Head of Chair's Office
Job description
This role will be for the principal advisor, integrator, and representative of the Chair's office. The role will combine strategic input including the clear communication of the Board’s strategy to relevant Executive functions, governance support, briefing management and high-level stakeholder engagement. A particular immediate focus will be work on Wimbledon Park which is of central importance to the future of the Club. They will be responsible for leading on the Chair’s engagement on this important project. They will ensure that the Chair’s office operates efficiently and, working with the CEO’s office, will be the central nexus between the Chair, the Board, the Chief Executive and, as necessary, Directors. The role requires a highly collaborative approach, and a close working relationship will be needed with those leading other areas of the organisation, particularly strategic communications and public affairs.
Main Duties/Responsibilities
Strategic and Operational Support to the Chair
- Act as a key point of continuity and strategic alignment between the Chair, the Chief Executive, and Directors, ensuring a unified leadership front and clarity of communication.
- Serve as the Chair's primary strategic confidant, providing critical analysis, challenge, and support on the Chair’s most pressing opportunities and complex challenges.
- Anticipate the Chair's needs, ensuring their time and focus are directed towards the highest organisational priorities.
- Lead and coordinate the Chair's executive support team to ensure seamless operation.
Stakeholder Engagement – Political, Diplomatic and Community
- Act as the primary liaison and trusted representative for the Chair with relevant high-level political figures including UK government departments, MPs, Lords, local authorities and relevant international officials. This will require close alignment with the Communications Team who will lead public affairs where appropriate.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with the officers and leaders of the London Boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth and other relevant local stakeholders working in partnership with community and communications colleagues.
- Represent, as required, the Chair in public forums, consultations or strategic briefings.
- Oversee the Chair’s communication and interface with the local community assisted by the Communications Team.
Board & Governance
- Liaise with the CEO’s Office to oversee the agenda, board packs, logistics and follow-up actions for all Board meetings.
- Oversee timely preparation and distribution of minutes, and papers through the EA to the Board and Chair.
- Serve as the Chair's delegate on specific projects or committees as appropriate.
- Working with the Chair, Vice Chair and CEO to lead the implementation of elements of the Governance review agreed by the Board.
- Oversee new Board member inductions
- Ensure the Chair is prepared for the AGM, prepare the opening address to the Members
- Oversee preparations for the AGM
- Co-ordinate communication to the members for Board elections and oversee communications to Members
Executive Preparation & Communication
- Own the end-to-end process for the Chair's engagements: from strategic briefing and speechwriting to logistics and post-meeting action tracking.
- Ensure the Chair is fully briefed and prepared for internal and external engagements including media appearances and events.
- Support the Chair’s Executive Assistant in prioritising diary requests.
Royal Box & Protocol Management
- Oversee the planning, invitation process, and coordination of Royal Box attendance during The Championships.
- Manage sensitive and confidential liaison with Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and other Royal Households.
- Support on compiling the list of invitees, including the Royal Family, heads of state, ambassadors, political leaders, cultural figures, and global dignitaries, working in partnership with colleagues across the organisation.
Person Specification
- Proven experience advising and working with those at a senior level, with a track record of supporting or advising a Chair, CEO, or Board level leaders.
- Strong understanding of UK government structures, local authority operations, and parliamentary processes.
- Demonstrated experience building effective relationships across a wide stakeholder landscape (political, community, corporate, and media).
- Skilled in coordinating cross-functional teams and managing executive offices or administrative functions.
- Proven experience drafting high-quality briefings, speeches, correspondence, and stakeholder communications.
- Excellent interpersonal and political acumen; able to handle confidential information and navigate complex and sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives and brief senior stakeholders succinctly.
- Strong organisational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
- Analytical and strategic thinker; able to distil complex information and provide clear, evidence-based advice.
- Highly self-motivated and proactive; able to anticipate needs and act on minimal direction.
- Skilled in leading and mentoring others, fostering collaboration and high performance across executive support functions.
- Builds trust and alignment across senior colleagues and is calm and decisive under pressure.
About AELTC
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (Championships) Limited (AELTC) organises and stages The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships. The AELTC has delivered substantial top line growth in recent years and expects that growth to continue in conjunction with an ambitious investment programme in the years ahead.