Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Elizabeth Lee

Staines-upon-Thames

Summary

A driven communications professional with a strong foundation in media relations, social content creation, and event coordination. Skilled in crafting compelling content, managing crisis communications, and analysing media sentiment to inform strategy. Proven leader and team player with experience in high-pressure government environments, known for adaptability, strong interpersonal skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving through cross-team collaboration. Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a keen ability to manage schedules, coordinate meetings, and support executives seamlessly. Trusted to handle confidential information with discretion, ensuring smooth office operations.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Private Secretary

UK Ministry of Defence
Westminster
07.2025 - 08.2025
  • Managed the diary and inbox for Director of Communications at the Ministry of Defence, providing high-level Private Secretary support during periods of intense media and political scrutiny.
  • Ensured accuracy in work by proofreading and editing correspondences and reports.
  • Balanced complex demands from ministers, senior civil servants, and external stakeholders while maintaining the discretion and political judgement essential in government communications.
  • Triaged incoming requests, organising paperwork twice daily with current itineraries and evening reading materials, ensuring full preparedness.
  • Acted as first point of contact, responding on the Director's behalf where appropriate and escalating urgent matters when needed.
  • Horizon-scanned to anticipate the Director's needs, proactively identifying potential issues and suitable resolutions.
  • Holds government clearance, experienced in handling classified sensitive information with appropriate confidentiality.
  • Understands how critical effective diary management is, not only to protect time but to maximise a Director's influence.

Administrative Officer

UK Ministry of Defence
Westminster
11.2023 - 07.2025
  • Cultivated strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, facilitating positive international coverage of key UK events such as D-Day 80, VE Day 80, and the Strategic Defence Review.
  • Crafted compelling press releases, articles, operational notes, and other communication materials that effectively convey key messaging to target audiences.
  • Assisted in planning for and managing crisis communications, preparing statements and coordinating responses to mitigate negative publicity.
  • Co-ordinated events such as press conferences, media briefings, and promotional events, ensuring seamless execution and maximum media attendance.
  • Tracked media coverage and public sentiment, analysing data to inform future communication strategies and measure the impact of outreach efforts.

Cocktail Bartender

Slug & Lettuce
Staines-upon-Thames
06.2022 - 12.2023
  • Responsible for the sale of high-value stock.
  • Regularly handled large amounts of company funds, ensuring inventory matched records and preventing profit loss.
  • Trained a multitude of newer colleagues on best practices and ensured they were fully supported in their role.
  • Used interpersonal skills to create a relaxed, enjoyable, and safe environment for guests for colleagues alike.
  • Managed opening and closing duties including restocking the bar and preparing garnishes for next shift, ensuring smooth transitions between shifts.
  • Collaborated effectively with team members during rush hours for efficient service delivery.
  • Checked identification of customers to verify age requirements for purchase of alcohol, promoting responsible drinking habits and legal compliance.
  • Delivered efficient service during peak hours, maintaining high standards of quality.

Volunteer Teaching Assistant

York Students In Schools
York
09.2021 - 12.2021
  • Worked alongside classroom lead to assist with teaching and behaviour management.
  • Supported lead teacher in preparing lesson plans based on individual student needs, ensuring personalised attention to each learner.
  • Encouraged student participation in class activities, leading to increased engagement and enthusiasm for learning.
  • Prepared educational materials to facilitate instruction and learning activities.
  • Facilitated group discussions with students for enhanced learning experiences.
  • Enhanced student understanding by developing creative lesson plans.
  • Co-led a KS3 afterschool computer science club.

Volunteer Commercial Delivery Executive

Domestic & General Group
Wimbledon
07.2019 - 09.2019
  • Worked to closely monitor and analyse sales, with particular emphasis on call center protocol.
  • Presented findings to colleagues and aided implementation of new, improved script with the goal of increasing plans sold and ensuring a higher conversation rate of opportunities to sales.

Volunteer Shop Assistant

British Heart Foundation
Staines-upon-Thames
10.2016 - 10.2017
  • Maintained an organised and aesthetically pleasing environment for clientele.
  • Offered assistance to elderly or less able customers for compassionate shopping experience.
  • Promoted special offers for better customer engagement.
  • Assisted with window displays to attract potential customers.
  • Handled and sorted donations in the back, cleaned and steamed clothes, assisted customers on the store floor.

Education

NVQ Level 4 - Public Relations & Communications

The JGA Group
London/United Kingdom
11.2023 - 03.2025

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

The University of York
York/United Kingdom
09.2020 - 07.2023

A-Levels -

The Green School for Girls Sixth Form
Isleworth/United Kingdom
09.2018 - 08.2020

GCSEs -

The Green School for Girls
Isleworth/United Kingdom
09.2016 - 08.2018

Skills

  • Microsoft Suite adept
  • Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, Forms, Slides
  • Administrative efficiency
  • Professional etiquette
  • Documentation accuracy
  • Time management excellence
  • Office diplomacy
  • Sensitive communication

Accomplishments

    Thank You Award for demonstrating clear commitment to Defence's purpose and the values and behaviours expected of its employees.

Timeline

Private Secretary

UK Ministry of Defence
07.2025 - 08.2025

NVQ Level 4 - Public Relations & Communications

The JGA Group
11.2023 - 03.2025

Administrative Officer

UK Ministry of Defence
11.2023 - 07.2025

Cocktail Bartender

Slug & Lettuce
06.2022 - 12.2023

Volunteer Teaching Assistant

York Students In Schools
09.2021 - 12.2021

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

The University of York
09.2020 - 07.2023

Volunteer Commercial Delivery Executive

Domestic & General Group
07.2019 - 09.2019

A-Levels -

The Green School for Girls Sixth Form
09.2018 - 08.2020

Volunteer Shop Assistant

British Heart Foundation
10.2016 - 10.2017

GCSEs -

The Green School for Girls
09.2016 - 08.2018
Elizabeth Lee