Administrative Assistant

About AArete

AArete stands out in the consulting firm landscape with a unique culture. We are a global, innovative management and technology consulting firm operating from offices across the U.S., India, and Europe. Our name, derived from the Greek word “Areté,” signifies our unwavering pursuit of excellence.

Celebrating our fourth consecutive year as one of Forbes’ World’s Best Management Consulting Firms, our success is intrinsically linked to our people. AArete’s “Culture of Care” embraces a holistic approach to the employee experience, offering robust career development plans and competitive life and wellness benefits.

At AArete, every team member, or Aaretian, is encouraged to be a leader. You will have the opportunity to unlock your full potential by directly contributing to our mission and prioritizing both personal development and fulfillment.

The Role of an Administrative Assistant

As an Administrative Assistant, you will provide comprehensive administrative support to AArete’s Managing Directors and Vice Presidents. You will work closely with a dedicated team of Executive Assistants to ensure seamless support for firm leadership. This position is ideal for an individual who is proactive, exceptionally organized, and thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will expertly manage competing priorities with professionalism and discretion, enabling leaders to concentrate on their highest-impact work while ensuring a positive experience for both internal partners and external clients.

We seek a resourceful team player with a friendly, service-oriented approach who can anticipate needs, respond swiftly, and adapt easily as priorities evolve.

Work You’ll Do

• Manage extensive calendaring and scheduling, coordinating with leadership and external clients to book meetings and optimize calendars.
• Support time-sensitive requests in a fast-paced environment, balancing multiple priorities with precision and urgency.
• Prepare and edit various communications, including emails, memos, reports, presentations, and other correspondence.
• Coordinate and book travel and accommodations; prepare and submit expense reimbursements and time reports (Egencia experience preferred).
• Assist with the planning and execution of in-office and virtual meetings and events, including logistics and setup.
• Create, maintain, and update organized databases and documentation.
• Handle physical correspondence, including sending and receiving hard-copy documents and packages.
• Greet visiting clients, ensuring a warm, professional in-office experience.
• Direct phone inquiries to appropriate parties and accurately document key messages.
• Partner closely with Executive Assistants and broader teams, providing coverage and support as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2–3 years of experience in an administrative support role, ideally within a professional or client-facing environment.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated by quick and professional response times.
• Ability to manage a heavy workload and adapt to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to step in, support teammates, and provide coverage when necessary.
• Proactive approach with the ability to anticipate needs and navigate unexpected situations effectively.
• Strong client service orientation for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Proficiency with video conferencing tools (Teams required; Zoom familiarity acceptable).
• Advanced proficiency in English, including strong grammar and communication skills.
• Comfortable using standard office equipment and tools.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Applicants must be based in Chicago, IL, and flexible to work from our Chicago office as needed.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience supporting senior leaders or executive-level teams.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with travel booking and expense reporting tools such as Egencia.
• Familiarity with payroll and accounting systems including OpenAir, Paylocity, and/or ADP.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, professional services or corporate environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex calendars and time-sensitive requests.

Compensation & Benefits

AArete offers a comprehensive package designed to support our employees' well-being and growth:

• Flexible PTO, monthly half-day refuels, and volunteer time off, in addition to 10 paid holidays.
• “Own Your Day” flexible work policy.
• Competitive, majority employer-paid benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, and a 401K Match.
• Generous paid parental leave options.
• Employer-paid Life Insurance, Short Term Disability, and Long Term Disability.
• Charitable contribution matching program.
• New client commission opportunities and a referral bonus program.
• Bike share discount program.

The estimated base salary range for this position is $55,000 – $60,000. In addition to this base salary, individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. This range is part of a competitive, total compensation package, complemented by our majority employer-paid benefits and incentive pay for eligible roles. Please note that this range is a guideline, and individual total compensation may vary due to numerous factors, including but not limited to experience level, certifications, and other relevant business considerations.

AArete will accept applications until the position is filled. The job posting will be removed once the role is no longer available.

Our Culture and Values

At AArete, we prioritize people. We are a global management and technology consulting firm specializing in strategic profitability improvement, digital transformation, and strategy & change for clients. Our cross-industry solutions are powered by a digital-first mindset, market intelligence, and a data-driven approach to deliver purposeful change, actionable insights, and guaranteed results.

Our people truly differentiate us, guided by deeply embedded principles: Excellence, Passion, Loyalty to Clients, Stewardship, Family, Community, Sustainability, and Inclusion.

We have been recognized as a top firm to work for by prestigious organizations such as Forbes, Top Workplaces Chicago Tribune, and Consulting Magazine. We have earned a Great Place to Work Certification™ and been named a World’s Best Management Consulting Firm by Forbes, a Vault Top 50 Firm to Work For, Crain's Chicago Business Fast 50, one of Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Firms, and one of Consulting Magazine's Fastest Growing Firms.

Learn more about our award-winning culture.

Key skills/competency

• Administrative Support
• Calendar Management
• Travel Coordination
• Expense Reporting
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management
• Client Service
• Proactive Support