Executive Assistant

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Milford (MA); On-site; USD 72,980 - 88,035; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston seeks an Executive Assistant I to provide high-level administrative support to Vice Presidents and above. The role requires independent judgment, advanced communications, and discretion in handling sensitive information.

Duties include calendar management, travel planning, onboarding coordination, and event support. Located in Boston and surrounding areas, the institute leads in cancer research and patient care.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of administrative experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-level administrative support to Vice Presidents and above.
• Manage complex calendars and travel itineraries.
• Prepare presentations and coordinate meetings and events.
• Handle confidential documents and sensitive information with discretion.
• Coordinate onboarding and track department workforce and org charts.

Skills

Advanced communication

Calendar management

Problem solving

Budgeting

Discretion

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Zoom

Adobe

Job description

Under minimal supervision, the Executive Assistant I provides high-level administrative support primarily to Vice Presidents and above or a comparable level executive. The role requires analysis and independent judgement, often communicating on behalf of the executive to other employees, and remaining knowledgeable of corporate policies.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life‑changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high‑risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, educate tomorrow's physician‑researchers, and work with amazing partners—including other Harvard Medical School‑affiliated hospitals.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide knowledgeable and skilled general administrative support primarily to Vice President(s) and above or a comparable level executive. Responsibilities to include:
• Advanced communications support
• Proactively triage issues as they arise and determine appropriate action in response to inquiries
• Act as designee of leader in specified areas as directed
• Complex calendar management of senior executives and anticipating conflicts before they arise
• Assist executive(s) in preparing presentations as needed; ensure room reservations and A/V equipment is set‑up appropriately for VP or SVP hosted meeting
• Collaborate with leadership, HR, and hiring managers to manage and execute a smooth process for requirement and onboarding of new hires
• Work with leaders to track departmental workforce, i.e., employees, contractors, consultants, and keep organizational charts updated and compiled
• May be responsible for managing in‑person events, ensuring there are appropriate speakers, hosts, and catering arranged
• Coordinate department events, retreats, leadership meetings and other group meetings with internal and external entities
• Prepare documents and correspondence that may be highly confidential or politically sensitive in nature
• Book complex domestic and/or international travel itineraries
• Attend administrative leadership team meetings as requested, ensuring these meetings have identified facilitators, agendas, and that action items are recorded and followed up on
• May process invoices to ensure vendors are paid in a timely fashion, assign proper budget codes and coordinate reimbursements
• Oversee department purchasing cards, online reconciliation, statement and receipts submission to Accounts Payable in a timely manner
• Process various requisitions, purchase orders, personnel and other forms needed for the department’s administration
• May provide oversight of operational/administrative functions to department managers, including maintaining SOPs and educating staff as needed
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality regarding a variety of highly sensitive topics
• Help to improve workflow, operating efficiency, and service quality within the department
• May provide mentorship, supervision, or management to junior administrative staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Advanced knowledge of computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom, Adobe
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to interact professionally with peers, leadership, and external contacts
• Resourceful with strong problem‑solving skills
• Ability to engage with appropriate urgency in situations that require quick response or turnaround
• Ability to independently prioritize a high volume of tasks and manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated competency with budgeting and office systems and standard computer programs; ability to teach others as needed
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of people and diverse cultures
• Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information in an appropriate and professional manner

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5 years of administrative experience

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No direct reports; may provide mentorship, supervision, or management to junior administrative staff

Patient Contact:

No

At Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. We are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

EEO Poster

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$72,980.00 - $88,035.00