Executive Assistant to the EVP/COO/CTO

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Executive Assistant, Office of the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating and Transformation Officer (EVP/COTO), serves as the primary administrative partner to the EVP/COTO, providing high-level, proactive support in a fast-paced, complex environment. This role anticipates executive needs, manages priorities, and ensures seamless coordination of the COTO’s calendar, meetings, travel, and events. Acting as a trusted representative of the EVP/COTO’s office, the Executive Assistant handles sensitive communications and materials with discretion and sound judgment. The role prepares executive correspondence and presentations, coordinates meetings and large-scale events, supports workforce and onboarding processes, and oversees key administrative and financial operations. The Executive Assistant also supports operational and project initiatives, partners across teams, and drives continuous improvement in workflows and service quality. Success in this role requires strong judgment, organization, communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, matrixed organization. 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, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Requirements

Stellar 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 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 Interactions that require confidentiality and diplomacy.
High school diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
8 years of administrative experience of which 3 years must be in an Executive Assistant role.

Responsibilities

Provide knowledgeable and skilled general administrative support primarily to Executive Vice President(s).
Advanced communications support
Proactively triaging issues as they arise and determining 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 EVP hosted meeting.
Collaborate with leadership, HR, and hiring managers to manage and execute a smooth process for requirement and onboarding 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.