Executive Assistant

Principal Financial Group•Des Moines, IA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

We're seeking a highly skilled Executive Assistant to serve as a trusted partner to our Executive Recruiting team. In this role, you'll provide critical administrative and logistical support for the executive recruiting program, coordinating closely with senior leaders, executive candidates, HRBP Leadership, and members of the Executive Management Group (EMG) to ensure a seamless and exceptional recruitment experience. This position is ideal for an experienced administrative professional who thrives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. The successful candidate will bring exceptional organizational skills, sound judgment, executive maturity, and the ability to manage complex logistics with precision and professionalism.

Requirements

6+ years of related experience or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, or education.
High school diploma required, associate degree preferred.
Significant administrative or executive support experience in a fast-paced professional environment.
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.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
High level of discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
Polished executive presence and professional demeanor.
Strong relationship-building skills and a service-oriented mindset.
Ability to influence and communicate confidently with senior leaders.
Comfortable navigating change and ambiguity while maintaining composure under pressure.
Ability to respectfully challenge assumptions, provide recommendations, and escalate issues when appropriate.

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 escalate concerns appropriately while maintaining professionalism and discretion.