M&A Execution Assistant

Harris Williams•Richmond, VA

9d•$70,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are a global investment bank specializing in M&A and private capital advisory services. Clients worldwide rely on us to help unlock value in their business and turn ambitious goals into reality. We approach every engagement with boundless collaboration, pooling expertise and relationships across industries, service offerings, and geographies. For over 35 years, our clients have trusted us to think strategically, execute precisely, and deliver premium outcomes to help them grow. We are ambitious in our goals and steadfast in the belief that clients deserve our very best. To achieve our highest aspiration, we invest in world-class, team-oriented individuals who are smart, driven, and principled – those who are eager to be part of something bigger than themselves. When you join Harris Williams, you are welcomed into a collegial environment where every individual has the opportunity to make an impact in a powerful and significant way. We invite you to learn more about careers at Harris Williams. The Role: Execution Assistants play a critical role in supporting the firm’s M&A advisory efforts. In this position, you will partner closely with investment bankers, gaining exposure to live transactions while providing essential execution and administrative support. This role is ideal for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, intellectually curious, and energized by working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is an administrative and deal-coordination support role rather than an investment banking analyst position. Why This Role is Unique As an M&A Execution Assistant, you will sit at the center of live deal activity, working directly alongside investment bankers from kickoff through close. You will build organizational, communication, and deal-coordination skills inside a collegial, fast-moving team that values initiative and invests in your development.

Requirements

1+ years of experience in a professional, fast-paced environment (financial or professional services experience preferred)
Bachelor’s degree
Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced calendar and contact management in Outlook and polished, detail-oriented formatting of client-facing presentations in PowerPoint and Excel
Comfort organizing and maintaining data in Excel to support deal execution and tracking
Proactive & Responsive: Anticipates needs, stays ahead of tasks, and communicates clearly in a dynamic environment
Detail-Oriented & Accountable: Takes pride in delivering high-quality, accurate work
Collaborative: Works well across teams and is willing to pitch in when priorities shift
Discreet & Professional: Handles confidential information with sound judgment and tact
Intellectually Curious: Interested in learning the M&A process end-to-end and growing within the role
Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Associates or equivalent degree as well as related experience or product knowledge to accomplish primary duties. Typically requires 3+ years experience. In lieu of a degree, a comparable combination of education, job specific certification(s), and experience (including military service) may be considered.

Nice To Haves

Calendar Management
Office Administration
Organizing
Presentation Development
Prioritization
Researching
Accuracy and Attention to Detail
Confidentiality
Desktop Tools
Effective Communications
Flexibility and Adaptability
Office Administration

Responsibilities

Assist in the preparation, editing, and distribution of client deliverables and marketing materials throughout the M&A process
Partner with deal teams to develop transaction materials, including company overviews, transaction histories, and industry or news summaries
Conduct research and collect data using the firm’s CRM and external resources to support active engagements
Attend deal-related meetings, capture key discussion points, and track follow-up action items
Manage calendars and scheduling for multiple bankers, proactively prioritizing meetings and resolving conflicts
Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and process expense reports
Draft and format professional communications while handling sensitive information with discretion
Serve as a central point of communication for your banking team, coordinating with colleagues across the firm
Plan and manage logistics for meetings and events, including conference rooms, catering, and A/V needs
Collaborate with other Execution Assistants and administrative professionals to ensure seamless coverage and team support

Benefits

medical/prescription drug coverage (with a Health Savings Account feature)
dental and vision options
employee and spouse/child life insurance
short and long-term disability protection
401(k) with PNC match
pension and stock purchase plans
dependent care reimbursement account
back-up child/elder care
adoption, surrogacy, and doula reimbursement
educational assistance, including select programs fully paid
a robust wellness program with financial incentives
maternity and/or parental leave
up to 11 paid holidays each year
9 occasional absence days each year, unless otherwise required by law
between 15 to 25 vacation days each year, depending on career level; and years of service