Executive Assistant Job at Buckingham Search in Chicago

Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer

We are seeking a highly skilled Executive Assistant to support the Chief People Officer (CPO) of a global organization. This individual will play a critical role in managing day-to-day operations, overseeing administrative functions, and collaborating on strategic initiatives with the executive operations team.

This role is temp-to-perm; it will start temporarily for 2-3 months and then become permanent. You'd begin as a 1099 employee and then convert to full-time.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Establish efficient, repeatable workflows that ensure smooth execution of daily operations
• Manage and maintain complex calendars, including business and occasional personal scheduling
• Anticipate challenges, resolve issues proactively, and streamline processes to maximize productivity
• Organize the department’s daily priorities and ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Monitor, draft, and respond to email correspondence on behalf of the CPO as needed
• Serve as a trusted partner in select meetings, capturing action items and managing follow-up
• Prepare reports, presentations, and internal communications to support team initiatives
• Coordinate with external stakeholders including investors, partners, and clients

Operational Support

• Contribute to reporting and data tracking to support executive decision-making
• Partner with the Chief of Staff and operations leaders to design and implement effective processes
• Collaborate across departments to improve operational workflows and efficiency
• Co-manage high-priority projects, ensuring timely completion and measurable outcomes
• Assist with organizational planning and team development efforts

Desired Skills & Attributes

• Self-starter who takes ownership and pride in delivering high-quality work
• Growth-oriented mindset with a desire to contribute to organizational success
• Calm under pressure and able to adapt quickly in fast-paced environments
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt across cultures, personalities, and work styles
• 5+ years of executive assistant experience, preferably supporting senior leaders
• 5+ years of operational experience in a dynamic, fast-paced workplace
• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative and positive team culture