Executive Support Manager

Job Description

Executive Support Manager

Contract: Maternity Cover

Salary: 41,196 – 43,256 with excellent benefits

Location: London, UK

Hybrid Working: A minimum of 40% of working time is spent face to face, either in London office, or as a result of external engagement or travel for WaterAid. WaterAid is located at Canary Wharf, London and this will be your location and contract base.

About WaterAid:
Want to use your skills in our Communications and Fundraising Directorate to play a vital role in making clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene normal for everyone everywhere?

We need passionate, creative and dedicated people. In return, you will be encouraged and empowered to be yourself at your very best. Together, we will make a bigger difference.

Join WaterAid as Executive Support Manager to change normal for millions of people so they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good. On top of that you’ll be joining a 2020 Great Place to Work award-winning organisation.

About the Team:
The UK Communications and Fundraising Directorate is the largest UK based directorate in WaterAid comprising of 4 departments – Communications, Strategic Partnerships, Mass Engagement and Performance, Insight and Innovation, as well as a CFR strategy team.
The Executive Director also holds the responsibility of Global Lead for Comms and Fundraising, leading a global group of senior comms and fundraising individuals to make operational and strategic decisions at a global level.

About the Role:
The Executive Support Manager is responsible for providing senior support to the Executive Director of Communications and Fundraising (EDCFR) in the strategic and operational management of the Communications and Fundraising (CFR) Directorate of WaterAid UK. The role will also support the EDCFR with Global duties in their role as Global Lead for Comms and Fundraising.

The post holder will build excellent relationships at all levels across the organisation globally, and specifically at senior levels (i.e. Director’s, CEO’s). They will both support and lead on key initiatives that ensure the smooth, efficient, and effective running of the UK directorate as well as the Global Communications and Fundraising Executive.

You’ll also:
* Manage a number of senior level initiatives, working closely with the EDCFR and SLT, including papers, reporting and presentations to the Board of Trustees, CFR Committee, Directors Team, Global Executive, Global Comms and Fundraising Executive and Trading board; as well as risk register management, performance and compliance reporting as required
* Lead on the development of a CFR internal communications plan and oversee its implementation to improve information sharing and integration across the directorate – initiatives include: management of CFR Sharepoint site, CFR meeting and Away Day management, CFR handbook and induction programme, email and blog updates
* Act as an advisor to the EDCFR on directorate actions and communications, acting as triage on issues to improve accountability, responsiveness and decision-making within SLT
* Assist in maintaining public profile of WaterAid through monitoring topics of interest, external affairs and sector developments, and drafting articles, communications and blogs for Director of C&FR and liaising with external contacts
* Provide project management support to EDCFR and SLT on initiatives that arise in the operational and strategic management of the directorate. Monitor and evaluate projects to improve continuous

About You:
* Proven and substantial EA/business administration and governance experience to senior leaders in a complex organisation, requiring a high level of personal responsibility.
* Strong collaboration and relationship management skills. Able to successfully manage stakeholder expectations, influence and negotiate in line with organisational priorities.
* Experience of drafting briefing papers, presentations and correspondence at/on behalf of Senior Management level.
* Able to manage multiple conflicting priorities in order to meet specific deadlines. Proven ability to negotiate and navigate deadlines and priorities.
* Understanding of strategic priorities and connection points to create value; alertness to emerging issues and trends which might impact or benefit area of work.
* Proven experience of coordinating diverse groups of people and driving alignment and engagement. Confidence in managing cross-organisational project teams and internal stakeholder groups.
* Experience in effective budget management/monitoring of business planning processes
* Experience demonstrating proficiency in IT applications, e.g. office 365, Microsoft Word, Excel PowerPoint.

Closing date: [Applications will close at 23:59 on 7th January 2024. Availability for interview is required the week commencing 15th January 2024.

How to Apply: To see the full job pack, please click ‘Apply’. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter in one document in either Word Document or PDF format.

Pre-employment screening: In order to apply for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. All our vacancies require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to comply with our Safer Recruitment policy.

Our Benefits:* 36 days’ holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)* Option to buy an extra 5 days annual leave* We offer a generous pension plan with employer contribution of up to 10%* Wide range of flexible and agile-working arrangement* Season Ticket Loan* Free annual eye tests* Pay as You Give charitable giving scheme* Enhanced Maternity and Adoption/Surrogacy pay, Shared Parental Leave and Paternity Leave* Sabbaticals* Volunteer DayOur CommitmentOur People Promise:We will work with passion and focus to ensure safe and sustainable water, toilets and hygiene are available to everyone, everywhere. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to put the wellbeing of our people first, to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.Equal opportunities:We are an equal opportunity, disability-confident employer and are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions and ways of life. This includes, but is not limited to, race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, national or social origin, health status, and economic or social situation.Safeguarding:We are also committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously.