Executive Assistant to Managing Director – Zoos & Engagement

EA to Managing Director of Zoos and Engagement 

£30,983 to £32,173 DOE plus benefits

 NW1

Overview:

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct.

Executive Assistant - Role Profile:

ZSL is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Zoos and Engagement who will proactively provide first-class support across a full spectrum of secretarial, administrative, project and zoos and engagement networking activities for the MD of Zoos and Engagement. This will involve comprehensive day-to-day support in the form of diary management, acting as the first point of contact on all matters, arranging travel, meetings, conference calls, as well as ad-hoc support for internal events and projects when required. You will also act as the key contact between the MD of Zoos and Engagement and Heads of Departments, Trustees / Board of Directors, liaising with all board members regarding meetings, including the preparation of papers, agendas and where necessary take minutes at meetings and provide general office management support.

Reporting directly to the MD of Zoos and Engagement, this key position requires a highly organised, reliable and resilient individual who can use their initiative to problem solve. The successful candidate will have the ability to multi-task and stay calm under pressure and build strong relationships with a range of key stakeholders. This is a fantastic position for an individual looking for employment in an international organisation. You will have exposure to a variety of departments. If you have the imagination to not only problem solve but to also help improve communications across the department, then we would love to hear from you.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Managing diary requirements, arranging meetings and appointments, ensuring time is maximised and deadlines are met.
• Lead on building better communication channel and networks between the wider business and external clients.
• Planning and coordinating various projects, including setting agendas, producing and circulating minutes in a timely manner and following up on agreed actions.
• Support the MD of Zoos and Engagement with discrete pieces of work which may include producing mini reports, PowerPoint presentations, emails, letters, business plans and project documents, ensuring data is presented effectively and professionally.
• Supporting the MD of Zoos and in the implementation of commercial strategy and ad hoc projects.

Person Specification:

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven Executive Assistant experience ideally working with CEO / Directors / Senior Management.
• Self-starter who is comfortable working without close supervision and using their initiative; is able to identify ways of improving efficiency, dealing with issues proactively.
• Excellent administration skills required with experience in devising and developing management frameworks and tracking progress against milestones.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills including strong shorthand and excellent typing skills.
• Displays tact and diplomacy, dealing discreetly with confidential information and in a secure way.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to details are critical along with the ability to prioritise workloads.
• Ability to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, both internally and externally, presenting a professional confident image.
• Previous experience assisting with invoices, expenses, VAT, receipt.
• Proven ability to work under pressure with a high degree of accuracy and to tight deadlines.
• Intermediate IT skills, with a thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages (Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint).
• Ability to recognise the organisation structure and adapt behaviour accordingly to improve comms / networking.

Please note: Please note this is a full-time, permanent position based at ZSL London Zoo in Regents Park. Office hours are generally 9am – 5:30pm (Monday – Friday) however a high degree of flexibility will be needed to support the Managing Director of Zoos and Engagement / ZSL business needs. This may involve working some late evenings, events, or weekend however time off in lieu will be given.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more!

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 25th November 2018.

Anticipated first stage interview date: Wednesday 5th December (please keep date free as it will be difficult to re-schedule interview within timelines created for the process)

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

ZSL kindly requests no contact from agencies or media sales please regarding this position.