Join us in shaping the future of the RNLI

We are seeking an exceptional Special Adviser – Executive Operations to work alongside the Chief Executive in a newly created, high-profile role that will strengthen the effectiveness of the Chief Executive's Office and support the successful delivery of the RNLI 2040 strategic ambitions.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the charity operates with pace, coherence, clarity and discipline. You will drive alignment across the Executive Team and senior leaders, strengthen governance, improve organisational performance and ensure strategic priorities are translated into action.

As a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, you will act as a key connector and coordinator between the Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team, promoting synchronisation, collaboration, accountability and effective decision-making. You will also lead the Executive Assistant function, ensuring the Executive Team receives consistent, high-quality operational support.

Working in close partnership with the Senior Adviser – Executive Engagement, you will help build a resilient, high-performing Chief Executive's Office, enhancing the RNLI's ability to deliver its strategy and represent the organisation at the highest levels.

The Role

As Special Adviser – Executive Operations, you will lead the effective operation of the Chief Executive's business office and help to ensure organisational priorities are delivered successfully.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Driving effective coordination across the Executive Team and Senior Leadership to support the effective delivery of the RNLI's 5-Year Plan and long-term strategic ambitions.
• Overseeing and integrating the Chief Executive's and Executive Team’s operational, business and engagement commitments to maximise organisational impact and ensure priorities remain aligned.
• Acting as a trusted adviser to the Chief Executive, providing strategic advice, anticipating issues, drafting correspondence, and exercising delegated authority and discretion where appropriate.
• Leading the Executive Team's governance and correspondence management processes, ensuring effective planning, decision-making and alignment with the Company Secretariat.
• Managing the people administration, recruitment, and coordination of the Chief Executive's direct reports.
• Identifying opportunities to improve processes, coordination, governance and operational effectiveness across the Chief Executive's business office and Executive Team.
• Managing and leading the Executive Assistant function across the organisation, promoting continuous professional development and consistent standards.

About You

You will be an experienced senior professional with excellent organisational awareness, judgement, communication skills, and the ability to influence at the highest levels. You will bring:

• Significant experience supporting senior executives or executive leadership teams within a complex organisation.
• A strong track record of organisational planning, governance, strategic delivery and leading change.
• The ability to operate confidently under pressure, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining focus on strategic outcomes.
• Excellent influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and provide objective advice to senior leaders.
• Outstanding judgement, discretion and integrity when dealing with sensitive and confidential matters.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality papers, briefings and correspondence.
• A collaborative leadership style and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Some of the benefits

• Salary: £62,623 to £73,674 (dependent on experience)
• Flexible working
• From 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Health cashplan option

This is a high-profile role with an outstanding opportunity for personal development at the highest levels of the Institution.

About the selection process

• First interviews will be held at the RNLI Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole on Tuesday 25th August 2025 and will consist of a structured panel interview and a written task.
• Final interviews will be held at the RNLI Lifesaving Support Centre in Poole on Wednesday 2nd September 2026 and will consist of a structured panel interview, including the Chief Executive, and the opportunity to meet with members of the Chief Executive’s Office.

Safeguarding

The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).

Diversity at the RNLI

Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.