Role Overview 

We are seeking a highly capable Executive Assistant (EA) to support the Founder of a growing start-up and a University Lecturer. This is a senior support role requiring sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate autonomously across multiple professional domains. 

The Executive Assistant will act as a strategic enabler, ensuring the Founder’s time, priorities, and commitments are managed effectively across entrepreneurship, academia, public engagement, and family life. The role goes beyond administrative support and requires anticipation, coordination, and problem-solving. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Executive & Priority Management 

• Act as the primary gatekeeper to the Founder, managing access, communications, and competing priorities. 

• Proactively manage the Founder’s calendar across academic, business, and external engagements. Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly briefings outlining key meetings, deadlines, and decision points. 

• Track commitments and follow up to ensure timely execution. 

2. Strategic Coordination & Project Oversight 

• Support planning and execution of key projects across the start-up and academic workstreams. 

• Coordinate timelines, deliverables, and stakeholders to ensure projects progress efficiently. 

• Monitor risks, bottlenecks, and dependencies, escalating issues where necessary. 

• Supervise and coordinate junior staff and external contractors as required. 

3. Communication & Stakeholder Management 

• Serve as the central communication hub between the Founder and: 

o Staff 

o Clients 

o Academic partners 

o External collaborators and service providers 

• Draft, review, and manage correspondence on behalf of the Founder. 

• Ensure professional, timely, and consistent communication across all channels. 

4. Operational & Administrative Leadership 

• Establish and maintain efficient systems for document management, record keeping, and confidentiality. 

• Oversee CRM records and ensure data accuracy and reporting. 

• Prepare reports, presentations, budgets, and summary documents for internal and external use. 

• Coordinate travel, accommodation, and logistics for professional engagements. 

5. Marketing & Public Engagement Coordination 

• Coordinate website content updates and ensure accuracy and timeliness. 

• Oversee email campaigns and social media scheduling, working with internal staff or external providers where applicable. Research, identify, and secure speaking, teaching, and networking opportunities aligned with the Founder’s professional profile. 

• Track engagement outcomes and maintain records of public-facing activities. 

6. Academic & Professional Support 

• Support academic scheduling, teaching commitments, and research-related administration. 

• Assist with preparation of academic and professional materials, presentations, and submissions. 

• Coordinate across institutional environments with differing protocols and timelines. 

Qualifications & Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree required in a relevant field. Academic backgrounds that are particularly well-suited to this role include (but are not limited to): 

o Business Administration, Management, or Entrepreneurship 

o International Relations, Political Science, or Public Policy 

o Economics or Development Studies 

o Communications, Media, or Strategic Communications 

o Law (LLB or equivalent), Paralegal Studies, or Legal Administration 

o Engineering or Project Management 

• A postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA, MSc, MA, MPA) in a related field will be considered a strong asset (but is not required), particularly where it demonstrates: 

o Strategic thinking 

o Policy or institutional awareness 

o Advanced writing and analytical skills 

• Minimum 5–7 years’ professional experience in one or more of the following roles: 

o Executive Assistant to a Founder, CEO, Director, or senior academic 

o Chief of Staff, Operations Manager, or Programme Manager 

o Senior Administrative or Governance role within a university, research institute, NGO, or professional services firm 

• Demonstrated experience supporting leaders with complex, multi-dimensional portfolios, ideally spanning: 

o Entrepreneurship or start-ups 

o Academia or research institutions 

o Public-facing roles (speaking, teaching, policy, media, or advisory work) 

• Proven ability to: 

o Manage competing priorities across different institutional cultures 

o Exercise discretion and independent judgment 

o Draft high-quality professional correspondence and briefing materials

High level of proficiency in: 

o Microsoft Office and Google Workspace 

o Calendar and workflow management tools 

o CRM systems and document management platforms 

(Experience coordinating with marketing, communications, or digital teams is an asset.) 

Key Attributes & Competencies 

• Highly proactive with strong judgment and decision-making ability 

• Exceptional organisational and prioritisation skills 

• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments 

• High level of discretion and confidentiality 

• Ability to anticipate needs and act independently 

• Strong problem-solving mindset 

• Professional, calm, and composed under pressure 

• Flexible and adaptable, with willingness to adjust hours when required 

Working Style & Values 

This role is well-suited to someone who: 

• Takes ownership and pride in enabling others to perform at their best 

• Values structure, clarity, and follow-through 

• Understands the importance of work–life balance and discretion 

• Enjoys working closely with a Founder who values family, purpose, and impact