Overview
Executive Administrative Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL at JPMorganChase
ABOUT US
Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.
ASCEND
Ascend at the Aspen Institute serves as a catalyst and convener for policy, systems, and social impact leaders working to ensure every family can pass a legacy of economic and educational success to the next generation. As the national hub for two-generation (2Gen) solutions, Ascend advances innovations that foster economic mobility through early childhood education, postsecondary pathways, health and well-being, and family engagement.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Executive Assistant & Scheduler serves as a trusted partner and strategic coordinator to the Vice President and Executive Director of Ascend. This dynamic role blends executive-level administrative support with proactive project management, strategic alignment, and stakeholder engagement. The role plays a critical part in managing the Executive Director’s time and presence while ensuring high functioning coordination across the Ascend team.
As a key integrator across the organization, this position will manage cross-functional communication, actively contribute to a culture of high expectations and high-quality execution, ensure consistent strategic rigor, help facilitate follow-through on high-priority initiatives, and support teamwide alignment to Ascend’s Strategic Direction Goals. The successful candidate will work closely with Ascend’s Management Team to ensure seamless collaboration, clarity of focus, and timely execution of the Executive Director’s vision.
Our ideal candidate is a mission-driven professional who shares Ascend’s deep commitment to advancing equity and opportunity for families. You thrive in a behind-the-scenes role that empowers visionary leadership and are energized by supporting others to operate at their best. You bring natural curiosity and a foundational understanding of the public policy or philanthropic landscape, along with a strong sense of ownership over your work. Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented, you excel at managing multiple priorities, proactively anticipating needs, and navigating complex workflows. You possess sound judgment, discretion, and emotional intelligence, essential for handling sensitive information and relationships. A skilled communicator and relationship-builder, you know how to influence teams and stakeholders, and you take pride in being a strategic problem-solver. You are most successful in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where collaboration, agility, and initiative are valued. If you enjoy thinking on your feet, leading with both precision and heart, and bringing a sense of humor and humanity to your work, this role will feel like home.
This position reports directly to the Vice President and Executive Director. The salary range for this position is $85,000 – $100,000. The Executive Assistant & Scheduler should be in-person with colleagues at the Washington D.C. office a minimum of 70% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Executive Support & Scheduling
Manage complex scheduling and prioritize requests for the Executive Director, aligning calendar commitments with strategic goals and internal/external priorities.
Serve as first point of contact for stakeholders; respond to inquiries and ensure timely, appropriate responses while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
Coordinate speaking engagements, travel, and media appearances, including logistics, prep materials, itineraries, and post-event follow-up.
Proactively design travel plans that incorporate strategic stakeholder meetings (e.g., Fellows, funders, partners).
Staff select travel and convenings to ensure documentation of outcomes and follow-up on deliverables.
Cross-Team Coordination & Organizational Alignment
Act as liaison between the Executive Director and the Ascend Management Team, facilitating communication, alignment, and follow-up on team initiatives.
Participate in weekly cross-functional meetings and ensure action items are tracked and followed through across teams.
Support implementation of Ascend’s strategic planning and impact tracking by coordinating updates, input, and collaboration from across departments.
Partner with team leads to capture weekly organizational impact and elevate insights to the Executive Director and Aspen Institute senior leadership.
Ensure that internal processes run smoothly by identifying bottlenecks, surfacing needs, and supporting internal coordination across project teams.
Manage input for shared dashboards, team meeting agendas, and impact planning sessions to promote transparency and cohesion.
Strategic Projects & Operations
Manage and support special projects aligned with the Executive Director’s priorities, such as Ascend’s case studies, strategic convenings, and institutional knowledge-building efforts (e.g., “Ascend 101”).
Document and organize institutional knowledge, insights, and frameworks generated by the Executive Director in a confidential, accessible system.
Supervise the Coordinator for Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects to ensure effective support on cross-cutting efforts and team implementation.
Donor & Partner Engagement
Co-develop donor engagement and stewardship strategies, ensuring timely follow-ups and high-quality touchpoints with funders.
Track and document donor interactions and identify new opportunities for cultivation with input from the Executive Director and Management Team.
Thought Leadership & Communications
Partner with communications consultants and staff to enhance the Executive Director’s public profile through media, speaking, and digital presence.
Develop prep materials for high-level engagements and help identify storytelling opportunities that reflect Ascend’s mission and impact.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE
5+ years of relevant experience in executive support, project management, philanthropy, or strategic operations.
Exceptional organizational and planning skills with the ability to manage competing priorities with discretion and sound judgment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with meticulous attention to detail.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Excel, CRM tools, Zoom, and digital collaboration platforms.
High emotional intelligence, cultural competence, and commitment to equity and inclusion.
Experience interfacing with high-level stakeholders including funders, policy leaders, and board members.
Intrinsic motivation, resourcefulness, and a “no task too small” mindset.
Demonstrated interest or experience in public policy, social impact, or the nonprofit sector is strongly preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact [email protected] or call (202) 736-5800.
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Title: Executive Administrative Assistant
Company: JPMorganChase
Location: Chicago, IL
