Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

You’ll be the go-to partner for our CEO, ensuring their day runs smoothly and efficiently. From managing complex calendars and coordinating meetings to acting as a liaison with internal teams and external stakeholders, you’ll be at the center of it all.

Key Responsibilities

Calendar Management : The Executive Assistant (EA) is responsible for organizing the CEO’s calendar, scheduling internal and external meetings, and ensuring that the CEO is prepared for each engagement. This includes factoring in personal commitments and necessary downtime to optimize the CEO’s productivity.

Communication Handling : EA manage incoming communications, including emails and phone calls, prioritizing urgent matters and drafting responses on behalf of the CEO. They serve as a liaison between the CEO and other stakeholders, ensuring effective communication across the organization.

Meeting Coordination : The executive assistant arranges logistics for meetings, including drafting agendas, preparing materials, and recording minutes. They ensure that all necessary participants are informed and that meetings are productive and focused on strategic objectives.

Travel Arrangements : EA handle all travel logistics for the CEO, including booking flights, accommodation, and transportation. They ensure that travel plans align with the CEO’s schedule and strategic goals, maximizing efficiency during trips.

Project Management : Executive assistants often take ownership of special projects, track deadlines, coordinate with team members, and ensure that initiatives are completed on time. This allows the CEO to focus on high-level strategic decisions.

Document Management : EA maintain effective systems for managing documents, ensuring that important files are organized and easily accessible. This includes both physical and digital document management.

Strategic Support : Beyond administrative tasks, executive assistants act as strategic partners to the CEO, providing insights and support for decision-making processes. They may also represent the CEO in meetings and help maintain important relationships.

Skills Required

• Strong Communication : EAs must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with various stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills : The ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively is crucial for success in this role.
• Problem-Solving : EAs should be able to think critically and offer solutions to challenges that arise in the day-to-day operations of the CEO’s office.
• Technical Proficiency : Familiarity with office software and digital tools is essential for managing documents and communications efficiently.

In summary, the role of an executive assistant to the CEO is multifaceted, requiring a blend of administrative expertise, strategic insight, and strong interpersonal skills to support the CEO effectively and contribute to the organization’s success.

Comprehensive benefits package includes :

NLEN recently celebrated 25 years of transformative service to community members who are unemployed, formerly incarcerated, asset-limited, and / or income-constrained. The organization assists these individuals in securing employment and developing the skills to successfully navigate the job market, maintain fulfilling long-term employment, achieve educational ambitions, and build household wealth. NLEN empowers low-income job seekers with access to financial tools, digital literacy, and other supports, and partners with employers in recruiting and retaining employees. In 2024, NLEN served 1,642 clients, offered 921 financial services and workshops, and hired 40 transitional workers. Three out of five clients increased their monthly income, net worth, and FICO score. NLEN has an FY25 operating budget of $7.5 million and 46 permanent employees, more than 20 percent of whom are NLEN program graduates.

Of fundamental strategic importance to NLEN’s mission are its groundbreaking Social Enterprises, Sweet Beginnings, LLC, and the beelove® café. Sweet Beginnings is a wholly owned subsidiary of NLEN offering full-time transitional jobs to citizens returning from incarceration who face barriers to employment. Sweet Beginnings manages apiaries (bee farms) throughout Chicagoland, produces honey for consumption, and manufactures and sells all-natural honey-based skincare products. Sweet Beginnings honey is an essential ingredient at the beelove® café, opened at NLEN’s headquarters in 2021. The café has become a cherished community hub, providing a friendly gathering space and critical work opportunities to transitional employees.