Executive Recruiting Assistant: High-Impact Admin Partner

Principal Financial Group; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Principal Financial Group is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to partner with the Executive Recruiting team in Des Moines. The role focuses on high-visibility support, calendar mastery, travel planning, and delivering a premium candidate experience.

You will interact with senior leaders, EMG members, and HR partners to ensure smooth logistics and discretion in all engagements. The ideal candidate brings 6+ years of executive support experience, strong communication, and the ability to

Qualifications

• 6+ years of related experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education.
• Experience supporting executive recruiting, executive leadership teams, or C-suite executives.
• Advanced calendar management and executive scheduling expertise.
• Experience coordinating complex travel arrangements and logistics.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders and executive-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key liaison between Executive Recruiting, executive search firms, senior leaders, executive candidates, and EMG members.
• Represent the Executive Recruiting team with professionalism, credibility, and discretion.
• Provide dedicated administrative support to an HRBP leader, including calendar management, meeting coordination, travel planning, and other day-to-day support needs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with executives, recruiting partners, candidates, and administrative professionals across the organization.
• Provide a high-touch, white-glove experience for executive candidates and business leaders throughout the recruitment process.
• Manage highly complex calendars involving multiple executives, candidates, interview panels, and time zones.
• Coordinate executive interviews and meetings while balancing competing priorities and schedules.
• Respond quickly and effectively to last-minute changes, ensuring a seamless experience for all parties.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail in all scheduling activities.
• Coordinate complex domestic and international travel arrangements for executives and candidates.
• Develop and manage detailed itineraries, including transportation, accommodations, dining arrangements, and candidate visit logistics.
• Adapt travel plans as needed while maintaining exceptional service and responsiveness.
• Ensure all logistics are executed flawlessly from planning through completion.
• Create an exceptional candidate experience that reflects the professionalism and values of the organization.
• Manage interview schedules, candidate communications, and onsite visit arrangements.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure candidates receive a welcoming, seamless experience throughout the recruiting process.
• Anticipate challenges before they arise and proactively develop solutions and exercise sound judgement in fast-paced and often ambiguous situations.
• Independently manage priorities and make informed decisions with minimal oversight and elevate concerns appropriately while maintaining professionalism and discretion.

Skills

Executive support

Calendar management

Travel planning

Discretion

Relationship building

Communication

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Principal Financial Group is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to partner with the Executive Recruiting team in Des Moines. The role focuses on high-visibility support, calendar mastery, travel planning, and delivering a premium candidate experience.

You will interact with senior leaders, EMG members, and HR partners to ensure smooth logistics and discretion in all engagements. The ideal candidate brings 6+ years of executive support experience, strong communication, and the ability to