Previous applicants need not apply Proposed Interview Date: 26th/27th February About the role We are seeking a highly professional, discreet and proactive individual to oversee the smooth, efficient and strategic running of the Group CEO’s Office. Reporting to the Group Chief of Staff and Group Chief Governance Officer, you will manage complex programmes of activity, ensure exemplary diary and communications management, and act as a trusted conduit between the Group CEO and both internal and external stakeholders. You will coordinate resources across multiple sites, produce high-quality briefings and communications, commission analysis ahead of key engagements, and support governance requirements, including preparation of Board materials and provide a professional and personal administrative support of the Group CEO. Professional development is encouraged and an opportunity to progress in governance and/or chief of staff roles may be an option. What you do Own the day-to-day operations of the Group CEO’s Office, ensuring timely, professional communications and information flow. Provide high-quality executive and personal assistant support, prioritising and optimising the CEO’s diary to maximise impact. Lead coordination of resources, facilities, events and travel across College and Trust sites; oversee high-profile visits. Draft, review and manage internal/external communications, working closely with the Communications team, support appropriate use of social media. Prepare concise briefings and reports; commission and synthesise analysis ahead of meetings and public engagements. Track and deliver strategic projects for the Group CEO and Directorate, monitoring progress and risks. Promote a "can do" customer-service culture, mentoring Executive Assistants and embedding effective digital processes Horizon-scan across FE, HE and schools’ policy; summarise implications for the Group CEO and leadership teams. Support governance and compliance, coordinating Board papers and ensuring follow-through on decisions. Maintain strict confidentiality and professional judgement in handling sensitive matters. Oversee non-pay budgets and expenses for the CEO and Directorate Contribute to CRM development for stakeholder engagement and using his for effective communications. About you Degree-level education (or equivalent experience). Significant experience in business operations within an educational or similarly complex organisation. Proven track record engaging senior decision-makers and influencing change. Leadership of administration/secretarial teams with multi-site coordination. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; confident using social media professionally. Able to work in a highly pressurised environment and at pace. Able to use AI effectively and ethically and have innovative ways and ideas to embed in our systems and processes. Highly proficient with Microsoft 365 and adaptable to new systems. Methodical, organised and resilient—able to juggle multiple priorities and work to short deadlines. Able to move rapidly between detail and the big picture; present complex information clearly. Strong ambassadorial skills; discretion, integrity and confidentiality. Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and the Nolan Principles of public life. Working arrangements This is a full-time role (1.0 FTE) based primarily at Bromley and Orpington with some hybrid working and travelling across all school and college sites in SE London, Surrey and East Sussex. Evening/weekend working may be required to support the Group CEO’s schedule. UK Driving License is essential as travelling with and driving the Group CEO will be required. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button About You About Us About Us The College Elevare Civic Education Group is the umbrella organisation that comprises our Group Organisations, London South East Colleges, London South East Academies Trust and Elevare Education Foundation. The Group rationale is borne from a shared mission, vision and values. It seeks to optimise governance alignment through a Group Strategy and provide efficiencies across the organisations. Built on charitable principles and a co-incidence of interest, the Group ethos is founded upon high-quality teaching and learning, the development of curriculum models fitting each school and cohort, and a core and bespoke school improvement strategy which focuses on our shared strength. The strategic and operational working relationships between the College, Trust and Foundation have been established to optimise collaboration and integration - and to reflect both the next stage of our journey and our growing civic mission. Collectively the Group annual income is c£150m, delivering education to c16,000 students and employing over 2000 staff. Elevare – meaning to elevate or uplift – captures our mission to raise aspirations and opportunities, while Civic signals our responsibility and commitment to being an anchor institution, at the heart of our communities. Working in the office that is the heart of the Elevare Civic Education Group, the postholder, is a key and important officer who enables and supports strategic leadership across the Elevare Civic Education Group. Benefits We offer a highly competitive benefits package, including excellent annual leave and a generous pension through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme depending on role. Additional benefits include: Access to an Employee Assistance Programme Free on-site parking Cycle to work scheme Annual season ticket loan Access to the Discounts for Teachers portal Free Wi-Fi access in over 10,000 locations worldwide through Eduroam Access to our on-site gym at Bromley campus and discount at other local gyms Discounts in our in-house restaurants and on hair and beauty treatments Equal Opportunities London South East Colleges is fully committed to equality of opportunity and to creating a diverse, inclusive and respectful working environment, free from discrimination and harassment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, parental status or marital or partnership status. As a Disability Confident Committed employer, we guarantee an interview to applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [email protected]. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we carry out social media checks on shortlisted candidates to assess suitability for working with children and young people. Because we work with children and vulnerable adults, all roles are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check and, where relevant, a Children’s and/or Adult’s Barred List check. Any offer of employment may be withdrawn if these checks are unsatisfactory. Self-disclosure is required as part of the recruitment process, and failure to disclose relevant information or provide a DBS certificate is likely to result in withdrawal of an offer. Our DBS policy on the recruitment of ex-offenders is available on request. All appointments are also subject to verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with Home Office requirements. Original documentation will be required prior to commencement of employment. Keyboard Shortcuts F9 - Move focus from the edit area to the Footer Toolbar F10 - Move focus from the edit area to the first toolbar button Shift TAB - Move focus from the edit area to the last toolbar button