Executive Assistant
Location:Portsmouth
Salary:£35,000 - £40,000 plus comprehensive benefits package
Job type:Permanent
The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative, organisational, and strategic support to the Chief Executive, Directors, and Leadership Team. The post holder will ensure effective coordination, communication, and prioritisation of activities, manage schedules and support key strategic priorities.
The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust is a Royal Navy & Royal Marine charity that gives help, in cases of need, to serving and former Royal Naval ratings and Royal Marines. We also help their partners, children and some others connected with them. The RNBT has a ‘family-run’ feel and we have carefully created a supportive, friendly and close-knit team, making it a unique and very special place to work. We’re looking for a talented Executive Assistant to join our team at Castaway House in Portsmouth.
Key responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Provide high-level administrative and strategic support to the Chief Executive and Directors, anticipating priorities and ensuring seamless coordination.
- Manage the Chief Executive’s diary, schedule meetings, and coordinate travel and logistics to maximise efficiency.
- Prepare and proofread correspondence, briefings, reports, and presentations to a high standard.
- Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the utmost discretion, integrity, and professionalism.
- Coordinate all aspects of meetings, including planning annual schedules, preparing agendas, and collating and distributing papers.
- Contribute to business planning, impact measurement, dashboards, KPIs, and data reporting cycles.
- Provide research, analysis, and preparation of materials to support informed executive and trustee decision-making.
- Ensure the efficient operation of the Executive Office through effective document management, filing systems, and digital processes.
- Administer IT access, file structures, and onboarding/offboarding procedures, ensuring security, continuity, and value for money.
- Manage and maintain all non-HR, Health & Safety and non-clinical policies, ensuring they are compliant, current, and easily accessible.
- Act as a trusted point of contact for the Chief Executive and Leadership Team, fostering strong, professional relationships with Trustees, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of trust, transparency, and collaboration, serving as a positive ambassador for The RNBT’s mission and purpose.
The full job description is available on request.
About you
We’re looking for someone who has:
- Proven experience as an Executive Assistant, or senior administrator supporting senior leadership.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Proven experience working in a fast-paced, complex environment, ideally within a charity or not-for-profit organisation.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and confident using digital collaboration tools (Teams, SharePoint, etc.).
- Demonstrated integrity, discretion, and the ability to maintain the highest levels of trust and professionalism.
Desirable:
- Understanding of governance, board management, or compliance processes.
- Experience supporting impact reporting, project management, or strategic planning.
- Knowledge of the Royal Navy, military culture, and the needs of veterans.
- Experience of reporting to Chief Executive or Board level.
Personal Values:
- Upholds The RNBT’s values of Courage, Clarity, Commitment, and Community, acting with integrity, honesty, and respect to build trust across all relationships.
- Compassionate and committed to improving the lives of those who have served in the Royal Navy.
- Proactive, adaptable, and calm under pressure with a hands-on, solution-focussed approach.
- Collaborative, team-focused, and committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail, able to manage competing priorities effectively.
- Committed to personal development and continuous improvement.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous suite of benefits to our employees including:
- Medicash health plan
- 29 days annual leave plus public holidays
- 7% employer contribution pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Early finish on Fridays
- Free on-site parking
- Eligible for blue light card
As a Silver accredited Armed Forces Covenant signatory, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community and recognising the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families bring to our organisation. We welcome applications from all members of the Armed Forces community and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer.
If you would like to find out more about working for The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust please contact us at hr@rnbt.org.uk or visit www.rnbt.org.uk
Closing date for applications is Midday Friday 6 February 2026