About the Personal Assistant role
A Personal Assistant supports one person, usually a senior manager, business owner, or busy professional, across both work and personal matters. They manage the calendar, handle correspondence and calls, arrange travel, run errands, and take care of the practical details that free up their principal's time and attention.
The role differs from an Executive Assistant mainly in scope: an EA supports business operations inside a company, while a PA's remit often extends into private life, from family logistics and appointments to household suppliers and events. Many roles blend both, which is exactly why the posting needs to be explicit about the split.
Trust is the currency of this job. In your posting, describe whose time the assistant will manage, the balance of business and personal tasks, expected availability outside office hours, and any travel. Candidates who have held similar positions will judge fit by these details, and references matter more here than in almost any other hire.
Personal Assistant job description template
Job brief
We are looking for a reliable Personal Assistant to provide personalized administrative and organizational support in a well-structured and timely manner. You will manage calendars and correspondence, arrange travel and appointments, handle errands and personal tasks, and act as the first point of contact on behalf of the person you support. To succeed in this role, you should be highly organized, discreet with sensitive information, and comfortable working one to one with significant autonomy.
Responsibilities
- Manage your principal's calendar, appointments, and reminders across work and personal commitments
- Screen and direct phone calls, messages, and correspondence, responding on their behalf where appropriate
- Arrange travel: flights, accommodation, transfers, and detailed itineraries
- Handle errands and personal tasks such as reservations, purchases, and household coordination
- Prepare documents, briefings, and simple reports as requested
- Track expenses and manage receipts and reimbursements
- Coordinate with household staff, suppliers, and service providers where relevant
- Organize personal and family events, gifts, and important dates
- Handle confidential information with complete discretion
- Anticipate needs and solve small problems before they reach your principal
Requirements and skills
- Proven work experience as a Personal Assistant or in a similar one-to-one support role
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Proficiency with calendar, email, and everyday office tools
- Absolute discretion and confidentiality as a working habit
- Flexibility around working hours where the role requires it, agreed clearly up front
- A proactive, resourceful attitude toward problem solving
- High school diploma; PA diploma or certification is a plus
Nice to have
- Experience supporting a business owner, executive, or public figure
- A clean driving license where errands require it
- A second language relevant to your principal's work or travel
- Basic bookkeeping or household budget management experience
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