Executive Assistant - General Counsel - GROWMARK, Inc. - Bloomington, IL

SALARY RANGE: $61,600.00 - $84,700.00

GROWMARK is an agricultural cooperative serving almost 400,000 customers across North America, providing agronomy, energy, facility engineering and construction, and logistics products and services, as well as grain marketing and risk management services. Headquartered in Bloomington, Illinois, GROWMARK owns the FS trademark, which is used by its member cooperatives. GROWMARK also owns and operates SEEDWAY, the largest full-line seed company in the United States. More information is available at growmark.com.

PURPOSE AND SUMMARY STATEMENT

Under the general direction of the Executive Vice President Grain and General Counsel (“EVP”), assumes responsibility for a wide range of executive level administrative duties and projects supporting the operations of the General Counsel’s Division (GCD) and Grain Division. This position handles sensitive and confidential projects and correspondence, and provides executive level support to the EVP.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists the General Counsel/Legal team with research and projects by gathering and compiling required information and submitting report summaries of findings. 

Create draft correspondence and other documents as needed. 

Sets priorities, oversees projects, and responds to requests in coordination with the Vice President and General Counsel. 

Oversees project timelines and ensures calendars, meetings and communications happen in a timely manner. Works with the EVP to ensure staff members are aware of key due dates relating to projects and legal cases.

Summarizes, reviews, and brings to the attention of the EVP matters that require immediate action or attention to ensure the company is prepared and reacting timely to sensitive and/or confidential information. 

Assists the EVP with all meeting planning and material preparation.

Helps prepare legal reports and communication materials for the GROWMARK CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors.

Prepares the Notice of Meeting and the Agenda for meetings of various GROWMARK subsidiaries, as needed.

Maintains professional communications with outside legal counsel, the GCD’s clients, and members of the GCD regarding various projects, legal matters, and information requests.

Schedules meetings, appointments, and plans travel for the Vice President and General Counsel, and others, as needed, and ensures all departmental calendars are up to date.

Responsible for organizing and maintaining corporate records and legal files so they are easily accessed and retrieved without compromising confidentiality or privacy of the information.

Proficient in leveraging AI productivity and scheduling tools to automate routine administrative workflows, draft communications, calendar optimization, inbox triaging, meeting intelligence, using automation as a force multiplier to reallocate time toward strategic support, while applying strict human discretion, data privacy standards, and contextual judgment.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

Reviews correspondence and, as appropriate, prepares draft replies for review by the EVP, or answers directly. 

Develops, maintains, and submits records and makes recommendations as requested, while handling matters of a highly confidential nature on a regular basis. 

Monitors office procedures and technology and recommends changes that will increase efficiency of such procedures.

Carries out legal and other support assignments of a routine nature without specific direction.

Makes administrative decisions with an awareness of GROWMARK and GCD policies, procedures, and relationships, both with customers and affiliates.

Coordinates appropriate modes of travel with the GROWMARK Travel Department. Coordinates travel arrangements with other Executive Assistants for appropriate utilization of aircraft, auto, and executive time.

Participates in GCD staff meetings, and other GCD meetings, at the request of the EVP. 

Participates in all GCD functions, such as lunches, dinners, annual outing, and volunteer activities. 

Cross-trained to handle the responsibilities of other Executive Assistants as needed and offer support.

Follows GROWMARK’s Code of Conduct and Corporate Compliance Program, Environmental Health and Safety, OSHA and DOT policies and procedures, as they apply.

Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Normally requires an associate’s degree or equivalent and 5-7 years of related experience to demonstrate management level administrative leadership and decision-making skills serving the needs of multiple members of senior management staff . Prefer experience in legal department, business affairs or law firm.

Proven and demonstrated computer skills including SharePoint, Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and report generation skills.

Demonstrated planning, organization, and project management skills, including the ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions, prioritize work, and deal with deadlines with proven “attention to detail” skills.

Understanding and experience in management level administrative-related areas including decision-making, business writing with proven grammar skills, business etiquette, records control, office procedures, and problem solving skills.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively, and independently,with all levels of GROWMARK staff, Boards of Directors, member cooperatives, outside contacts, and outside legal counsel. 

Proven leadership skills and the ability to get work done through others, work independently, and in a team-oriented environment.

Demonstrates essential abilities including business knowledge, collaboration, communication, customer focus, decision making and skill development.

Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record and travel independently, including overnight.

Ability and willingness to participate in required training that may include education on GROWMARK’s policies and procedures and additional training as it relates to the requirements of the position. 

At GROWMARK, we are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity/Disabled/Protected Veteran Employer. All individuals, regardless of demographic or other background, are encouraged to apply. Further, as a federal, state, and local contractor, we comply with government regulations and executive orders as applicable, including affirmative action responsibilities for qualified individuals with disability and protected veterans.

Employment is contingent on, among other things, receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.