New York - Executive Assistant

Winston & Strawn LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading global law firm as an Executive Assistant to the COO, where your strategic thinking and proactive approach will be vital. This pivotal role demands exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic environment. You will manage complex calendars, coordinate travel, and support the COO in various administrative capacities. The firm values teamwork and offers a collaborative culture, making it an exciting place to advance your career. If you are passionate about delivering exceptional service and fostering strong relationships, this opportunity could be your next career step.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Benefits

Yearly Retirement Contribution

Annual Discretionary Merit Bonus

Qualifications

• 2+ years of administrative experience supporting senior executives.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex calendars and coordinate travel arrangements.
• Assist COO with administrative tasks and project planning.

Skills

Administrative Support

Calendar Management

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

MS Office

Adobe Software

Virtual Meeting Software

Job description

About Us

For professional staff, Winston & Strawn presents an exciting opportunity to be a part of a leading global law firm. With our commitment to excellence, diversity, a collaborative work environment, and an emphasis on professional growth, Winston offers a platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Winston is known for its collaborative and collegial culture. We believe teamwork is an essential component in providing high-quality legal services and we value the talents and skills of our entire professional staff team.

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant to the COO is a pivotal role that requires a proactive, emotionally intelligent and highly strategic approach to managing the COO's work in a dynamic and high-pressure environment. The successful candidate will develop a deep understanding of the operational and logistical needs of the COO and their direct reports, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Chiefs, the Chair Group, Partners, and others.

Candidates should possess a high EQ, exuding positivity and optimism while serving as a role model to peers. A demonstrated passion for customer service and hospitality, coupled with strong interpersonal and communication skills, is essential. The ideal candidate is highly customer-oriented and committed to delivering exceptional results through acts of service.

This role demands a high level of professionalism, sound judgment, acute attention to detail, and discretion. The ability to manage fluctuating demands under tight and often changing deadlines is crucial. The Executive Assistant must be forward-thinking, constantly anticipating needs, and maintaining composure under pressure. Collaboration with various departments across the Firm is essential, and flexibility in scheduling is a must.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Own and drive calendar for complex meeting scheduling.
• Coordinate end-to-end travel needs, including booking all travel and hotels, directions, commuting time and ground transportation.
• Process time sheets and expenses on a timely basis.
• Support administrative aspects of COO’s internal commitments.
• Attend meetings to contribute, for awareness, or as a documentarian.
• Exercise sound judgment to make appropriate trade-off when scheduling.
• Facilitate the scheduling process and relevant communications with friendly professionalism and high attention to detail.
• Assist with ad hoc project and event planning.
• Conduct research and gather information as requested.
• Assist with the creation and preparation of materials – slides, proposals, decks, including proofreading.
• Act as a thought partner and trusted advisor to COO and team.
• Keep COO informed of critical information they may not be aware of.
• Guide COO toward making the right decisions about use of time.
• Take initiative to bring things "from the back burner to the front burner.”
• Perform other duties as assigned or required, including assisting COO's team members when able; responsibilities will vary.
• Appetite for technology tools, GenAI etc. to maximize administrative impact.
  
  
  

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (Must be specifically listed on resume to be considered for this position)

• Bachelor’s degree is highly preferred.
• Two + years of administrative experience in a fast-paced environment, supporting senior level executives required. Law firm or professional service organization experience preferred.
• This is an in-office role and must reside in a commutable distance to the firm’s office.
  
  
  

COMPETENCIES

• Computer proficiency with working knowledge of MS Office required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, Adobe software and virtual meeting software. Strong formatting and data entry skills required.
• Excellent organizational skills including calendar management, record keeping, data collection and system information.Strong written and verbal communications skills; ability to compile and analyze data and furnish information in report format, written correspondence, email, or verbally.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality with respect to firm matters.
• Strong intellectual curiosity – a hunger and desire to always be learning, experiencing, and growing.
• Insightful – drives momentum forward by connecting the dots.
• Composed– excellent at time and project management, has clear systems and composure to deal with multiple tasks at once and ensures everything gets done in a timely manner.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when under pressure.
• Relationship-oriented – ability to develop effective working relationships with the broader team to help build trust, open doors, and create opportunity.
• Team player – proactively seeks opportunities to help others; will go above and beyond to get the job done.
• Dedicated to our values – open and inclusive to all members of the team and support them as equals.
• Committed to improving the status quo – confidence and willingness to ask questions or make suggestions, even if it is turned down.
• Ability to travel minimally as needed for team meetings.
  
  
  

Benefits

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full-time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here .

SALARY

New York based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $110,000 - $165,000 based on a regular, full-time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. Total compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.