Executive Assistant (Contract)

Ardelyx•Newark, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ardelyx is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on redefining treatment approaches for patients with significant unmet medical needs. By combining scientific innovation with a collaborative, purpose-driven culture, we strive to create meaningful impact for patients. Team Ardelyx is united by a shared mission and guided by our core values: Passionate, Fearless, Dedicated, and Inclusive. We foster an inclusive environment where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make an impact — both within our company and in the lives of patients we serve. This Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative support to the Chief Medical Officer, helping manage day-to-day priorities and ensuring smooth coordination of schedules, communications, and routine operations. The role requires strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and a high level of discretion, with responsibility for calendar management, travel coordination, expense reporting, and support for team meetings and other administrative activities.

Requirements

Excellent organizational skills with an ability to think proactively and prioritize work
Demonstrated initiative, follow-through, prioritization, and problem-solving ability
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, and often fast-changing environment
Energetic, positive "can do" attitude
5+ years of experience proven work experience as a Senior Executive Assistant, Executive Administrative Assistant, or similar role
BA/BS degree
Knowledge of office procedures
Extensive experience with office management systems, Powerpoint and MS Office
Familiarity with online calendars and cloud systems
Exceptional communication skills with excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive company information

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day administrative support to the Chief Medical Officer, including calendar management, meeting scheduling, expense support, and coordination of routine communications.
Light calendar support for Medical Leadership Team, including coordination of team and department meetings, scheduling, room or virtual meeting setup, agenda support and materials distribution.
Manage domestic and international travel arrangements, including itineraries, transportation, lodging, and other logistics.
Prepare and submit expense reports, track receipts, and support timely reimbursement and budget-related administrative processes.
Prepare, format, and edit presentations, reports, correspondence, and other documents for internal and external use.
Serve as a point of contact for the CMO’s office, helping route requests, prioritize needs, and ensure responsive communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Maintain organized files, documents, contact lists, and administrative trackers to support efficient daily operations.
Support planning and logistics for leadership meetings, off-sites, and other team events.
Handle sensitive information with a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
Identify opportunities to improve administrative processes and help keep the CMO and broader team organized and operating smoothly.