Joanne Mackenzie
Sheffield,United Kingdom
Summary
Senior executive professional with over 17 years' experience operating at the centre of complex organisations, providing strategic support and coordination to senior leadership. Proven ability to align organisational priorities, lead teams, and manage high-profile stakeholders to deliver outcomes in fast-paced environments. Experienced in governance, briefing development, and navigating sensitive and confidential matters with discretion. A proactive and collaborative leader, skilled in enabling decision-making and driving delivery against strategic objectives.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Executive Assistant and Head of Faculty Office
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield , South Yorkshire
03.2020 - Current
- Provide strategic coordination and executive support to the Faculty Vice-President, ensuring alignment of priorities, effective decision-making, and delivery of organisational objectives
- Act as a central point of oversight for incoming issues, proactively managing priorities and facilitating timely and informed responses on behalf of senior leadership
- Lead governance processes across a range of senior committees, coordinating agendas, producing high-quality papers, and ensuring actions are tracked and delivered
- Develop and coordinate briefing materials and documentation to support senior leadership engagement, synthesising complex information into clear and actionable insights
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, acting as a key liaison to support collaboration and communication across organisational boundaries
- Lead and develop a team of administrative professionals, embedding high-performance practices, supporting development, and improving service delivery
- Manage a £0.5m non-staff budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources aligned to strategic priorities
- Coordinate high-profile visits and events, including international engagements, ensuring effective planning and delivery
- Oversee operational processes including HR activity, recruitment, and performance cycles, ensuring alignment with organisational policies and objectives
- Manage complex and competing demands on senior leadership time, ensuring priorities are balanced and strategic objectives are supported
Personal Assistant to the Head of Department
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield , South Yorkshire
05.2015 - 02.2020
- Supported the Head of Department in delivering strategic and operational priorities through effective coordination of activities and forward planning
- Led the administration and governance of key departmental committees, ensuring effective decision-making and alignment with departmental strategy
- Developed briefing notes and communications for senior leadership, supporting engagement with staff and stakeholders
- Coordinated large-scale events and external engagements, working with a range of stakeholders to deliver successful outcomes
- Managed recruitment processes and HR activity, ensuring efficient and compliant delivery across the department
- Provided leadership to administrative staff, including line management and oversight of team performance and service delivery
- Acted as a key liaison for external communications and marketing activity, supporting the department's external profile
PA to Head of B2B Marketing Team
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield, South Ayrshire
05.2011 - 05.2015
- Provided executive support within a fast-paced, externally focused environment, supporting delivery of marketing and engagement objectives
- Coordinated stakeholder communications and engagement activity, including events, campaigns, and external representation
- Managed financial processes including budget monitoring and resource allocation
- Developed written communications and marketing materials for a wide range of audiences
Earlier Career
Various Recruitment Consultancies
Edinburgh, West Lothian
09.1998 - 04.2011
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
The University of Leicester
Leicester 09.1995 - 05.1998
A-Levels - History, English Literature and French
Tapton School
Sheffield GCSEs - 9, including Maths and English
Myers Grove School
Sheffield Skills
- Strategic coordination & executive support
- Stakeholder engagement & relationship management
- Governance & committee leadership
- Briefing development & strategic communications
- Team leadership & performance management
- Budget management & resource planning
- Event & programme delivery
- Operational leadership & process improvement
- Influential communication
Leadership and Impact Highlights
Founder & Chair – University Staff Network (Personal & Executive Assistants)
- Established and led a university-wide professional network to support development, collaboration, and best practice
- Influenced institutional approaches to staff engagement and professional support
- Delivered initiatives to strengthen communication and capability across administrative functions
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Executive Assistant and Head of Faculty Office
The University of Sheffield
03.2020 - Current
Personal Assistant to the Head of Department
The University of Sheffield
05.2015 - 02.2020
PA to Head of B2B Marketing Team
Sheffield Hallam University
05.2011 - 05.2015
Earlier Career
Various Recruitment Consultancies
09.1998 - 04.2011
Bachelor of Arts - History
The University of Leicester
09.1995 - 05.1998
A-Levels - History, English Literature and French
Tapton School
GCSEs - 9, including Maths and English
Myers Grove School