Senior Executive Assistant

Easterseals empowers people to live independent, full lives. We make a lasting difference in the lives of 1.5 million people each year by providing essential services to children and adults with disabilities, older adults, veterans, and their families. Our national network of 70 Affiliates is trusted to provide programs customized to meet the needs of each community we serve from coast-to-coast—trust earned for more than 100 years. We positively shape perceptions and address the evolving needs of more than one in four Americans with disabilities through public education, policy, and advocacy. That’s our impact. In thousands of communities across America.

At Easterseals, we are committed to diversity and are proud to be a disability-friendly employer. We are an inclusive and accessible workplace where all individuals can thrive and contribute their skillsets.

We actively support employees with disabilities, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and accommodations they need to excel in their roles. Our culture is one of belonging where everyone can feel valued, empowered, and respected.

If you're passionate about working in an inclusive and supportive environment that values diversity, we encourage you to apply and join our team to positively impact the communities we serve. Your talents are welcome here, and we look forward to how we can grow and succeed together.

This individual will manage the President & CEO's calendar for meetings, appointments, travel, and visits to field or Affiliates. Use appropriate professional judgment to keep President & CEO abreast of any changes, issues, or concerns that may impact daily activities. Assist the President & CEO and the Chief Administrative Officer with board governance matters. The Senior Executive Assistant reports to the Chief Executive Officer at national headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and will directly support the day-to-day operations and work projects of the President & CEO.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the President & CEO’s calendar in the context of her strategic priorities.
• Screen and prioritize emails, calls, and messages, responding or redirecting as appropriate.
• Draft and send communications on behalf of the President & CEO with professionalism and discretion.
• Facilitate the successful implementation of the President & CEO's portfolio of activities, acting as a liaison with internal staff and external partners/constituents.
• Attend meetings, take notes, track action items, and ensure follow through.
• Provide organizational support for the President & CEO and work on special initiatives.
• Represent the President & CEO on administrative matters.
• Managing board and committee meeting preparation, volunteer leadership engagement, trustee nominations, recruitment, onboarding, board chair support, board communication and the planning of in person and virtual board meetings.
• Assist the Chief Administrative Officer with board governance matters, including, but not limited to, tracking board member appointments to committees, annual board conflict of interest paperwork, and acting as a national office liaison with the Board’s Governance Committee chairperson.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team and other management staff to build the President's calendar and successfully execute meetings and activities.
• Serve as the primary point person for all requests for the President & CEO's time to prioritize schedules.
• Make door-to-door travel arrangements and prepare appropriate itineraries.
• Accept and screen calls for the President & CEO and ensure the appropriate follow-up occurs either within the President's Office, or by another departments or executives.
• Provide administrative support for the Office of the President including processing the President & CEO's expense reports and other invoices for review and payment and making purchases for the office-including supplies and meals, as necessary.
• Anticipate needs and proactively resolve scheduling conflicts or logistical issues; adapt quickly to shifting priorities and last-minute changes; stay calm under pressure and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Prepare for and escort visitors as needed and promote a welcoming and productive working environment for all internal and external constituents.
• Maintain appropriate contacts for the President & CEO.
• Coordinate conference calls and web meetings with internal and external groups, including organizing the dial-in and login information.
• Plan and organize President & CEO's meetings, events, and webinars with a focus on proper room layout, IT needs, and day-of support.
• Attend pertinent meetings with the President & CEO and coordinate relevant logistics including scheduling and executing all travel and special events attended by the President & CEO.
• Provide other administrative support as needed.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of successful executive administrative experience, with C-suite executive.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple assignments while adapting to changing deadlines and priorities with success and accuracy.
• Exhibits strong critical thinking and ability to make informed decisions swiftly; capable of navigating ambiguity and making confident, well-reasoned choices; applies sharp business acumen to prioritize and resolve competing demands.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and willingness to work outside standard established business hours.
• Excellent calendar management skills including the coordination of executive meetings in multiple time zones.
• Ability to work effectively with all levels of staff including internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellent customer service mentality and must display tact and diplomacy in difficult or sensitive situations. Must be able to work in a discreet manner while maintaining confidentiality.
• Demonstrated Board governance experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Knowledge of
• Board Effect a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills
• Capable of working for extended periods of time independently
• Proactive problem solver with positive attitude
• Model of discretion and thoughtful judgement
• Able to synthesize complex information quickly
• Able to consistently prioritize efficiently under pressure
• Team player with a can-do attitude and a passion for our shared work as an organization
• Embodiment of our organizational values of equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities
• Demonstrated ability to effectively organize and coordinate multiple priorities
• Comfortable working with colleagues at all levels
• Champion of collaboration
• Demonstrates consistent attention to detail
• Strong work ethic and impeccable personal integrity
• Good sense of humor

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package!

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