and verbal communication skills, advanced organisational capability, strong digital competence and the ability to handle confidential information with absolute discretion. Educated to degree level (or Level 6 vocational qualification), or able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, you will be a proactive and collegial colleague who enjoys working with a wide range of stakeholders. Occasional early morning, evening or on-site support will be required during high-profile visits, events or governance cycles.

The post is full-time (36.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) and available on an open-ended basis with limit of funding. Current funding is until 28 February 2029; however, the post is expected to be funded beyond that date. The appointment will be subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

The University offers a comprehensive reward package, including 36 days' annual leave (inclusive of public holidays), automatic membership of the CPS pension scheme, family-friendly policies and a wide range of CAMbens employee benefits.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above. 

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Susan Gowans, Deputy Business and Operations Manager (deputybusinessandoperationsmanager@newton.ac.uk).

For queries regarding the application process, please contact Lianne Sallows (institutecoordinator@newton.ac.uk).

Interviews are expected to take place in the week commencing 07 September 2026 (subject to confirmation).

Please quote reference LN50512 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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