Executive Assistant

Faegre Drinker is a firm designed for clients and designed for you. We understand that our people are critical to our success and we are committed to investing in our paraprofessional, administrative and operations professionals. We are always looking for talented, service-focused individuals to join our flexible and high-performing culture. With technology tools and resources that support our hybrid work environment, our colleagues enjoy a culture of learning, support for work and personal goals, opportunities to give back to our communities, and competitive benefits and rewards programs. At Faegre Drinker, you will have the opportunity to share your expertise within and across teams and contribute to our success.

Job Description Summary:

Faegre Drinker has an opportunity for an Executive Assistant to provide executive-level administrative, organizational, and strategic support to the Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), with the possibility of extending support to one additional senior executive as workload requires. Candidates can be based in our Chicago, downtown Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia or Washington, D.C. office. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.

Job Description:

What you would do:

• Serve as a professional ambassador for the COO, any additional supported executive, and the firm while building strong relationships with firm leadership, attorneys, business professionals, vendors, and other internal and external stakeholders. 
• Manage and optimize executive schedules, priorities, and commitments to maximize effectiveness, productivity, and strategic focus.
• Coordinate and execute projects of varying complexity, including preparing materials, presentations, briefing documents, reports, and executive communications.
• Draft, edit, and proofread executive correspondence, presentations, and other communications with exceptional attention to detail.
• Anticipate needs, identify potential issues before they escalate, and proactively resolve matters using sound judgment and discretion.
• Track priorities, action items, and key deliverables, partnering with stakeholders across the firm to ensure timely follow-through and execution.
• Partner closely with the Operations Chief of Staff to support the COO, the Operations Leadership Team, and firm-wide initiatives.
• Leverage artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies to streamline workflows, improve processes, enhance executive effectiveness, and support business objectives while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and quality standards.
• Handle highly confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of professionalism and discretion.
• Support special projects and other responsibilities as assigned.

What is expected:

• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including professional writing and proofreading abilities. 
• Demonstrated executive presence, professionalism, and accountability when interacting with senior leaders and stakeholders. 
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, take initiative, and determine when to seek guidance or elevate issues. 
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities, ambiguity, and change.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative, client-service mindset. 
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend business needs when required. 

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment for work-life success.
• Opportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer events.
• Wellness programming with personalized content and activities.
• Professional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fields.
• Variety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plans.
• Generous paid time off.

The anticipated initial hourly rate for someone who is hired into this position is $45.00 – $50.00/hour based on a 37.5 hour a week schedule.

Actual initial hourly rate may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law.  This is a non-exempt role paid on an hourly basis.  The initial hourly rate listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.

What is required:

• Three or more years of administrative or executive support experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and OneNote, with willingness to use artificial intelligence and new technology effectively.
• Excellent organizational skills with demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, manage competing priorities, and recognize when urgency is required.
• Flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend business needs when required.

What is preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.
• Prior experience as an executive assistant for a high-level executive preferred.
• Experience in a professional services, legal, consulting, or corporate environment preferred.
• Experience using AI-enabled productivity tools or other emerging technologies preferred.

Apply now if you are ready to join the Faegre Drinker team!

Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspects of employment, including retirement, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline and termination.