Executive Assistant to the CEO

We are seeking a proactive, problem-solving, strategic thinking Executive Assistant to the CEO to offer high-level assistance to the CEO.  

About Black Thrive

Black Thrive Global (BTG) evolved from the work of the Black Thrive Lambeth Partnership, which was established in 2016. We exist to address the inequalities that negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of Black people so that the thriving of Black communities is the norm.

Our guiding principle is that Black communities should be at the forefront of reimagining, redefining and co-creating a society where systemic racism and other oppressive systems have been dismantled so that they have fulfilling lives. We have two priorities – building a Black Thrive Research Institute and embedding race equity in systems change.

Purpose of the role

As the Executive Assistant to the CEO, you will hold a pivotal position within our team, providing essential support to the CEO. Your primary purpose is to offer high-level strategic assistance, allowing our senior leaders to concentrate fully on steering the organisation towards its mission and vision. In this role, you will embody  proactive problem-solving, strategic thinking, and effective communication. Beyond this, your responsibilities will extend to taking meticulous meeting notes and actively contributing to streamlined operations, fostering strategic thinking, and advancing our mission to address systemic issues impacting Black communities' mental health and well-being.

Additionally, you will play a vital role in supporting strategic research where applicable, facilitating project management, and promoting effective stakeholder communication. Your responsibilities will encompass maintaining organised data and documents, including the development and maintenance of action logs, and aiding in developing presentations and materials for internal and external use. As the bridge between leadership and operational aspects, your adaptability, attention to detail, and practical communication skills will ensure the seamless execution of our mission. Your active involvement will be instrumental in the success of Black Thrive as we work diligently to reduce mental health disparities within Black communities and drive lasting change.

The ideal candidate will be self-reliant, exhibit advanced problem-solving abilities, and excel in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.

 

Duties and responsibilities

1. Actively support the CEO with day-to-day administrative support including proactive diary management, assembling and preparing papers required by the CEO to attend meetings, prepare reports, or reply to requests for information.

2. Co-ordinate and organise meetings including board of directors' meetings, conferences, both in person and virtually. Prepare meeting agendas, minute taking and maintaining action logs.

3. Actively collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to create engaging presentations and materials for internal and external meetings, ensuring content is well-structured and visually appealing.

4.       Actively organise and maintain critical data, documents, and records, implementing a structured filing system for easy access and retrieval.

5.       Researches, prioritises, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CEO including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response.

6. Works closely and effectively with the CEO to keep him/her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. Acts as a "barometer," having a sense for the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the CEO updated.

7. Actively coordinate tasks and monitor progress for critical projects and initiatives, ensuring effective communication among team members and stakeholders.

8. Engage actively with key stakeholders, including partners, donors, and community members, to foster positive relationships and facilitate communication.

9. Support the CEO with preparation of a monthly CEO’s message and contributions to newsletters.

10. Liaise with Comms team to ensure and maintain a level of social media presence.

11. Actively participate in budget tracking, financial report preparation, and documentation for grant applications to support the Finance Officer.

12. Actively develop and maintain systems to streamline operational processes while ensuring compliance with organisational policies and procedures.

13. These active duties and responsibilities underscore the role's dynamic involvement in supporting the CEO while actively contributing to Black Thrive's mission to address mental health disparities within Black communities.

Please note: The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your evolving role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Company Benefits

• Flexible working
• Up to 34 days annual leave inclusive of Bank holidays
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Program

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Qualifications and Experience

1. The equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as business administration, public administration, or a related discipline     (Essential)

2.  A minimum of 2 years’ experience in an Administrative / Executive Assistant role in an organisation dealing with multiple and/or complex programmes and partnerships    (Essential)

3.  A minimum of 2 years’ experience supporting senior executives or leaders in an organisation dealing with multiple and/or complex programmes and partnerships.    (Essential)

4.  Ability to review and synthesise complex reports and research findings to inform strategic decision-making.    (Essential)

5.  Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and facilitation of effective communication with various stakeholders.    (Desirable)

6.  Experience working in/with the not for profit or charitable sector   (Desirable)

 

Ability, skills, knowledge

 7.  Exceptional organisational skills to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and maintain a well-structured filing system for documents and records    (Essential)

8.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent senior leadership professionally and succinctly    (Essential)

9.  Proficiency in coordinating activities, monitoring progress, and ensuring effective communication among team members and stakeholder    (Essential)

10. Commitment to equality for all people as well as good knowledge and understanding of the experiences of Black people of African and Caribbean descent and a strong drive to address the factors which negatively impact upon their health and wellbeing.    (Essential)

11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including conveying complex information adaptable to people from different professional backgrounds and levels of seniority.    (Essential)

12.  Excellent attention to detail, ability to multitask and to manage a heavy workload and competing priorities.    (Essential)

13.  Ability to proactively identify challenges and develop innovative solutions while maintaining a strong attention to detail.   (Desirable)

14. Comfortable working in a rapidly evolving environment, with the ability to handle changing priorities and navigate complex challenges   (Desirable)

15. Familiarity with financial processes, including budget tracking and financial report preparation.   (Desirable)

16.  Ability to work at speed through ambiguity and uncertainty and remain calm under pressure.   (Desirable)

17.  Ability to remain enthusiastic, optimistic, and solutions-focused in the face of adversity and to deliver tangible results with minimal supervision.   (Desirable)

A Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required but we will treat applicants who have a criminal record fairly and will not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.