Deputy Executive Secretary (Part‑Time, 80% FTE)
Hours: Part‑Time, 80% FTE
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £34,800 – £36,498 per annum, pro‑rata for 30 hours per week, DOE
Location: Central Cambridge office, some remote work possible.
About the Employer
Founded in 1819 as a private society, the society promotes research in all branches of science and encourages communication of scientific results. It publishes two leading scientific journals, runs public lectures and events, and supports postgraduate students and early‑career researchers through grants, studentships and fellowships. It is an independent, self‑supporting, charitable and learned society with close links to the University of Cambridge and over 2,000 members.
The Role
We seek an efficient professional with the experience, skills, responsibility and judgement to support senior‑level charity operations.
Key responsibilities include:
* Managing the transition to and operation of the new online membership database and all membership matters in accordance with the Society's Bye‑Laws.
* Preparing for evening lectures, one‑day meetings, departmental and summer visits—promoting events, coordinating with the Communications Officer, liaising with guest speakers, organising dinners and catering, contacting venues, arranging travel and accommodation, monitoring bookings.
* Preparing and supporting Council and Investment Committee meetings: drafting and distributing papers, following up, drafting agendas, covering minute taking, and following up on actions.
* Facilitating financial operations, including funding allocation rounds: collating papers, liaising with decision panels, communicating decisions and processing grants.
* Assisting with the operational support of the two journals when required.
* Covering for the Executive Secretary during leave or other commitments.
* Preparing and maintaining risk assessments for various operations and arranging required provisions (e.g., PAT testing, first‑aid provision).
* Managing belongings and materials during the forthcoming office move and storage changes.
Other duties may arise, including more extensive financial account assistance.
Person Specification
• Well‑organised, resourceful, flexible professional who takes initiative, meets deadlines, and prioritises tasks without close supervision.
• Degree‑level education expected; quick assimilation of information, strong attention to detail, proficiency in standard software and remote collaboration tools (MS Teams, Google Drive, etc.).
• Tactful, persuasive communicator with a positive, friendly manner; capable of working independently and team‑orientated, with or without supervision.
• Administrative experience in higher education, especially the University of Cambridge, and experience with financial accounts or online CRM databases is advantageous.
Terms of Appointment
Appointment is permanent, subject to satisfactory completion of probation and satisfactory references. Salary £34,800–£36,498 per annum (DOE), pro‑rata for 80% FTE (30 hours). Part‑time employees receive pro‑rata paid leave; full‑time employees receive 36 days inclusive of public holidays. Working hours will be agreed with the successful applicant, ideally including Mondays and Fridays and some evenings; flexible arrangements possible.
Closing date
Sunday, 10 May 2026
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