This job contributes to REI’s success by providing highly complex administrative assistance to the CEO. Ensures that the daily and ongoing executive, administrative and developmental support is accomplished in a way that supports the Company’s business initiatives and objectives. This position serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the executive. Partners with CEO to stay current on business needs and supports the senior leadership team in efforts to advance strategic business priorities. Serves as a liaison to leadership team members; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects. Key leader within the admin community leading through influence without direct responsibility.  Models and acts in accordance with REI’s guiding values and mission. 

Responsibilities 

• Provides administrative support of a highly complex and responsible nature to the CEO. Manages the executive’s workflow and priorities by knowing their real priorities, managing their schedules, anticipating steps ahead and keeping them focused on the most important projects. 
• Acts as an extension of the CEO in the operation of daily affairs of the executive’s business. 
• Responds to internal and external company contacts regarding the executive, the company’s operations, and its financial results as if they were acting in the stead of the executive. 
• Communicates with the general staff on the CEO’s behalf and coordinates logistics with high-level meetings both internally and externally.  
• Support engagement of and communication with the Board of Directors and committee chairs by assisting with meeting coordination drafting and disseminating reports, documents, minutes, and other communications. 
• Prepares for and follows up on internal and external meetings. When needed, participates directly in meetings and conducts follow up on the executive’s behalf. 
• Applies the utmost discretion given exposure to the most sensitive company information that others on the executive assistant team may not be privy to. 
• Provides direction/coordination and mentorship to the other EA's across the co-op.
• Reflects the executive’s style and company culture when carrying out activities.  
• Schedules meetings arranges appointments and manages executive’s calendar. Manages requests for an executive’s time and attention to internal and external issues while ensuring schedule is met while key issues and matters are effectively addressed. 
• Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the executive, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines appropriate course of action, referral, or response. 
• Maintains a high level of service even when directing inquiries away from the executive to help better manage their calendar and activities. 
• Prepares and researches presentations, emails, announcements and other and correspondence and reflects executive’s style and professionalism when doing so. 
• Carries out assignments relating to civic or committee activities of the executive. May at times assist with personal activities as well.  
• Completes projects and special assignments by establishing objectives, determining priorities, managing time, gaining cooperation of others, monitoring progress, problem-solving and making adjustments to plans. 
• Helps the executive make consistent decisions by advising them of historical precedents and serving as liaison between them, the CEO and other EVP’s. 
• Arranges corporate travel and meetings by developing itineraries and agendas, booking transportation, arranging lodging and meeting accommodations. 
• Answers telephone calls, email requests and written correspondence.  

Responsibilities 

• 10+ years of administrative and clerical support experience, including previous experience supporting corporate upper-level managers and/or executives.
• Superior organizational skills and detail orientation. 
• Demonstrated success juggling multiple projects and driving toward deadlines. 
• Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills. Ability to draft, proofread and edit documents for spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 
• Demonstrates highest level of maturity, professionalism and judgment. 
• Ability to operate a personal computer using MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to manage an executive’s calendar and make travel arrangements. 
• Ability to use discretion when dealing with information of a sensitive or confidential nature. 
• Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals. 
• Flexible in one's viewpoints and positions in order to support the direction taken by others at REI. 
• Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities. 
• Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions. 
• Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers. 
• Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work. 
• Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals. 
• Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations. 
• Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization. 
• Acts upon opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals. 
• Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change.