Executive Assistant Job Description

When hiring an EA for your organisation, it is important to craft a compelling and comprehensive job description. It should give candidates a good understanding of the role and responsibilities, the company culture and ethos, any skill set and experience required and what benefits are provided. The ultimate aim is to make an EA candidate feel excited by the opportunity and encouraged to apply.

Hiring a good executive assistant can significantly boost an executive's productivity and save a business money. So, it’s crucial to hire the right EA. 

Executive Assistant Job Description Sample

An executive assistant manages day-to-day administrative tasks and scheduling for high-level executives, such as a CEO, director or senior manager. Executive assistants work closely with the executive to provide administrative support, allowing executives to focus on delivering core strategic direction. They are often the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders wishing to liaise with an executive.

EA Responsibilities & Duties

Here are some of the most common executive assistant duties: 

• Complex and ever-changing diary management
• Making travel arrangements for national and international travel, hotels and transfers
• Working across time zones
• Handling itineraries
• Screening phone calls and emails
• Scheduling meetings
• Managing expense reports for executives
• Correspondence
• Inbox management
• Preparing reports and PowerPoint presentations
• The ability to work with Board level executives
• Taking minutes in meetings
• Arranging events
• Running personal errands
• Ordering office supplies
• Acting as a gatekeeper
• Managing a junior assistant or a team of admin assistants
• Providing cover for others if required
• Project management
• Involvement in strategic planning
• Facilitation of cross-departmental communication
• Implementing and maintaining filing systems

EA Skills, Qualifications & Requirements

Below is a list of executive assistant qualifications, skills and personality traits that an EA needs to have or aspire towards:

• Good academic qualifications
• Exceptional organisational skills
• Competency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Confident and professional demeanour
• 5 years previous PA or EA experience working at senior level
• Experience in managing others
• Time management skills
• Extremely good attention to detail
• High level of interpersonal skills
• Exceptional communication skills
• The ability to travel if required
• Flexible attitude
• Happy to be on call outside of office hours
• Exceptional ability to problem-solve
• Good emotional intelligence
• A good team player
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Ability to stay organised and calm under pressure

EA Benefits

Here are some of the benefits an EA may expect when working with your company:

• A competitive salary - explore the average salary for an EA here.
• Pension
• Mobile Phone
• Private medical insurance
• Core office hours
• Annual bonus
• Holiday allowance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Clear career advancement opportunities
• Professional development opportunities

Additional benefits to the above list include team social events, the ability to work from home, flexible working hours, a fully stocked fridge and an annual pay review.