AHRC - Private Secretary to the Executive Chair

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC)

PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE EXECUTIVE CHAIR

SALARY: £45,272 per annum  
HOURS: Full Time
CONTRACT: Open Ended (Permanent)
LOCATION: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire (Hybrid)
GRADE: UKRI Band E
CLOSING DATE: 16 Feb 25

Purpose of the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to support to Professor Christopher Smith in his role as AHRC Executive Chair and International Champion. The successful applicant will gain a unique insight into the Arts and Humanities research landscape, working closely the Executive Chair through the next strategic planning cycle.

As Private Secretary, the successful applicant will be responsible for providing an overall package of support to the Executive Chair, allowing them to fulfil their strategic leadership role, supporting effective and decision-making, and operational delivery. This is a pivotal role supporting a broad-ranging, dynamic and innovative research council agenda, with leadership across UKRI, including creative industries.

The successful applicant will manage a team of Executive Assistants who support the AHRC Executive Office. They will work closely with the AHRC COO Office and the International Office in coordinating the portfolio of the Executive Chair’s responsibilities.

Key Areas of Accountability

The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Strategic running of the Executive Office
• Supporting the Executive Chair with strategic advice and briefing, demonstrating with a sound understanding of the objectives of AHRC, UKRI and the role of the Executive Chair
• Effectively delivering and delegating on behalf of the Executive Chair, convening and coordinating the right people to develop solutions
• Building and maintaining effective stakeholder networks, effectively information sharing, maintaining confidence and operating with a high level of tact, discretion and integrity
• Working with teams across AHRC to deliver an effective programme of communications and strategic engagement for the Executive Chair and Senior Leadership Team
• Lead a team of Executive Assistants to support the day-to-day affairs of the Office, and working closely with the wider Governance and Executive Office (GEO) team to ensure smooth running of AHRC as an organisation
• Be a visible and approachable point of contact for AHRC staff, working collaboratively and inclusively with teams

Process and delivery:

• Manage information flows to and from the executive team, effectively information sharing and making sound judgements on briefing stakeholders
• Input to AHRC’s business planning and business cycles, including major strategic outputs such as Strategic Delivery Plans and Spending Reviews
• Oversee smooth running of meetings, arrangements, engagements, providing and cascading accurate and timely notes and actions where appropriate
• Commission briefings, seeking expert input and advice from the relevant teams
• Problem solve and develop effective solutions to issues arising
• Facilitate effective engagement between the Executive Chair and AHRC staff
• Manage the relevant resources, budgets and risks on behalf of the Executive Chair, ensuring efficiency, wellbeing and sustainability are at the forefront of considerations
• Oversee compliance with UKRI policies and processes, including Declarations of Interest, Gifts and Hospitality, ensuring regularity, propriety and value for money
• Work with the GEO team to provide a resilient service to the whole organisation

Essential Skills, Qualifications and Experience

S - ASSESSED AT SHORTLISTING

I - ASSESSED AT INTERVIEW

Essential Criteria:

• Ability to work at pace, think strategically and respond to shifting priorities (S&I)
• Ability to plan ahead and manage competing priorities (S&I)
• Ability to solve problems with a high degree of initiative and ingenuity (S&I)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and accuracy (S&I)
• Ability to see the bigger picture, understanding the mission and objectives of AHRC, its place within UKRI, wider government and research community (S&I)
• Ability to lead a small, high-performing team, matrix manage and delegate effectively (S&I)

Desirable Criteria:

• Understanding the arts and humanities research sector (S&I)
• Understanding of working in the public sector, in particular in a private office environment (S&I)

APPLICATIONS

Online applications only for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter to the attachments section (ignore free textbox for cover letter under ‘Experience’ section) which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘Experience’ section of the application process. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

DEVELOPING TALENT:

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations.

BENEFITS:

UKRI can offer the successful candidate:

- Flexible Working

- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays

- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme

- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

Visit our dedicated benefits webpage for more info: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

SOC GRANTED

Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. 

For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs  or contact Recruitment@ukri.org