Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

If you are an experienced Executive Assistant who thrives in partnership with senior leaders and colleagues alike, this is a role where your ability to collaborate, anticipate and connect will truly matter. At University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations (CUDAR), we work at the heart of one of the world's leading universities. We build lifelong relationships with alumni and secure philanthropic support that enables world-changing research, scholarships and initiatives. This role sits at the centre of that work.

Why this role matters

You will support the Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations as part of a small, high-performing Executive Office team. Working closely with the Executive Business Manager, senior academics, colleagues across CUDAR, central University teams and external stakeholders, you will help ensure effective leadership through excellent coordination, communication and judgement.

What you'll be doing

• Manage a complex and fast-moving diary, balancing competing priorities with sound judgement.
• Prepare agendas, briefings and papers, and track actions to support effective decision-making.
• Draft correspondence, presentations and sensitive communications with professionalism and discretion.
• Act as a trusted point of contact between the Executive Director and colleagues across the University.
• Coordinate international travel, high-profile visits and meetings.
• Process expenses and invoices, maintain accurate records and support the smooth running of the Executive Office.

About you

You are likely to have experience supporting senior leaders at Director level or above and are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. You build strong relationships, communicate confidently and bring calm, practical judgement to your work.

We welcome applications from a wide range of sectors. Higher education experience is not required.

What you will also bring

• Proven experience providing high-level executive support.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High levels of discretion and professionalism.
• Confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and SharePoint.

What you can expect from us

• Flexible hybrid working.
• 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays and Christmas closure).
• A generous pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• A supportive and inclusive culture where wellbeing matters.
• The opportunity to contribute to work that changes lives around the world.

University of Cambridge Development and Alumni Relations - Do your best work here.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 9 August 2026 . Interviews are anticipated to take place on Wednesday 19 August 2026 . Candidates selected to progress to a second round will be invited to meet with the Executive Director on Thursday 27 August 2026 .

Please quote reference DH50499 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.