Diary Manager - AI Growth & Innovation

Job summary

At DSIT we’re all about improving people’s lives by maximising the potential of science & technology.

We accelerate innovation, investment and productivity through world-class science, research and development.

We use technology for good by ensuring new and existing technologies are safely developed and deployed across the UK, with the benefits more widely shared.

We are driving forward a modern digital government which gives citizens a more satisfying experience and their time back.

We do all this to enable the Government’s 5 national missions: kickstarting economic growth, making Britain a clean energy superpower, taking back our streets, breaking down barriers to opportunity and building an NHS fit for the future.

Above all, we focus on improving people’s lives. Whether it’s researching new treatments for disease, developing better batteries, reducing burdens through better public services, keeping children safe online, and much more, outcomes for citizens are at the heart of what we do.

Our Inclusive Environment

We offer flexible working benefits, employee well-being support and a great pension. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.

Please note

Former DSIT recruitment campaigns are continuing as usual, but candidates should be aware that following the Government’s announcement on the changes to some civil service departments, roles will be subject to the machinery of government moves and will ultimately be in one of the new departments. We will provide more information if you are selected for a role. This work remains of high importance to the civil service, and we thank you for your continued interest.

Job description

The AI Growth & Innovation team sits at the heart of the AI Adoption and Preparedness Directorate, leading high-profile work to drive the UK’s ambition to be a global leader in AI adoption. The team works across government, industry, and international partners to accelerate the uptake of AI, support innovation, and unlock economic growth.

The team delivers a diverse portfolio of programmes, including AI skills and talent initiatives, innovation partnerships, and flagship programmes such as the AI Growth Lab. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Whitehall, regulators, and external partners, the team plays a key role in shaping and delivering policies that enable businesses and public services to adopt AI safely and effectively.

Operating in a fast-paced and high-profile environment, the team combines strategic policy development with hands-on delivery, offering a unique opportunity to work at the centre of one of the government’s most visible and impactful growth priorities.

Role Overview

The EO Diary Manager will provide effective diary management and administrative support to a Deputy Director, helping to ensure their time is well organised and aligned to key priorities.

The postholder will manage day-to-day diary requests, support meeting preparation, and work closely with the Private Office team to help the Deputy Director operate smoothly in a fast-paced policy environment.

Person specification

Key responsibilities

Diary & Time Management
• Manage and maintain the DD’s diary, supporting effective prioritisation of meetings in line with team priorities
• Coordinate scheduling with internal teams, Private Offices and external stakeholders as required
• Maintain a clear forward look of upcoming meetings, identifying diary clashes, deadlines and pressure points
• Help ensure the DD has the right information, papers and logistics for upcoming commitments
• Support the balance of urgent diary requests with planned commitments, escalating issues where needed

Private Office Support
• Act as a helpful and professional point of contact for stakeholders engaging with the DD’s office
• Build positive working relationships with policy teams and other Private Offices to support smooth ways of working
• Commission, chase and collate briefing and papers, escalating gaps or risks to the Private Secretary or Business Manager
• Prepare and manage meeting packs, daily folders and supporting papers for key engagements
• Support meeting arrangements by coordinating agendas, papers and follow-up actions

Stakeholder Engagement
• Liaise professionally with internal colleagues, senior offices and external stakeholders
• Manage requests for the DD’s time, seeking guidance on competing priorities where needed
• Support a responsive, professional and collaborative approach across the DD’s office

Operational & Administrative Support
• Monitor incoming requests, including emails, meeting invites and actions, and triage effectively
• Flag deadlines, urgent issues and potential risks to the Private Secretary or relevant team leads
• Support wider Private Office processes and contribute ideas to improve day-to-day ways of working
• Work closely with the Private Secretary to ensure alignment across the office

Essential Criteria:

• Good organisational skills and ability to manage a busy workload with competing deadlines
• Sound judgement, with the ability to prioritise tasks and escalate issues appropriately
• Clear communication skills, with confidence engaging colleagues and stakeholders at different levels
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks while contributing to a supportive Private Office team
• Good attention to detail and a proactive approach to solving day-to-day issues.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in a Private Office, business support or similar fast-paced administrative environment
• Awareness of government processes and working with senior leaders
• Experience managing diaries, coordinating meetings or supporting senior stakeholders

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

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

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £30,940, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology contributes £8,963 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.