Job role

This is a pivotal role at the heart of the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and Board of Trustees to ensure the organisation runs smoothly and delivers its strategic priorities.

As Executive Assistant, you will be a trusted partner to senior leaders - keeping them organised, prepared, and one step ahead. You’ll manage complex diaries, coordinate high-profile meetings and engagements, and ensure everything behind the scenes runs seamlessly.

You’ll play a central role in connecting teams and people across the organisation, acting as a key point of contact for stakeholders and helping to drive activity forward. Alongside this, you’ll support strong governance through work with the Board of Trustees and contribute to the delivery of impactful events and external engagement.

This is a fast-paced, varied role where no two days are the same - ideal for someone who enjoys being at the centre of activity and making things happen.

About the Centre for Young Lives

Founded by Baroness Anne Longfield, a former Children’s Commissioner for England, the Centre for Young Lives exists to tackle systemic barriers and create better futures for children and young people.

We want this country to be the best place to grow up and bring up children. We work with national and local leaders to remove barriers to opportunity and deliver innovative, evidence-led solutions that create lasting change. Our approach is rooted in collaboration, systems thinking, and amplifying the voices of children and young people.

What You’ll Do

• Be at the heart of the organisation, providing proactive, high-quality support to the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team

• Seamlessly manage complex diaries, meetings, travel, and logistics to keep senior leaders operating at their best

• Prepare sharp briefings and materials so leaders are confident, informed, and ready for every engagement

• Support the Board of Trustees, ensuring meetings run smoothly and governance is well-coordinated

• Act as a trusted point of contact, building strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders

• Keep teams connected by coordinating activity and ensuring priorities are delivered

• Play a key role in delivering impactful events and stakeholder engagement

• Maintain robust systems and stay on top of actions to keep momentum and accountability high

• Handle sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgement

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings energy, pace, and a relentless ‘can-do’ mindset - someone who doesn’t just respond to what’s needed, but anticipates it, takes ownership, and makes things happen. You thrive in a fast-moving environment, juggling competing priorities with confidence and resilience, and take real pride in keeping senior leaders one step ahead.

Calm under pressure and sharp in your judgement, you handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism. You’re a confident and credible communicator, equally comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders as you are collaborating across teams, building strong, trusted relationships wherever you work.

Highly organised and detail-focused, you don’t let things drop - you see tasks through, maintain momentum, and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Above all, you’re purpose-driven, motivated by making a difference, and excited to play a key role in improving outcomes for children, young people, and families.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation tackling systemic barriers for young people

• Help shape national conversations on social innovation and systems change through evidence and insight

• Deliver meaningful, lasting improvements to outcomes for children and young people in local communities

As part of the package, you will also benefit from:

• A pension scheme, offering 7% employer contribution

• A generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year (plus 8 Bank Holidays)

• Flexible, hybrid working arrangements

• Family-friendly policies that support wellbeing

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, please send the following to recruitment@centreforyounglives.org.uk:

• A CV (maximum of two pages)  

• A supporting statement setting out:  

1. Why you are interested in this role  
2. How you meet the Essential Person Specification within the Job Description

Closing date: Tuesday 14th July (23:59)  

Interview date: Thursday 23rd July (Please note this is subject to change)

Start date: Immediate

This role may close early if the right candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and from underrepresented groups. We are committed to building a diverse team that brings a wide range of perspectives and experiences, and we particularly welcome applications from racially marginalised communities.

We encourage applicants to complete our Equality and Diversity Monitoring form. This is anonymous and cannot be linked to your application, and helps us to better understand the diversity of candidates applying to join us.

We expect all staff to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The Centre for Young Lives cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.