Job Responsibilities
President's e-mails - filtering, responding, direct action when
required - approx. 3 hours throughout the day.
Telephone - placing President's calls, receiving and filtering
calls, follow-ups and recordings - approx. 2 hours throughout
the day.
Reporting, researching, strategy and budget responsibilities -
Corporate Donations coordinator (aligned with Marketing strat);
creationg of electronic reports, research and preparation of
Powerpoint presentations (usually approx. 60 slides +); internet
research re: business development opportunities, competitive
analysis, training opportunities, industry news (approx. 3 hrs.
throughout the day).
Board of Directors activities - coordination and preparation for
quarterly Board meetings (various locations around the globe);
logistics for all Board members and VPs; Minutes; Board
presentation coordination, preparation and distribution. (can
take anywhere from days to weeks)
NOTE: The job doesn't stop at 5:00 p.m. There are times when
I'm in the office at 11:00 p.m.
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Job Requirements
Hiring requirements - excellent communication skills at all
levels (thick skin is essential);
Superior language skills, both written and oral;
Multi-tasking guru;
Computer literacy and internet search capabilities must be above
average;
Flexibility, reliability and willingness to occasionally forfeit
your personal life;
Poised, self-confident and open to continuous learning;
Some overseas travel involved
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Uppers
Opportunities to travel;
Company pays parking fees:
Expense account;
Special free admissions to various Arts and Entertainment venues;
Autonomy; mgmt. benefits re: health, vacation, time off
My own huge office with massive windows
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Downers
Long hours;
Sometimes expected to perform tasks outside of administration
for which no training is provided;
At the Corporate level, bosses are usually very demanding;
A sometimes gruelling schedule while travelling
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Lifestyle
Work hours are long and inconsistent. It's difficult to plan ahead for any
personal events. At company events, you are the President's representative and
are expected to act accordingly.
You may be considered a mentor by administrative newcomers or juniors, which
should be accepted as the highest compliment; never as an imposition.
Dress code is usually business casual, however, when Board members or other
Senior executives are expected, it should be a foregone conclusion that you will
present yourself dressed in a Corporate manner.
Business travel is occasional; sometimes via car, sometimes via plane. There is
little time for entertainment. Turnaround time is usually within two to three
days - even when travelling overseas to different time zones. Good physical and
emotional health is crucial.
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Compensation
Started in the low $50s, with a maximum range of approx. $60K -
$80K, dependent upon the industry. Benefits are immediate and
are paid 100%. No bonuses or overtime are paid. However,
usually an EA will be offered matching RRSPs and/or stock
options.
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Advice to Jobseekers
If you're considering moving up to the Executive level, you must
be prepared to accept complete responsibility and accountability
for your actions. Excuses are not readily accepted. Admit your
mistakes and correct them - and DON'T repeat them!
Never assume anything!
If you don't have all the information you need, ASK!
Always remember that EVERYONE is a customer - even your fellow
employees. Treat them ALL with respect.
Don't burn your bridges with anyone.
Keep your words soft. That way, they're easier to digest when
you're forced to eat them at a later date. ;-)
You're not being asked to participate in a popularity contest.
There will be difficult people with whom you will be forced to
deal every day. Use tact, diplomacy and DO NOT GOSSIP.
Confidentiality is the backbone of this position. If you cannot
be entrusted with high level information, it won't take very
long for you to be shown the door.
Be respectful, be personable and be punctual.
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