Executive Assistant

Anixter Center•Chicago, IL

12d•$80,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Executive Assistant is a key member of the President & CEO's Office and serves as a trusted resource to the executive team and Board of Directors. The role is the primary liaison to the Board and its committees, ensuring governance work is coordinated and maintained accurately, while supporting the President & CEO and other executives with scheduling, communications, meetings, and events. The position also serves as a visible, welcoming presence for the Office of the President & CEO across Anixter Center. The Executive Assistant regularly visits locations and programs, builds relationships with staff, and supports organizational engagement and culture. Responsibilities include board administration, executive support, meeting and project coordination, event planning, committee participation and leadership, and facility support at the Wilson location. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the President & CEO. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evening and weekend work for board meetings and events. The role is on-site for the first 90 days, then requires at least three days per week at an Anixter Center location. Regular travel to locations and programs in the Chicagoland area is required.

Requirements

Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
At least five years of progressively responsible administrative support experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including diplomacy in governance materials and a warm, approachable style with staff and partners.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams; comfort with AI-related tools and board portal software.
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and shifting deadlines accurately and calmly.
Proactive, resourceful, and accountable approach, including anticipating needs, bringing solutions, and driving tasks through to completion.
Absolute discretion and sound judgment with sensitive governance, financial, and personnel information.
Ability to build trusting relationships across the organization, including with program staff, donors, and Board members, and to lead committees and cross-functional teams without direct authority.
Commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and to Anixter Center's mission.
Regular travel to Anixter Center locations and programs within the Chicagoland area.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for board meetings and events.
Ability to perform extended computer work and occasionally move office supplies, event materials, or board packets weighing up to 20 pounds; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience supporting executive leadership.
Experience working with boards, governing bodies, or committees.
Experience preparing meeting minutes and board materials.
Experience using board management software or online board portals.
Familiarity with nonprofit organizations.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and its committees.
Coordinate board and committee meetings and orientations; prepare and distribute agendas and board packets; record and distribute minutes; and maintain governance records, board contacts, and committee rosters.
Help implement, administer, and maintain the board portal, and train and support board members and staff in using it.
Support the President & CEO and other executives with calendars and meeting requests.
Coordinate leadership team meetings and retreats; draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, presentations, and reports; and track follow-up items and action steps.
Manage meeting logistics, including scheduling, rooms, technology, catering, and materials.
Maintain action item lists and organize executive files on SharePoint with version control and secure access.
Support special projects and agency-wide initiatives.
Plan and run board events, executive meetings, recognition programs, and agency-wide events, including invitations, registration, vendors, and day-of coordination.
Assist Philanthropy and Marketing teams with fundraising, ambassador board, volunteer, and community outreach events.
Visit Anixter Center locations and programs regularly to build relationships and keep leadership connected to staff.
Participate in agency committees and workgroups, chair assigned committees, and help plan employee engagement and recognition activities.
For the Wilson location, monitor and order supplies, manage inventory, work with vendors, and conduct emergency drills.