Executive Assistant - CEO

Executive Assistant to the CEO - The Francis Crick Institute

London UK

Are you a career Executive Assistant who thrives under pressure delivers with precision and builds trusted relationships at the highest level

This is an exciting opportunity to support Professor Edith Heard as she steps into the role of Director and CEO of the Francis Crick Institute succeeding Nobel Laureate Sir Paul Nurse. We are seeking a highly accomplished and exceptional Executive Assistant to play a key role in supporting her leadership as she shapes the next chapter of the Cricks remarkable journey.

As Executive Assistant to the Director youll play a pivotal role at the very heart of one of the worlds leading scientific institutions. Youll operate in a fast-paced high-profile environment acting as the Directors trusted advisor right hand and strategic operator. Youll bring extensive experience supporting senior high-profile individuals at C-suite level within complex high-profile organisations and manage a demanding schedule coordinating national and international engagements.

Youll be an exceptional communicator skilled at managing a broad range of diverse senior stakeholders and building credibility and trust liaising confidently with everyone from Nobel Prize-winning scientists and global research leaders to government ministers major funders and royalty.

To succeed in this role youll need exceptional organisational skills sound judgement and the confidence to build trusted relationships at the highest level. Calm under pressure and able to anticipate needs youll bring clarity discretion and drive to everything you do. You will ensure the smooth and effective running of the Directors office and help to deliver the Cricks bold mission to drive benefits for human health.

What you will be doing

• Coordinating the Directors complex and dynamic calendar maintaining oversight of all priorities and commitments and ensuring optimal alignment of internal and external obligations.
• Ensuring the Director is optimally prepared for all meetings and other events providing all documentation briefings etc. in a timely manner and providing effective follow up.
• Proactively managing the Directors high volume email inbox ensuring timely responses appropriate delegation and effective prioritisation of critical communications.
• Drafting editing and managing high level correspondence reports and presentations.
• Acting as a gatekeeper in communications with global science leaders institutional partners government agencies and philanthropic stakeholders.

• Acting as the Directors eyes and ears ensuring that all relevant matters are brought to the Directors attention and presented in the most appropriate and informative way.

• Liaising and building effective working relationships with Board members including the Chairman and their offices.

• Handling confidential information with the upmost integrity and discretion.

What you will bring

• Extensive executive support experience with at least 5 years supporting a C-suite or equivalent senior leader in a complex high-profile organisation.
• Outstanding organisational and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to think strategically anticipate challenges and offer proactive solutions.
• First class communication skills with experience of drafting clear and concise briefings reports and other types of communication for a wide range of audiences including senior management.
• Exhibiting the gravitas and professionalism to act on behalf of the Director with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Outstanding inter-personal skills and strong emotional intelligence with the ability to interact effectively with colleagues at all levels within the institute displaying gravitas and able to offer advice guidance and challenge where necessary.
• Resilient with an aptitude for and enjoyment of a dynamic high workload. Capable of thriving in a high-pressure environment while maintaining professionalism and composure.
• High level of integrity with the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly.

A background in a scientific academic or research environment is helpful but not essential. What matters most is your resilience professionalism and ability to support a leader operating at the pinnacle of global science. For a full job description see here.

About Working at the Crick

Our values

Everyone who works at the Crick has a valuable role to play in advancing the Cricks mission and shaping our culture.

• We arebold. We make space for creative dynamic and imaginative ideas and approaches. Were not afraid to do things differently.

• We areopen. Were highly collaborative and interactive and make sure our activities are visible to the outside world.

• We arecollegial. We show respect for one another work cooperatively and support the wider community.

At the Francis Crick Institute we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to driving innovation and scientific discovery. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued respected and empowered to succeed regardless of their background identity or personal circumstances. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all genders ethnicities abilities and experiences.

As a Disability Confident Leader we ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so well make reasonable adjustments if you need them. For this or any other assistance you need with applying please email:

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile to have your application reviewed.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received.

To find out more about life at the Crick click here.

What will you receive

At the Francis Crick Institute we value our team members and are proud to offer an extensive range of benefits to support their well-being and development:

• Generous Leave: 28 days of annual leave plus three additional days over Christmas and bank holidays.

• Pension Scheme: Defined contribution pension with employer contributions of up to 16%.

• 24/7 GP consultation services.

• Occupational health services and mental health support programs.

• Eye care vouchers and discounted healthcare plans.

• Work-Life Balance:

• Back-up care for dependents.

• Childcare support allowance.

• Annual leave purchase options.
• Crick Networks offering diverse groups support community and inclusive social events.

• Discounted gym memberships bike-to-work scheme and shopping discounts.

• Subsidised on-site restaurant and social spaces for team interaction.

• Development & Recognition:

• Comprehensive training mentoring