The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the UK’s original free market think tank, is seeking an Executive Assistant to support David (Lord) Frost, our incoming Director General. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised administrator to work at the heart of one of Britain’s most influential policy institutes.
About the Role
The Director General is the leader and chief spokesperson for the IEA. As their Executive Assistant, you will play a vital role in enabling them to fulfil their duties effectively. Working directly with the DG, you’ll support them across all aspects of their work – from managing their diary and correspondence to liaising with trustees, donors, journalists, academics, and politicians.
This position offers the chance to work across all IEA departments and gain unique insight into the operations of a leading think tank. You will be based at the IEA London office, located in the heart of Westminster.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is professional, meticulous, and exceptionally well-organised. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Relevant experience supporting senior leaders would be advantageous.
Key qualities include:
- Professional Excellence: Responsible, organised, and meticulous with exceptional attention to detail.
- Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative, discreet, sensitive to others’ needs, and with high personal integrity.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Technical Competence: Good tech-literacy, competent in MS Office suite, Customer Relationship Management, and planning tools.
- Problem-Solving: Solutions-focused, thrives on challenges, and remains calm under pressure.
- Flexibility: Willing and able to work flexible and occasionally unsociable hours.
- Relevant Experience: Experience supporting senior leaders and an interest in current affairs are advantages.
Key Responsibilities
- Diary & Travel Management: Manage the DG’s diary appointments and travel arrangements.
- Correspondence: Handle all correspondence, both written and verbal, from the DG’s office.
- Action Management: Maintain the DG’s action list, ensuring correct prioritisation and timely completion.
- Budget Management: Oversee the DG’s office budget, including monthly expense reports.
- Meeting Coordination: Liaison within the IEA and with senior contacts outside it.
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Work with other teams to execute the IEA’s events programme, support donor relations, and facilitate the DG’s media work.
This is envisaged as a full-time, employed position starting as soon as possible in 2026. There is scope for development and expanded responsibilities for candidates who are interested, though this is not required.
Salary £30,000 to £40,000, depending on experience and skills. The IEA provides exceptional benefits including 25 paid days’ leave per annum, a personal pension matching up to 5% of salary, private medical insurance, critical illness and death in service coverage, Employee Assistance Programme, and flexible working hours.
Start Date: Early 2026 (flexible).
If you are a talented administrator ready to support the leadership of a groundbreaking think tank that shapes economic policy debate, we encourage you to apply.
In order to apply, please submit your application, including your CV and cover letter, through this form: https://wkf.ms/3Yf3hPp.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled in advance of the closing date. Early application is encouraged.
For any questions, please reach out to careers@iea.org.uk.