Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant – Department for Culture, Media and Sport

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is recruiting 3 Executive Assistants to support senior leaders across its Sport and Gambling and Project Delivery and Major Events directorates.

This is an opportunity to work closely with senior government officials, gain insight into high-profile government decision-making and develop valuable experience within the Civil Service.

Job Details

• Job title: Executive Assistant
• Employer: Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
• Reference: 484300
• Salary: £30,307 – £33,237
• Grade: Executive Officer
• Location: Manchester, North West England, M2 3AW
• Contract: Fixed-term/Loan
• Duration: 2 years
• Positions available: 3
• Working pattern: Full-time, flexible working and job share
• Business area: DCMS – Sport and Gambling
• Closing date: Sunday 18 October 2026 at 11:55pm

About the Role

The vacancies include two Executive Assistant positions within the Sport and Gambling Directorate and one within the Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate.

As an Executive Assistant supporting Directors and Deputy Directors, you will act as a trusted partner to senior leaders in a fast-paced environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing complex diaries
• Coordinating meetings and events
• Preparing briefings and correspondence
• Acting as a key point of contact for stakeholders across government and industry
• Supporting senior leaders with high-profile priorities
• Working with Private Offices and external partners
• Helping ensure effective delivery of strategic priorities

The roles offer exposure to senior government decision-making, policy development and strategic delivery, while providing opportunities to develop transferable skills and build a strong professional network.

About the Directorates

The Sport and Gambling Directorate works on major government priorities covering sport, physical activity, elite and professional sport, diversity and inclusion, football governance, gambling, lotteries and consumer protection.

The Project Delivery and Major Events Directorate is responsible for strategic planning and delivery of ceremonial events and commemorations, including national events, Remembrance Sunday, State Visits and future Royal ceremonial events.

Essential Requirements

Applicants should have:

• Previous experience as an Executive Assistant, Diary Manager or in a similar role supporting senior leaders
• Experience managing complex diaries and competing demands
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• The ability to remain calm and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and other digital systems
• Strong attention to detail and experience with administrative and financial processes

Desirable Skills

It would also be beneficial to have:

• A passion for delivering excellent service to colleagues, stakeholders and customers
• An interest in developing knowledge of the organisation’s sectors, priorities and business management functions

Information Session

Prospective applicants can attend an information session to learn more about the role, team, directorate and department.

Date: Thursday 15 October 2026
Time: 2:00pm

The session will also provide an opportunity to ask questions.

Applicants should register their interest using the registration form provided in the original vacancy. Invitations will be sent after the registration deadline.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is £30,307 – £33,237, with a Civil Service pension contribution of 28.97%.

Other benefits include:

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• 26.5 days’ annual leave on entry, increasing to 31.5 days after five years’ service
• Civil Service pension
• Employee discounts through Edenred
• 3 days’ paid volunteering leave
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Staff reward and recognition bonuses
• Occupational sick pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff networks
• Learning and development opportunities
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme

Sponsorship / Right to Work

Visa sponsorship is not stated as being available for this vacancy.

The advert sets out specific Civil Service nationality and right-to-work requirements. Applicants must fall within one of the eligible nationality/right-to-work categories listed in the official vacancy.

Applicants should therefore not assume that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this role.

Selection Process

The vacancy uses the Civil Service Success Profiles framework and will assess:

• Behaviours
• Strengths
• Experience

Applicants will need to submit:

• A CV of no more than 2 A4 pages
• A Statement of Suitability of up to 500 words

The interview will assess:

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

Interviews will take place remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Closing Date

Apply before 11:55pm on Sunday 18 October 2026.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official Civil Service Jobs vacancy.

Reference: 484300

Original vacancy: Civil Service Jobs – Executive Assistant, Department for Culture, Media and Sport.