Harness Change | Cumbria Rural Academy CIC
Help Shape the Future of Harness Change
Harness Change is an award-winning Community Interest Company using horses to inspire positive change through education, wellbeing, leadership development and community engagement.
As our organisation continues to grow, we are entering an exciting new phase of development. Alongside strengthening and streamlining our existing operations, we are developing a number of new projects and social enterprise initiatives that will expand our impact and help secure the long-term sustainability of the organisation.
To support this growth, we are looking for an exceptional Executive Assistant to work directly alongside our CEO.
This role is designed to provide both day-to-day executive support and assistance with strategic projects, allowing the CEO to focus on leading the organisation while ensuring key priorities continue to progress. We are looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems, improving systems and becoming an integral part of the organisation's future.
About the Role
This is far more than a traditional Executive Assistant position.
You will become the CEO's trusted support, helping coordinate the administration, organisation and implementation of both operational and strategic priorities across the Community Interest Company.
The role is varied and will involve supporting all aspects of running the organisation. From preparing trustee meetings and coordinating projects to assisting with funding applications, marketing initiatives, business development and organisational planning, you will work across multiple areas of the business and play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered effectively.
As Harness Change continues to grow, you will also support the development of new ventures, helping turn ideas into well-managed projects that contribute to the organisation's long-term vision.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Working directly with the CEO, you will provide support across a wide range of organisational activities, including:
- Executive administration and diary management
- Project coordination and implementation
- Trustee and governance administration
- Business development and research
- Funding and grant administration
- Marketing and communications support
- Human Resources administration
- Financial and operational administration
- Policy, compliance and organisational documentation
- Event planning and coordination
- Developing systems and improving organisational efficiency
While these are the primary areas of responsibility, this is a varied position where flexibility and a willingness to support different aspects of the organisation will be essential.
About You
We are looking for someone who is highly organised, proactive and enjoys bringing structure to busy environments.
You will be someone who enjoys working collaboratively and recognises the value of being available when key decisions are being made. As you will work closely with the CEO, you will be able to commit to working at least three of the CEO's four working days (Thursday to Sunday).
You will be confident managing multiple priorities, communicating professionally with a range of stakeholders and taking ownership of your work. You should be comfortable working independently while also building a close working relationship with the CEO and wider team.
Most importantly, you'll enjoy making things happen and be motivated by helping an organisation achieve its goals.
Essential Skills and Experience
- Excellent organisational and time management skills
- Outstanding written and verbal communication
- Strong attention to detail
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Ability to prioritise competing demands
- Professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information
- Ability to work independently and use initiative
- Strong administrative and coordination skills
Desirable Experience
Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:
- Executive or Personal Assistant experience
- Project coordination
- Charity or Community Interest Company administration
- Governance or trustee support
- Funding and grant administration
- Marketing and communications
- Human Resources administration
- Business development
- Event coordination
An interest in the charity, education or equestrian sectors would also be beneficial, although this is not essential.
Why Join Harness Change?
This is an opportunity to become part of an ambitious organisation that is committed to creating meaningful change within its community.
You'll work closely with the CEO, gaining exposure to every aspect of running a successful Community Interest Company while helping shape its future direction. Alongside supporting the organisation's core activities, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to exciting new projects and social enterprise initiatives that will expand our reach and impact over the coming years.
If you're someone who enjoys organisation, problem-solving and helping ideas become reality, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: £14.50 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
