Executive Assistant to the CEO, Chicago, IL (Hybrid)

THE LARKO GROUP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

THE LARKO GROUP in Chicago, IL, is seeking an Executive Assistant who thrives in a fast‑paced, hands‑on culture. You will support a senior executive with complex calendars, travel and communications while also helping shape the employee experience.

This on‑site role combines high‑level administrative duties with initiatives in internal communications and engagement, partnering with the Head of People & Culture to build programs, newsletters, events, and culture across the organization.

Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in an Executive Assistant, Administrative, Employee Experience, Internal Communications, or similar role.
• Experience in a small or entrepreneurial organization where flexibility is essential.
• Strong experience managing complex calendars, travel, meetings, and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with executives and employees at all levels.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Able to handle confidential information with discretion.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and organizational support to a senior executive in a fast-paced environment.
• Manage a complex calendar, coordinating internal and external meetings, agendas, schedules, and changing priorities.
• Coordinate detailed domestic/international travel arrangements, including itineraries and last-minute changes.
• Manage a high-volume email inbox, prioritizing and responding as appropriate.
• Coordinate communications with businesses outside the U.S. and assist with board and philanthropic commitments.

Skills

Calendar management

Travel coordination

Communication

Event planning

Board coordination

Internal communications

Employee engagement

Discretion

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Executive Assistant, Chicago, IL (On-Site)

Our client, an outstanding manufacturing firm, is seeking a highly adaptable, polished, and hands‑on Executive Assistant to support a senior executive while also helping shape the employee experience across a growing manufacturing organization.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and thrives in an environment where no two days look the same. Approximately half of the role will focus on high-level executive support, including complex travel, calendar and communication management, events, board commitments, and select personal and philanthropic responsibilities. The other half will focus on building stronger internal communications and employee engagement programs in partnership with the Head of People & Culture.

The company has a long‑tenured workforce, a strong sense of community, and a fast‑moving, hands‑on culture. The ideal candidate is someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, jumping between priorities, figuring things out, and simply getting things done.

Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Provide administrative and organizational support to a senior executive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Manage a complex calendar, coordinating internal and external meetings, agendas, schedules, and changing priorities.
• Coordinate detailed domestic/international travel arrangements, including itineraries and last‑minute changes.
• Manage a high‑volume email inbox, helping prioritize, organize, and respond to correspondence as appropriate.
• Coordinate communications and activities with businesses and organizations outside the U.S.
• Support board and philanthropic commitments, including scheduling, meeting preparation, correspondence, and follow‑up.
• Assist with select personal and family‑related scheduling, travel, and meeting preparation.
• Maintain the highest level of discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive business, personal, and family information.
• Plan and coordinate on‑site events, including visits from students, architects, business partners, and other professional guests.
• Anticipate needs, stay ahead of deadlines, and ensure important details don’t fall through the cracks.
• Provide occasional support outside of traditional business hours when a genuine business need or emergency arises, while maintaining appropriate boundaries and prioritization.

Employee Engagement & Internal Communications

• Partner with the Head of People & Culture to develop and build an employee experience and internal communications program from the ground up.
• Create and distribute engaging employee newsletters and internal communications.
• Plan and coordinate employee events and activities that foster connection and engagement.
• Help develop health, wellness, and employee appreciation initiatives.
• Coordinate company town halls, including logistics, communications, agendas, and follow‑up.
• Support employee survey initiatives and help drive communication and follow‑through based on feedback.
• Develop communications and programs that help employees feel informed, connected, valued, and supported.
• Look for opportunities to strengthen the day‑to‑day employee experience and bring new ideas to the organization.
• Build relationships across the organization and help create a culture where employees feel connected to the business and its leadership.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in Business, Communications, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 3–7 years of experience in an Executive Assistant, Administrative, Employee Experience, Internal Communications, or similar role.
• Experience working in a small or entrepreneurial organization where flexibility and resourcefulness are essential.
• Strong experience managing complex calendars, travel, meetings, and competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with executives and employees at all levels.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and follow‑through.
• Comfortable handling confidential and highly sensitive information with complete discretion.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in an environment where priorities can change quickly.
• Mature, grounded, approachable, and able to build strong relationships across a diverse workforce.
• Confident enough to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries while remaining responsive when something truly requires immediate attention.
• A genuine interest in employee engagement, culture, and creating a positive workplace experience.

#118083

Up to $120,000 salary per year (based on experience)