Arts Council England
PA to Executive Director, Communications and Public Policy (AC20)
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PA to Executive Director, Communications and Public Policy (AC20)
Contract: Permanent, working 21 hours per week. (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)
Salary: £28,662 (pro rata) per annum Grade E plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Bristol (The role will be based in Bristol; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)
Introduction:
We're looking for an exceptional Personal Assistant to provide high-quality support to our Executive Director of Public Policy and Communication.
You'll help ensure the Executive Director is able to focus on strategic priorities by expertly managing a busy diary and inbox, coordinating complex meetings, preparing itineraries, organising travel, overseeing the Executive Director's discretionary budget and financial administration, including expenses and corporate card management, and ensuring actions are followed through.
Working closely with teams across Public Policy and Communication, as well as colleagues throughout Arts Council England, you'll play a key role in supporting effective decision-making and helping the Executive Director operate smoothly. If you're someone who enjoys solving problems, anticipating what's needed before being asked and making a real difference behind the scenes, we'd love to hear from you.
Role Details:
You'll be trusted to exercise sound judgement, manage competing priorities and build strong relationships with colleagues and external partners alike. On behalf of the Executive Director, you'll coordinate meetings and events, manage administrative processes, support budget monitoring and ensure the smooth running of the Executive Director's diary, as well as providing occasional administrative support to the Communication Directors who report to the Executive Director.
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You'll work closely with teams across Public Policy and Communication, as well as colleagues across Arts Council England, to support effective decision-making and deliver a high-quality service. You'll also build productive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the Executive Director is well prepared and supported across a varied programme of work.
We're looking for someone who brings substantial experience in a senior administrative or PA role, excellent organisational skills and exceptional attention to detail. You'll be a confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills, able to work independently while handling sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
Key skills for this role include:
- Significant experience providing PA or executive support at a senior level.
- Outstanding organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong judgement, discretion and the ability to handle confidential information.
- Confidence building effective working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders.
- A proactive, flexible approach and a willingness to support a broad range of work.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.
If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application. For further information please visit their website here.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and / or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
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About us:
Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme. To find out more, click here.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website here.
Job Description
To view the job description please click here.
To view the recruitment pack which outlines more details about working for Arts Council please click here.
Job ref: AC20
Closing date: 09:00am, 17 August 2026
Interviews: (virtual) 09 September 2026
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk
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