The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this essential part of the natural world, and our research and expertise are now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

Role Overview

This is a part-time (20 hours a week), home-based, permanent position (subject to ongoing funding). You can be based anywhere in England or Wales, with very occasional travel to meetings and events, mainly in London. We offer flexibility around working patterns to fit around other commitments. We are happy to make adjustments for people with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all communities.

The role is graded at level 4 with a starting salary of between £18,000 and £20,000 based on 20 hours working week (£34,000 to £36,000 FTE), plus benefits including a 9% employer pension contribution, 25 days holiday pro rata (rising to 28), plus statutory public holidays.

This is an ideal opportunity for the right candidate to progress their career as an Executive Assistant and/or to learn about the environmental sector by working with senior executives and Trustees of a leading conservation organisation.

Role Purpose

The Executive Assistant provides high-level support to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ensuring the effective management of their time, meting arrangements, communications, and priorities. Acting as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, the role coordinates meetings and events, prepares documents, and manages sensitive information with discretion. The postholder helps ensure the smooth running of the CEO’s office and supports the wider leadership team in delivering the charity’s mission.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Provide high-level administrative support to the CEO, acting as primary point of contact for scheduling and information management.

Manage calendars, arrange meetings and appointments, and coordinate logistics for events, both virtual and in-person.

Review and format documents, board papers, and presentations as required.

Prepare detailed minutes and actions for Board meetings and other key meetings 

Handle confidential information with discretion and maintain a high level of professionalism in all communications.

Coordinate and assist with travel arrangements and expenses for the CEO and occasional guests.

Monitor and manage CEO’s inbox, flagging urgent matters and responding to routine communications as directed.

Support CEO in stakeholder communications, following up actions, and collating information from the wider team.

Maintain accurate records, files and databases to support processes and ensure information is kept up to date and accessible.

Support proactive time management for the CEO, filtering requests and ensuring key priorities are met.

Undertake ad hoc project work and administrative tasks as required in support of the CEO and senior leadership team.

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities

Essential

Proven experience in an Executive Assistant or Personal Assistant role, working closely with a senior leader or CEO.

Experience supporting the governance of a board or senior management group.

Excellent organisation skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritise across multiple tasks.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to take minutes and draft and proof-read documents.

Demonstrable experience in managing email inboxes, calendars and meeting arrangements remotely.

Confident user of Microsoft Office packages (including Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to learn other systems quickly.

Proactive, self-motivated and able to use own initiative to solve problems.

Discreet and trustworthy, with experience handling sensitive and confidential information.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a remote team.

Ability to attend a small number of in-person meetings(approx. 6 per year) at various locations around the UK, with occasional overnight stays.

Desirable

Experience working in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

Understanding of the environmental sector or a passion for making a positive impact.

Qualifications / Education

Level 3 qualification e.g. A Levels, diploma, or equivalent experience in executive office administration

Working at The Rivers Trust

Everyone who works with us is expected to contribute to a respectful and inclusive working culture and follow our policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, EDI, Cybersecurity, and GDPR.

Application Process and Equal Opportunities

We’re committed to reducing unconscious bias in our recruitment process, and our software helps anonymise applications when we’re shortlisting. To support this, we kindly ask that you don’t include your name in the title of any documents you upload.

Please note we can only accept applications made through this site, not sent by email or other methods. If you have any questions not answered in the advert or on the Recruitment FAQ, please contact Michelle Sharman at michelle.sharman@theriverstrust.org – please do not use this email address to apply, as we can only accept applications through this system.

Closing date: 12pm Monday 30th June 2025

Interviews: 14th and 15th July 2025