Executive Assistant

Be at the heart of our school St Joseph’s Catholic High School is looking for a highly organised, proactive and professional individual to join us as our Executive Assistant & SLT Operations Officer. This is a varied and influential role, providing high-level executive support to the Headteacher while helping the Senior Leadership Team coordinate key priorities, projects, communications and whole-school processes. You will work at the centre of school life, helping to ensure that decisions are followed through, deadlines are met and the school continues to operate smoothly and effectively. No two days will be the same. One day you may be coordinating an important meeting or school event; the next, managing communications, supporting a cross-school project or ensuring that key actions are progressed.

About the role

Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will: Provide confidential, proactive and professional executive support. Manage diaries, meetings, correspondence and competing priorities. Coordinate agreed projects, actions, deadlines and school events. Prepare agendas, minutes, briefing notes, presentations and professional communications. Act as a key point of contact for staff, families, governors, the Trust and external partners. Support recruitment, admissions, formal meetings and other important school processes. Help develop efficient administrative systems and identify practical solutions to operational issues. About you

We are looking for someone who is:

Exceptionally organised and able to manage several priorities at once. Proactive, resourceful and confident using their own initiative. Professional, calm and discreet when handling sensitive information. An excellent communicator who can build positive relationships with a wide range of people. Able to anticipate what needs to be done and ensure actions are completed. Confident using Microsoft Office and other digital systems. Committed to providing a high-quality service and making a positive contribution to our school community. You may already work as an Executive Assistant, Personal Assistant, Office Manager, Project Coordinator or Operations Administrator. Previous experience in education would be welcomed, but it is not essential. We are equally interested in applicants from other sectors who can bring strong organisation, communication and operational skills to the role. The person specification welcomes experience in executive, administrative, project or operational support within a busy organisation. Why Join Us? At St Joseph’s, we are proud to be a small, caring school where every student is known, valued and encouraged to achieve their best. You will join a supportive and committed team and have the opportunity to make a visible difference to the effectiveness and success of the school. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys responsibility, thrives in a busy environment and wants a role where their skills, initiative and contribution will genuinely matter. Work in a supportive and friendly school environment. Be part of a dedicated and passionate leadership team. Enjoy opportunities for professional development . Comprehensive staff wellbeing package including online GP access and free on-site gym facilities. Join us in making a difference at St Joseph's!

The Hours:

Full time over 5 days per week. This is a full-time role, and while there may occasionally be a need to stay later for leadership meetings or school events, we’ll work with you to flex your hours in a way that keeps things balanced and manageable. Term time [38 weeks per year] plus 4 weeks during INSET and school holidays although we may consider a full year contract if that works best for the successful candidate and that would increase the pro-rata salary. For more information, visit our website [www.sjchs.uk] or contact Zoe Brentnall@sjchs.uk.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the online application form by midnight on 11th October 2026.. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted and we reserve the right to invite candidates for interview prior to the closing date and to make an appointment before this date. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. St Joseph's has been serving the local community for over 90 years and was one of the founding schools of the growing Mater Christi Multi Academy Trust. The Mater Christi MAT is a family of primary and secondary schools living and learning together for the common good of our children, families and communities. It is ideally located for easy access to the Lake District and everything the National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer. It is also within easy commuting distance form the popular market town of Cockermouth.