Executive Assistant to CEO

Role/Job Title: Executive Assistant to the CEO Location: Cornford Lane, Pembury, Kent, TN2 4QU Mileage expenses will be paid for travel to locations away from your main workplace, in accordance with the organisation's mileage policy. Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday – Friday) Salary: £35,000 to £38,000 per annum (dependent on experience) Closing date for applications: Friday 14th of August 2026 Please note that we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive sufficient suitable applications. We encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity. Equal Opportunity/Accessibility and Accommodations Statement: As a Disability Confident employer, Aspens Charities is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. We actively promote the recruitment, retention, and career development of people with disabilities, recognising the invaluable contributions they make to our organisation. We are dedicated to ensuring an accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Aspens’ mission is to provide high-quality care and support to individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities; meeting their needs and aspirations and empowering them to learn and grow through an integrated network of services across the South-East. Executive Assistant to the CEO & Board About Aspens Formed in 2016 through the merger of Autism Sussex, Larkfield, and Hill Park Autistic Trust (Pepenbury), Aspens brings over 100 years of combined expertise to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and with learning disabilities. Operating across the South East (including Kent, Sussex, and London), our mission is to provide high-quality, empowering care through an integrated network of services. This role sits within the Office of the CEO, directly contributing to the strategic leadership and operational oversight of our fantastic charity. The Opportunity Are you an energetic, hard-working, and passionate professional looking for a unique career development opportunity? As our Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the CEO, the Inclusive Leadership Board, and the Board of Trustees. You will balance high-level strategic delivery, governance coordination, and project management with day-to-day administrative excellence. This dynamic position also includes direct line management of administrative staff and oversight of our reception function. Key Responsibilities Executive & Project Support Strategic Delivery: Partner with the CEO and Senior Leaders to implement organisational projects, manage action plans, and track benefits realisation. Diary & Logistics: Manage complex calendars, plan corporate events, and coordinate detailed travel itineraries. Team Leadership: Line manage administrative staff and oversee the reception function to maintain a positive, professional culture. Communication: Draft high-quality briefing materials, manage corporate correspondence, and engage effectively with families, trustees, and external agencies. Governance & Board Administration Board Management: Coordinate, attend, and take minutes for all Board and Committee meetings, ensuring timely production of reports and papers. Compliance: Act as Company Secretary under the guidance of the CEO, submitting vital updates to Companies House and the Charity Commission. Systems Maintenance: Oversee the Trustee service visit calendar, rotation charts, and secure SharePoint folders. What We Are Looking For Essential Criteria: Experience: Prior experience providing secretarial/administrative support at Board level, working alongside Trustees or Non-Executives, ideally within the Not-for-Profit sector. Project Skills: Proven ability to lead projects, manage budgets, and evidence results on time. Technical Skills: Highly proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, with strong research capabilities and a knack for accurate minute-taking. Attributes: Exceptional discretion, proactivity, resilience under pressure, resourcefulness, and high emotional intelligence. Availability: Ability to work from our Cornford Lane office 3 days per week. Attendance at Board Meetings finishing at 6pm 12 times per year. Education: Secondary education passes or equivalent. Desirable Criteria: An Executive Assistant Diploma or equivalent qualification. Why Join Aspens? We are looking for caring, understanding people who champion our core values. If you want to work toward your own personal progression, our incredible internal training team will support you from day one. Whether you are looking to advance your established EA career or take a structured step into a highly purposeful sector, we provide the tools and support to ensure your success. What We Offer: · Comprehensive paid training and excellent career progression opportunities · Paid DBS check · Flexible work arrangements · Company Pension and Death in Service benefit · Access to a dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders · Blue Light Card discounts · 20% discount at Aspens High Street Stores for all staff · Discounted staff menu available at the Bluebell Café (Pembury) · Refer a Friend scheme - earn up to £250 for every successful referral · Employee recognition programmes, including ‘Employee of the Month’ Apply now and one of our team members will reach out to discuss the role further. If shortlisted, we will contact you directly to schedule an interview. We strive to respond to all applicants; however, if you have not received a response within a reasonable timeframe, please feel free to contact us for a status update or feedback (where available). After the interview, you will be notified of the outcome. If successful, you’ll receive a formal offer in writing. Upon acceptance, we’ll guide you through the onboarding process, providing you with all the details you need Please note, any offer of employment will be subject to Disclosure and Barring checks (which we will arrange on your behalf if you don’t already have one) and satisfactory employment references. Pay: £35,000.00-£38,000.00 per year Work Location: In person