Executive Support Officer

About the Job

Interview date: 16 March 2026

Part time (18.5 hours per week)

The Executive Support Officer will provide high quality, proactive administrative and executive support across the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC). Working closely with senior leaders, you will coordinate meetings, prepare documentation, support governance activity, and maintain effective operational processes.

You will liaise with members of the Board of Governors and provide administrative support for governance related meetings, including occasional late evening sessions. This is a fast paced and impactful post requiring excellent organisational and attention to detail skills and a professional approach.

You will:

• Provide administrative support for governance meetings, including preparing meeting packs, coordinating hybrid/in person logistics, supporting minute taking, and assisting with occasional late evening Board sessions
• Support processes and meetings for the recruitment, induction, probation and reappointment of University governors
• Assist with maintaining governance records such as attendance logs, registers, declarations, and action trackers
• Coordinate meetings for OVC senior executives, including scheduling, agenda preparation, collation and circulation of papers, and accurate minute taking
• Assist with OVC events, visits, briefings, and internal engagement activities, and cross University coordination

We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another.

With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy. You will be required to be on site at the minimum of 2 days per week (subject to business need). Please be advised the postholder will be required to work out of hours to support board and committee meetings.

About You

We are looking for an experienced administrator with excellent organisational and communication skills who will be confident in supporting senior leaders in a complex environment. You should have excellent digital competency and analytical skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Experience of supporting boards of governors, committees, preparing structured documentation, minute taking, and confidently liaising with stakeholders, especially at senior level, is essential. You will thrive in a role that requires professionalism, discretion, and the ability to work independently with sound judgement.

Qualifications

Essential:

• A level qualification or equivalent professional qualification/experience

Desirable:

• A degree or professional qualification in a linked discipline

Department

The Office of the Vice Chancellor plays a central role in supporting Executive leadership and driving institutional priorities. The OVC Support Team provides high level administrative, governance, and coordination support across a wide range of strategic activities. As part of this team, you will contribute to an inclusive, collaborative, and high performing professional services environment, supporting key governance functions and ensuring the smooth running of senior executive operations.

About Us

At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.

Our People

Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.

Our Values

• Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
• Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
• Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
• Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.

Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.

Right to Work

All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. Due to the requirements laid out by UK Visas and Immigration regarding Right to Work in the UK, the University can only accept applications from individuals who currently have a status allowing them to work in the UK for this position. Due to this criteria, we regret that we are unable to offer sponsorship at this time.

Equality

We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.

The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.

Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion

affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.

Commitments Include

1. Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
2. Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
3. Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.

UON's Major Commitments

• Disability Confident
• Standalone Pledge
• IHRA Working Definition

For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON