Executive Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

Harbor; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunities for professional development

Paid time off

Professional development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

A leading expert services provider in Chicago is looking for an Executive Assistant to the CEO. This full-time role demands a strategic partner who can manage complex schedules, facilitate communication across departments and represent the CEO with professionalism. Candidates should have at least 7 years of experience supporting senior executives, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office tools. The position offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years supporting senior executives in professional services.
• Proven experience managing confidential information.
• Professional presence and judgment for client-facing interactions.
• Impeccable written and verbal communication with attention to detail.
• Professional presence for client-facing and board-level interactions.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and Office tools; Salesforce a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the CEO’s complex calendar and travel arrangements.
• Coordinate Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team meetings.
• Conduct research and prepare executive summaries for decision-making.
• Draft, review, and edit correspondence, presentations, and reports.
• Handle incoming communications with discretion and routing as needed.
• Prepare client briefing materials and meeting notes with follow-up actions.
• Coordinate Board of Directors and ELT meetings, agendas, minutes, and actions.
• Support governance processes and executive reporting; track initiatives.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365

Impeccable communication skills

Strong attention to detail

Exceptional time management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM (Salesforce)

PowerPoint

Salesforce (CRM)

Job description

Harbor is seeking a dynamic Executive Assistant to the CEO to join our growing company. The Executive Assistant to the CEO is the strategic right hand to the organization’s top leader, a trusted partner who ensures that the CEO’s time, focus, and energy are directed toward the highest-value priorities. This role is far more than administrative support; it is a critical extension of executive leadership, driving efficiency, communication, and alignment across the company.

Acting as a gatekeeper, liaison, and confidant, the Executive Assistant manages complex calendars, coordinates high-level meetings, prepares critical materials, and anticipates the CEO’s needs before they arise. They serve as the connective tissue between departments, ensuring that initiatives move forward seamlessly and that the CEO remains informed and empowered to make timely, strategic decisions.

Equipped with strong business acumen, discretion, and exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills, the Executive Assistant represents the CEO with professionalism and tact in all interactions. Their influence extends beyond logistics - they help shape culture, foster relationships with key stakeholders, and enable the CEO to lead with clarity and impact.

This is a full-time position working hybrid from out Chicago, IL company headquarters.

Responsibilities

Executive & Administrative Support

• Manage the CEO’s complex calendar, meetings, and travel arrangements with accuracy and foresight.
• Anticipate needs, resolve scheduling conflicts, and ensure the CEO is fully prepared for all engagements.
• Collaborate daily with the Chief of Staff to streamline workflows, manage priorities, and support the CEO’s overall effectiveness.
• Draft, review, and edit correspondence, presentations, and reports with a high degree of professionalism, polish and attention to detail.
• Handle incoming communications (calls, emails, and requests) with discretion, prioritizing issues and routing as appropriate.
• Prepare client briefing materials, meeting notes, and follow-up action plans.

Client & Partner Coordination

• Serve as a professional and trusted point of contact for clients, internal leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Manage client communications and logistics for high-level meetings, presentations, and firm events.
• Uphold the firm’s brand through exceptional service, responsiveness, and confidentiality.

Leadership & Governance Support

• Coordinate Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team (ELT) meetings, including agendas, materials, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Support key governance processes, including compliance documentation and executive reporting.
• Track firm initiatives and ensure timely execution of CEO commitments and strategic priorities.

Operational & Strategic Support

• Support firmwide initiatives, including business development efforts, client engagement, and internal communications.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and prepare concise executive summaries and insights for decision-making.
• Partner with Finance, HR, and Operations teams to streamline processes and maintain organizational efficiency.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years supporting senior executives in a professional services environment; consulting, legal, financial, or similar field preferred.
• Proven experience managing confidential information and complex, multi-stakeholder relationships.
• Impeccable communication skills — both written and verbal — with strong attention to detail.
• Professional presence, discretion, and judgment appropriate for client-facing and board-level interactions.
• Exceptional time management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft 365 and Teams plus MS Office Suite tools such as Word, Excel, and Powerpoint; experience with CRM (Salesforce) a plus.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to anticipate needs in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Collaborative, client-focused culture that values professionalism and precision.
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven, requiring flexibility and a proactive mindset.
• Occasional after-hours or travel support may be required.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement within a respected firm.

About Us

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 800+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.

Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.