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Spencer Stuart

Executive Assistant

Chicago, IL

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant (EA) is an integral member of the search execution team, working closely with the consultants and research team, and acting as project manager to ensure the timely success of each assignment. The EA serves as a key contact with clients and candidates, schedules interviews, arranges consultant and candidate travel, ensures all due diligence has been conducted on candidates, reviews results, and flags issues. S/he is responsible for the production of multiple documents throughout the search process.

Key Relationships

Reports to:

Administrative Manager (solid line)

One or two executive search consultant(s) (dotted line)

Other Key Relationships:

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Assigned Mentor(s)

Executive Assistants

Consultants

Corporate Office Staff

Research/Associate Staff

Administrative Staff

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Assistant's (EA) primary responsibility will be to provide administrative support to one or two dedicated executive search consultant(s) as well as to assist other members of the office staff to balance the workload of the office. Additional responsibilities include:

  • In accordance with the Firm's brand standards, prepare all production work associated with executing a search assignment from start to finish, including qualifications packages for potential new searches, proposal and confirmation letters, position specifications, target lists, progress reports, candidate presentations, reference reports, closeout letters, and candidate and client correspondence.
  • Close out completed searches and organize all material associated with the search in accordance with audit requirements.
  • Work closely with client organizations to schedule candidates for interviews with clients, including assistance with hotel reservations, air travel, directions and any other search-related requirements.
  • Ensure that clients are properly billed in accordance with any special terms; monitor accounts receivables; review monthly client billing worksheets and consultant corporate card statements for charges to be allocated to relevant searches.
  • Manage and maintain consultant(s) calendar and coordinate trip schedules, making all travel and associated arrangements.
  • Prepare monthly expense reports and ensure accuracy of the allocation of client-related expenses.

Provide assistance with additional office responsibilities, including but not limited to reception/front desk/switchboard coverage, supporting multiple consultants, IT liaison, software trainer, document proofreading and quality assurance, client meeting preparation, EA mentor, special office projects, social functions and any other tasks identified by the office Administrative Manager on an ad-hoc basis.

Ideal Experience

5 or more years of executive administrative assistant experience

Experience in a professional environment that is production and administratively oriented is desired. Prior experience in a professional services environment is preferred but not mandatory.

Strong project management skills

Experience coordinating complex logistics and projects with multiple stakeholders.

Expert User of Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)

Experience working with a database is considered a significant asset. Typing speed of 60 WPM or more.

An undergraduate degree is desirable

Critical Capabilities

As measured by year-end performance appraisal and ongoing client, consultant and peer feedback.

Communication and Relationship Management:

Communicate clearly and interact with others in a manner that demonstrates and inspires confidence. Establish and sustain relationships in order to build and strengthen a network of individuals who work cooperatively with each other, including the ability to interact with very senior-level clients and candidates with the highest degree of professionalism at all times. Demonstrate a team approach to and reinforce collaboration in all internal/external interactions to support work balance among the search team and within the office. Exhibit a client-focused attitude in the work environment. The ideal candidate will do this by:

  • Building collaborative relationships externally and internally, including with individuals in other Spencer Stuart offices.
  • Participating in and guiding teams while fostering an environment of mutual trust.
  • Identifying and assisting in managing the needs and expectations of the internal and external team.
  • Communicating appropriately and effectively with all levels and diverse cultures.
  • Demonstrating effectual presence through high-level, written and oral communication skills.
  • Providing constructive guidance and feedback, and openly receiving the same.
  • Remaining optimistic and positive - even when under stress - facing challenges by looking for solutions and offering support to colleagues who are in need.

Project Management:

Proactively manage projects to ensure smooth and high-quality outcomes while working on multiple assignments with differing priorities and abbreviated timelines that involve team members with varying communication and execution styles.

The ideal candidate will do this by:

  • Taking the lead in the timely and efficient scheduling of candidate/client meetings, ensuring that all parties are kept informed, and all details are confirmed and communicated.
  • Identifying the varied resources needed and available to deal with multi-dimensional tasks and putting together a realistic and achievable work plan.
  • Leveraging technology tools such as Outlook, the Microsoft suite of products, and a relational database to their fullest potential in a fast-paced environment, including:
  • Using the calendar to schedule, track and notify people of meetings and changes to the consultant's schedule.
  • Knowing which tool is most appropriate for the task at hand and integrating the features of the Microsoft suite of products to produce the most efficient end product.
  • Leaving a "trail" in the relational database by entering real-time feedback and search progress solicited from all members of the search team as well as clients and candidates.
  • Regularly communicating with team members (colleagues, clients, candidates) regarding expectations, deadlines and project status via face-to-face meetings, conference calls and e-mails.
  • Maintaining flexibility to meet the changing demands and deadlines by identifying early warning signs of potential non-delivery, troubleshooting and requesting help, if needed.

Quality:

Demonstrate ethical, sound professional practices and personal accountability. Act in a manner that is consistent with the Firm's values. Hold others accountable to standards of performance. Display a curiosity and desire for knowledge and staying current with colleagues, the Firm and its systems. Regularly invest time in encouraging the team to innovate, continuously improve processes and share knowledge.

The successful candidate will do this by:

  • Adhering to the Firm's Code of Ethics as outlined in the Red Book.
  • Gaining an understanding of and following the Firm's policies, procedures and brand standards.
  • Advocating high-quality work by ensuring that client deliverables are thoroughly reviewed and edited.
  • Increasing efficiency while maintaining quality in an environment where technology changes constantly and productivity demands remain high. The ideal candidate will do this by:
  • Embracing and actively participating in training opportunities and proactively seeking guidance and coaching from peers or corporate trainers to augment or improve skills.
  • Implementing the skills and knowledge in a timely fashion by persevering through the learning curve associated with incorporating these enhancements into everyday work activities.
  • Proactively sharing best practices with the search team by communicating the benefits of improved efficiencies. This could be in the form of informal, on-the-job opportunities or in formal, structured learning opportunities with colleagues.
  • Participating in the Firm's performance management process, providing 360 assessments on colleagues, as requested, and engaging in self-assessment.
  • Remaining self-assured and maintaining a balanced perspective while demonstrating maturity and exercising good judgment.
  • Unemotionally addressing issues on merit.

Personal Characteristics

  • Strong client orientation; inherent desire to deliver beyond the call of duty.
  • Very strong organization and prioritization abilities.
  • Discretion and sensitivity in dealing with confidential communications and documentation.
  • Endurance and the ability to handle multiple conflicting priorities at once.
  • Solid judgement; the ability to make sound decisions and work autonomously in the absence of constant supervision.
  • Proactive; takes steps to prevent problems before they occur.

Spencer Stuart is a proud equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to non-discrimination without regard to actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.

All Spencer Stuart employees in the US must be vaccinated against COVID-19. We will provide reasonable accommodations for medical, disability or religious reasons.

Job ID: SpencerStuart-R1851
Employment Type: Other

This job is no longer available.

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