Executive Assistant

County of Kent; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Kent is seeking an Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and partners with the County Administrator/Controller to keep operations running smoothly. The role requires exceptional organization, discretion with confidential matters, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professional communication.

You will support leadership by managing calendars, coordinating meetings, travel, and events, and overseeing budgets, invoices, and office

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, organizational management, communications or a related field, plus four years of progressively responsible office administration experience, including direct support to an executive leader, and at least two years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a busy executive calendar and coordinate meetings, travel, and events for the Administrator/Controller and leadership team.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for internal and external partners, handling confidential information with care.
• Support day-to-day office operations, including technology needs, office processes, and departmental financial workflows.
• Help prepare and monitor budgets, track invoices and payments, and oversee reimbursement processes.
• Coordinate complex meetings with local municipalities and community partners.
• Provide project support on high-priority initiatives that advance County goals.
• Supervise the Senior Administrative Specialist, offering training, direction, and ongoing support.
• Assist staff and stakeholders with inquiries and problem-solving.
• Attend meetings and prepare agendas, minutes, and supporting materials.

Skills

Office management

Supervisory abilities

Customer service

Written and verbal communication

Confidential information handling

Organization and time management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, organizational management, or communications

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We’re looking for an Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys keeping operations running smoothly. This role is a key partner to the County Administrator/Controller and works closely with County leadership on initiatives that support both our organization and the community.

If you’re highly organized, proactive, and skilled at juggling multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion, we’d love to meet you.

What You’ll Do

• Manage a busy, dynamic executive calendar and help coordinate meetings, presentations, travel, and events for the Administrator/Controller and leadership team.
• Serve as a trusted point of contact for internal and external partners, handling correspondence, documents, and confidential information with care.
• Support day-to-day office operations, including technology needs, office processes, and departmental financial workflows.
• Help prepare and monitor budgets, track invoices and payments, and oversee reimbursement processes.
• Coordinate complex meetings with local municipalities and community partners.
• Provide project support on high-priority initiatives that advance County goals.
• Supervise the Senior Administrative Specialist, offering training, direction, and ongoing support.
• Assist staff and stakeholders with inquiries, problem-solving, and navigating departmental procedures.
• Attend assigned meetings and prepare agendas, minutes, and supporting materials.

Who You Are

• Exceptionally organized, adaptable, and able to manage competing deadlines.
• A clear communicator who works well with leaders, staff, and external partners.
• Comfortable handling confidential information and sensitive situations.
• A strong multitasker who enjoys improving processes and keeping things running efficiently.
• Someone who brings professionalism, initiative, and a collaborative spirit to every interaction.

If you’re ready to make an impact and support work that directly benefits Kent County and its residents, we encourage you to apply.

*Please note: this position does require regular on-site presence. Remote work may be available based on operational needs, applicable County procedures, and supervisor approval. Occasional evening hours may be required to support meetings, events, or other business needs.

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, organizational management, communications or a related field, plus four years of progressively responsible office administration experience, including direct support to an executive leader, and at least two years of supervisory experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong office management and administrative skills
• Effective supervisory abilities with experience coaching and supporting staff
• Excellent customer service and professional communication skills
• Ability to learn and apply departmental processes, County policies, and legal requirements
• Working knowledge of budgeting and financial administration
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and general office technology
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication
• Sound judgment when handling confidential information
• Strong organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and build strong working relationships

*Notices will come via email so please be sure to monitor the email address indicated on your application*