Executive assistant, reparations 

Location: York / hybrid (1–2 days per week in the office)

Salary: £47,814

Contract: Three years fixed term (until April 2029)

Application deadline: June 4

About the role:

Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) is a grant-making Quaker Trust that makes grants for a wide range of charitable work, from grassroots community groups to well-established charities working to build a peaceful and just world.

JRCT has committed to a programme of reparations. This follows the Trust’s recognition of the ways in which it benefited from or contributed to oppressive practices including enslavement, indenture, colonialism, and Apartheid.

As executive assistant, reparations, this role supports the head of reparations and enables the smooth administrative and support aspects of the head of reparations’ affairs.

You will support the head of reparations in the effective execution of the reparations projects, which will include coordinating project activities, maintaining meticulous project and workplan documentation, managing communication within the reparations team, with the wider JRCT team, and with external stakeholders. Your role will also extend to scheduling and organising meetings, maintaining clear records, and aiding in the organisation of project tasks. You will work in an administrative capacity to ensure that project deadlines are kept and deliverables are met. As the reparations projects will involve extensive work with stakeholders in Africa and the Caribbean, familiarity with African and Caribbean cultures, as well as relevant multi-lingual and /or multi-cultural competencies will be essential. 

 Flexible working patterns are supported, with some travel and occasional overnight stays required.

  • Duties and responsibilities 

    Executive support   
     
    Prepare and coordinate briefing and background documents so that the head of reparations is fully informed ahead of key meetings.  
      
    Manage the head of reparation's diary, inbox, and scheduling to ensure effective prioritisation of time including flagging urgent emails that need a response or forwarding emails to other members of the team to deal with as appropriate.   
     
    Coordinate travel and logistics, including booking transport and accommodation.  
     
    Prepare and send occasional correspondence on behalf of the head of reparations. 
     
    Internal and external meeting organisation - including compiling agendas for head of reparations, circulating papers, and producing meeting minutes and action trackers.    
     
    Managing the briefings tracker – ensuring the head of reparations is fully briefed and has relevant information, meeting participant bios, background reading for all internal an external meetings.   
     
    Recording and maintaining the head of reparations’ contacts, networks, including tracking emails, appointments and follow up actions. 
     
    Assist with proof-reading correspondence, desktop research, drafting letters and reports as necessary supporting the head of reparations.   
     
    Support head of reparations and SLT with project management office administration for key strategic initiatives such as project plan tracking, status reports, risk & action log maintenance, External advisory group coordination and logistics, Staff participation, external partner and stakeholder logistics.   
     
    Support for the team and wider organisation   
      
    Collaborating with staff on reparations related work.  
     
    Engaging with external key stakeholders, as appropriate.   
     
    Engaging with the communications team on social media activity related to reparations.  
     
    Support for event planning involving the head of reparations and reparations team, including venue booking and logistics – e.g. for Leadership Team Away Days, Board meetings and workshops, team events.   
     
    Support diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace.  
     
    Carry out other associated duties as may arise, develop or be assigned.   
     
     
    General responsibilities  
     
    Consistently perform the role effectively and in line with the values and mission of JRCT. 
     
    Proactively keep up to date with developments affecting your work and maintaining and improving personal competence through continuous professional development. 
     
    Take direction on projects and priorities from your line manager and trustees, which may vary from time to time. 
     
    Develop, foster and maintain effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders and organisations. 
     
    Work to administration and communication protocols efficiently to ensure that organisational systems and procedures are implemented. 
     
    Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice. 
     
    Prepare for and participate in supervision and appraisal meetings. 
     
    Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times. 
     
    Contribute constructively to team meetings and organisational priorities. 
     
    Demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 
     
    Carry out other duties as may arise, develop or be assigned commensurate with the role.