Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant to the FounderWe 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.ResponsibilitiesOwn 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 ExperienceBachelor’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.#21871Larko 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.