Executive Assistant

Edinburgh Napier is the #1 Modern University in Scotland (THE World University Rankings 2025) and have also been voted the #1 University in Edinburgh for overall student satisfaction for six years in a row (NSS 2020 - 2025).

We are the top Scottish modern university for research power and research impact () and a top 5 UK modern university for career prospects (Guardian University Guide 2025).

Our University leadership team is committed to innovation, excellence and strategic growth, playing an integral part in ensuring we make a positive difference to our students, staff and stakeholders.

Currently, we have an opportunity for an Executive Assistant to join us for a period of 12 months to cover maternity and provide a comprehensive Executive Support service to two members of our Universitys Leadership Team (ULT).

As Executive Assistant, you will be in an excellent position to use your skills and experience of providing comprehensive administrative and secretarial support, to effectively manage aligned senior colleagues diaries, arrange travel and accommodation, organise internal and external meetings, take minutes and manage mail/e‑mail and enquiries.

Your highly developed organisational skills, diplomatic approach and ability to adapt to changing circumstances will serve you well as you plan, prioritise and organise your own workload to deal with urgent business and ensure that your aligned senior colleagues remain focused on meeting their agreed objectives and managing their working time effectively.

You will also have the opportunity to use your high degree of professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills, as you act with tact, diplomacy and absolute discretion and confidentiality at all times, especially while supporting your ULT member during highly confidential meetings or when sending sensitive information via email, paying particular regard to personal/sensitive matters relating to individual colleagues, external partners or students.

Other duties of the role will involve designated financial matters, ordering equipment/stationary, processing expense claims, budget monitoring, and relevant project work, which will allow you to really showcase your versatility while keeping your job role varied and interesting.

Furthermore, we anticipate that you will be a person with high standards, integrity and professionalism who enjoys making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you have relevant experience in a similar role and would like to join us in maintaining our position as Modern University of choice in Scotland, then we would love to hear from you.

• HND/HNC in relevant subject or equivalent level of relevant work experience
• Extensive experience of complex diary management, office management and procedures, organising clerking and supporting meetings
• Excellent interpersonal skills, liaison skills, tact, diplomacy and absolute discretion and confidentiality
• Ability to deliver to long‑ and short‑term deadlines, adapt to urgent needs and deal effectively with multiple and right deadlines and to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and ability to prepare documents including letters, reports, spreadsheets and presentations
• Excellent IT skills and knowledge, including use of Microsoft applications

We offer 41 days annual leave (includes bank holidays), a generous pension scheme (17.6%), flexible working and professional development opportunities.

Salary: £31,236 - £37,694 (depending on experience)

Contract:

Fixed Term 12 months, Full Time 35 hrs/wk

Interviews:
Week commencing 23rd March 2026

Please note:

We are reviewing applications as they come in and may close the advert early once we find the right candidate. If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

The University holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status.

We are a flexible Employer.

On this occasion, the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship or visa support for this role. International applicants will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.