Executive Assistant

Job summary

The AI and Creative Industries Directorate sits at the heart of one of DCMS's most exciting agendas: shaping how the UK supports its world-leading creative sectors and responds to the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence. Our work reaches Ministers, senior leaders and partners across government and industry.

This role is based in the Director's Office, supporting the Director and the wider leadership team. It is a small, friendly and fast-moving office where no two days look the same. We pride ourselves on being organised, supportive and good-humoured even when things are busy, and we genuinely value the person who keeps everything running smoothly.

You will join a directorate that cares about developing its people, welcomes fresh ideas, and offers a real window into how government works at a senior level. If you enjoy variety, like working with people and take pride in getting the details right, you will fit in well here.

Job description

This is a brilliant opportunity to sit at the centre of a high-profile directorate, supporting the Director and senior leadership team as their Executive Assistant.

No two days are the same. You will manage a busy and complex diary, arrange meetings and travel, handle correspondence, prepare papers and briefings, and act as a trusted first point of contact for the office. You will work closely with senior colleagues, private offices and external partners, and quickly become someone the team relies on to keep things running smoothly.

It is a fantastic role for anyone who is highly organised, enjoys variety and wants to see how government works at the most senior level. You will gain real insight into the issues shaping the UK's creative industries and its approach to AI, build a wide network across the department, and develop skills that open doors across the Civil Service.

If you are calm under pressure, take pride in getting the details right and enjoy being the person who makes everything happen, we would love to hear from you.

Person specification

The ideal candidate would have following key skills and experience, please note that desirable skills will only be used in the event of tied candidates:

Essential requirements:

• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to effectively manage a busy diary and prioritize competing tasks accurately under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication, and sound judgement when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• A proactive, can-do approach anticipating what is needed and using initiative to solve problems.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Proficient in the use of digital tools (such as Microsoft 365 and Outlook) and an ability to quickly adapt to new software.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience providing administrative or executive support to senior leaders.
• An interest in the work of the creative industries and/or AI sectors, or an eagerness to learn.

We are running an information session where prospective applicants can find out more about the role. This will be hosted by Oliver Barber, and will take place on:

• Thursday, 9th July at 1pm

The session will be an opportunity to hear more about the role, the team and wider directorate and the department. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions.

Please register your interest before 8th July 3pm by filling out this Registration form and you will be sent an invitation. Invites will only be sent after this deadline has passed.

Please note that the session will not be recorded and will not focus on the DCMS recruitment process - please direct any queries that you have on this topic (timelines, reasonable adjustments, onboarding etc) to resourcing.team@dcms.gov.uk

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
• Communicating and Influencing