Job Description

Executive Assistant – CEO Office (12-Month Maternity Cover)

London (Fixed Base or Agile Working with a minimum of 3 days office-based)

12-Month Fixed-Term Contract | Full Time

At Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK, we believe everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. Together, our two closely linked charities have been supporting people affected by mental illness for over 50 years through high-quality services, support groups, advice and campaigning for change.

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Executive Assistant to join our CEO Office on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of two national mental health charities, supporting senior leadership and contributing to important organisational priorities.

About the Role

As Executive Assistant, you will provide comprehensive support to the CEO Office, helping to ensure the smooth and effective operation of a busy and high-profile team. Working collaboratively as part of a small and dedicated Leadership & Governance Team, you will coordinate a wide range of activities, supporting the CEOs and Senior Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing complex diaries, meetings and schedules for the CEO Office.
• Organising travel, accommodation and logistics.
• Coordinating and minuting meetings, including the Executive Team, which comprises our six Chief Officers, and Mental Health UK Board meetings.
• Supporting the preparation of briefings, speeches, presentations, conferences and events for the CEO Office.
• Managing high-level and sensitive correspondence, including email, letters and social media enquiries.
• Supporting leadership and governance-related activities.
• Leading or contributing to special projects and events, including the Charity's annual Pringle Awards.

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work for a leading mental health charity within the Leadership & Governance Directorate, providing support and gaining valuable experience within a small and dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant seeking a varied and high-profile role supporting the leadership of two national charities.

What We're Looking For

You will bring:

• Proven experience working as an Executive Assistant or in a similar senior support role.
• Extensive administration experience and a strong understanding of effective office management practices.
• Excellent organisational, prioritisation and time management skills.
• The ability to build strong working relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

Desirable

• Experience working within the charity sector.
• Experience supporting boards, trustees or governance processes.
• Shorthand skills.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a small, friendly and highly collaborative team at the centre of two influential mental health charities. This role offers a unique opportunity to support senior leaders, work closely with governance processes and contribute to projects that help improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness.

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Why join Rethink Mental Illness?

We believe people do their best work when they feel supported, valued and able to be themselves. You'll benefit from:

• An inclusive culture, with colleague-led staff networks for Disability & Neurodiversity, Race & Ethnicity, LGBTQIA+, Gender Equality and Menopause.
• Flexible working and 25 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with the option to buy or sell leave.
• Wellbeing support including our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and Unmind.
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Financial and family benefits including a contributory pension, enhanced family leave and travel schemes.
• Recognition and rewards including discounts, cashback offers and a Blue Light Card.
• Referral bonus where you can earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.

Our commitment to inclusion

We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. We're also committed to becoming a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider supported by a multi-year equity, diversity and inclusion programme of work. For more information please view https://www.rethink.org/media/hdtjjy5b/revised-edi-plan-rethink.pdf

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences and want everyone to have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience. If you need reasonable adjustments during recruitment or when in your role, please let us know and we will work with you to understand what support you need.