Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant to the Founder

We are seeking a highly professional, proactive Executive Assistant to support the Founder in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. This role offers a rare opportunity to partner directly with a visionary leader and evolve into a true right hand, ultimately operating as a hybrid Executive Assistant / Chief of Staff.

The Executive Assistant will play a critical role in driving efficiency, organization, and communication, with immediate ownership over complex calendar management, inbox oversight, and travel coordination. This position is designed for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is eager to take on increasing levels of responsibility over time.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage a high-volume, ever-changing calendar with precision and strategic foresight, prioritizing competing demands, aligning meetings with key business objectives, and ensuring the Founder’s time is leveraged as effectively as possible.
• Proactively manage and prioritize a heavy inbox, exercising strong judgment to triage communications, draft thoughtful and polished responses, and act on behalf of the Founder with accuracy and discretion.
• Coordinate complex domestic and international travel arrangements, including detailed itineraries, contingency planning, and real-time adjustments to ensure seamless execution.
• Serve as a gatekeeper and trusted thought partner, filtering requests, managing access, and making informed decisions that protect and optimize the Founder’s time and focus.
• Prepare for and, over time, attend meetings, ensuring the Founder is well-briefed, capturing key takeaways, and driving follow-ups and execution across internal and external stakeholders.
• Anticipate needs and solve problems before they arise, operating with a high level of autonomy, sound judgment, and a forward-thinking mindset.
• Partner closely with internal stakeholders and external contacts, building strong relationships while maintaining the highest level of professionalism, discretion, and responsiveness.
• Provide light personal support as needed, including select travel coordination and scheduling, with the same level of care, confidentiality, and attention to detail.
• Collaborate with the broader administrative team, including an Office Manager, to ensure seamless coverage, clear communication, and alignment across support functions.

Ideal Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 4–6 years of experience supporting senior and/or C-level executives.
• Private equity or similarly fast-paced, high-performance environment preferred.
• Highly proactive, energetic, and driven with a “no task too small” mindset.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong business judgment with the ability to prioritize effectively.
• Elevated communication standards and polished correspondence on behalf of the Founder.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a high level of polish.
• Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
• Trustworthy, discreet, and relationship-oriented.
• Some after-hours availability may be required for urgent matters (e.g., travel changes).
• Ability to operate as a true extension of the executive, proactive, responsive, and highly trusted.

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Larko is a women-owned, premier staffing and recruiting firm based in Chicago with a nationwide reach. We specialize in Direct Hire, Temp-to-Hire, and Temporary/Project placements across a wide range of roles, including Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Personal Assistants, Chief of Staff, Office Managers, Receptionists, General Office, Event Support, Project Management, and Customer Service.