Executive Assistant

Project Delivery and Major Events:

The Ceremonials team sits within the Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate leads on the strategic planning and delivery of ceremonial events and commemorations, building wider engagement programmes as required around those events, as well as building our systems, capacity and expertise for delivery of future major events. The projects covered by the team in recent years are:

• Delivery of events to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, alongside a national engagement programme to drive participation in communities and schools;
• Annual delivery of the Remembrance Sunday event at the Cenotaph in Whitehall;
• Support for inward State Visits;
• Delivery in 2022 of Their Majesties Coronation and in the previous year key elements of Her Late Majestys funeral. Ongoing planning and delivery for future Royal ceremonial events.

We want to ensure our national ceremonial events continue to be world-leading examples of major event delivery but also that they can reach and engage communities all over the country. We are a small, high-performing team which prioritises a positive workplace culture, where colleagues are committed to excellence in delivery, ongoing personal development and a supportive working environment.

Sports and Gambling:

The Sport & Gambling Directorate sits at the centre of some of the Governments most high-profile and impactful priorities. From shaping the future of sport and physical activity, supporting elite and professional sport, and promoting diversity and inclusion, to overseeing football governance and sponsoring the Independent Football Regulator, the Directorate plays a leading role in delivering change that matters across the UK.

The Directorate also leads the Governments gambling and lotteries agenda, working to strike the right balance between consumer freedom and protection from harm. Its work includes sponsoring the Gambling Commission, delivering reforms from the Gambling White Paper, stewarding the National Lottery, and engaging with stakeholders across sectors including betting, casinos, bingo, online gambling and horse racing.

Both roles sit at the heart of the Directors Office, supporting the Director and Deputy Directors. You'll join a small, friendly and fast-paced team where no two days are the same. We are organised, collaborative and supportive, with a strong sense of humour and a shared commitment to delivering excellent outcomes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into senior government decision-making, build valuable relationships and make a real impact while developing your skills in a dynamic and high-profile policy environment.

We are recruiting for two executive assistants in our Sports and Gambling Directorate and one executive assistant in our Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate.

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real impact while gaining a unique insight into how government operates at the highest levels? This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-profile directorate at the heart of the UK's sport, gambling, lotteries or ceremonials sectors.

As Executive Assistant to the Director and Deputy Directors, you will be a trusted partner to senior leaders, helping them deliver high-profile priorities and navigate a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You will manage complex diaries, coordinate meetings and events, prepare briefings and correspondence, and act as a key point of contact for stakeholders across government and industry.

This is far more than an administrative role. You will be at the centre of decision-making, working closely with senior officials, Private Offices and external partners, gaining first-hand exposure to policy development and strategic delivery. No two days will be the same, offering plenty of variety, responsibility and opportunities to develop.

The role is ideal for someone who is highly organised, proactive and enjoys building relationships. In return, you'll gain valuable experience, develop highly transferable skills and build a strong professional network, making this an excellent platform for future career progression within the Civil Service.

If you enjoy making things happen and thrive in a busy environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential requirements:

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant, Diary Manager or in a similar role, supporting senior leaders and managing complex diaries.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to remain calm and adaptable in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other digital systems, with strong attention to detail and experience of administrative and financial processes.

Desirable skills:

• A passion for delivering excellent service to colleagues, stakeholders and customers.
• An interest in developing an understanding of the organisation's sectors, priorities and business management functions.

We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Graham Phillimore and Lisa Gray, and will take place on:

• Thursday 15th October at 14:00

The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

Please register your interest by filling out this Registration form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed.

Please note that the session will not be recorded and will not focus on the DCMS recruitment process - please direct any queries that you have on this topic (timelines, reasonable adjustments, onboarding etc) to [email protected]