An executive assistant provides administrative support and clerical assistance to executive and director-level management within a company. The assistant typically helps schedule and manage the itinerary of an executive, including scheduling meetings, travel and other demands on the executive's time. They also perform clerical and office duties; these may include running errands, screening phone calls, supervising clerical assistants and drafting letters and other documentation on behalf of the executive.

Executive assistants must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and be well organized. The assistant is often chosen for this job based upon expertise and knowledge of company operations. In very large companies, it is typically for high-level executives to have an entire office administrative support staff; typically, the executive assistant is in charge of these personnel, supervising their work and making hiring decisions.

Most companies consider individuals for an executive assistant position who have at least an associate's degree, if not a bachelor's degree. Executive assistants also typically must be familiar with all aspects of the organization, and they are often promoted from within the company hierarchy. Most executive assistants work long hours in an executive office environment. They should expect that travel may be a frequent requirement of the job as well. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Executive Assistant Tasks

• Screen phone calls, emails, mail and visitors; route and resolve information requests.
• Coordinates space and office organization, and special projects.
• Supervise clerical staff.
• Conduct research, prepare correspondence, expense and statistical reporting.
• Schedule travel, appointments and meetings.