Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO
Zurich North America · Schaumburg, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $124,000 / year
- Schaumburg, IL
Job highlights
- Support CEO directly, act as strategic partner.
- Manage complex calendars and dynamic schedules.
- Streamline processes for executive efficiency.
- Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements.
- Handle sensitive information with discretion.
About the role
Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO
Zurich Insurance is seeking a highly experienced and trusted Sr. Executive Assistant to provide direct support to the Chief Executive Officer. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role functions as a strategic partner and gatekeeper, serving as a primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders including internal global business leaders, external customer executives, senior government officials, and NGO representatives. The Executive Assistant enables the CEO to remain focused on enterprise‑level priorities through proactive, high‑touch support and sound judgment. Based on business needs and the CEO’s schedule, the role requires regular presence across multiple office locations to include Chicago and Schaumburg, IL.
The Executive Assistant will provide proactive, high‑level administrative support, anticipate business and leadership needs, and operate with exceptional professionalism, discretion, and judgment. This role requires a detail‑oriented, adaptable professional who thrives in a fast‑paced executive environment and demonstrates the ability to build capacity, drive efficiencies, and support the broader leadership team.
In this highly visible and impactful role, you will be responsible for:
- Providing comprehensive day‑to‑day executive support to the CEO, proactively anticipating current and future needs to enable the achievement of strategic priorities.
- Managing highly complex and dynamic calendars, coordinating meetings, appointments, and competing priorities to ensure clear visibility into daily, weekly, and long‑term schedules.
- Identifying and implementing opportunities to streamline workflows, enhance processes, and improve overall organizational effectiveness for the CEO and leadership team.
- Coordinating all aspects of domestic and international travel, including detailed itineraries, accommodations, logistics, and timely submission of expense reports.
- Preparing the CEO for meetings by gathering and synthesizing information in advance, distributing materials, and ensuring appropriate follow‑up and support.
- Assisting with, and at times leading, special projects and initiatives, including conducting research and analysis on behalf of the CEO.
- Collaborating cross‑functionally and partnering closely with other Executive Assistants, Strategic Assistants, and Centers of Excellence to deliver seamless, coordinated outcomes.
- Handling highly confidential and sensitive information with the highest level of discretion, professionalism, and integrity.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree and 7+ years of administrative experience OR High School Diploma (or equivalent) and 10+ years of administrative experience ORAND Proven experience planning, organizing, scheduling, and supporting senior executives
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting a CEO in a global organization
- Exceptionally professional demeanor with strong communication, organizational, time‑management, and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated experience handling confidential and sensitive information
- Strong critical‑thinking skills with the ability to anticipate needs, identify issues, and resolve problems proactively
- Advanced Microsoft Office and related productivity tools, with an aptitude to learn and leverage new technologies
- Experience managing complex travel arrangements, expense reporting, and understanding organizational processes
- Excellent attention to detail, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
- Agility to navigate changes and adjust CEO schedule to reflect dynamic nature of role
- Ability to gather, analyze, and communicate information clearly and concisely
Your pay is based on your role, location, skills, and experience. We follow local laws to ensure fair compensation. You may also be eligible for bonuses and merit increases. If your expectations are above the listed range, we still encourage you to apply, your unique background matters to us.
The pay range shown is a national average and may vary by location. The proposed salary range for this position is $75,800-$124,100, with short-term incentive bonus eligibility set at 10%.
We offer competitive pay and comprehensive benefits for employees and their families. [Learn more about Total Rewards here.]
Why Zurich?
At Zurich, we value your ideas and experience. We offer growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment—so you can help shape the future of insurance. Zurich North America is a leader in risk management, with over 150 years of expertise and coverage across 25+ industries, including 90% of the Fortune 500®.
Join us for a brighter future—for yourself and our customers.
Zurich in North America does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy or other characteristics protected by applicable law. Equal Opportunity Employer disability/vets. Zurich complies with 18 U.S. Code 1033. Please note: Zurich does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies. Preferred vendors should use our Recruiting Agency Portal.
Key skills/competency
- Executive Assistant
- CEO Support
- Calendar Management
- Travel Coordination
- Expense Reporting
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Confidentiality
- Problem Solving
- Organizational Skills
- Communication Skills
Skills & topics
- Executive Assistant
- CEO Support
- Administrative Assistant
- Calendar Management
- Travel Coordination
- Microsoft Office
- Confidentiality
- Organizational Skills
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Zurich North America
- Chicago
- Schaumburg
- Hybrid
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience supporting senior executives and managing complex schedules, emphasizing discretion and organizational skills.
- Showcase technical skills: Detail your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Copilot, and any experience with productivity tools.
- Emphasize soft skills: Prepare examples demonstrating your critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to handle confidential information.
- Research Zurich's culture: Understand their commitment to growth, inclusion, and shaping the future of insurance.
- Prepare for interview questions: Be ready to discuss how you anticipate needs and manage priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities of the Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO at Zurich North America?
- The Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO at Zurich North America will provide comprehensive, high-level administrative support directly to the CEO. Key responsibilities include managing complex calendars, coordinating domestic and international travel, preparing meeting materials, assisting with special projects, and handling highly confidential information with utmost discretion.
- What qualifications are essential for the Sr. Executive Assistant role at Zurich?
- Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of administrative experience, or a High School Diploma with 10+ years of experience supporting senior executives. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Copilot) is also required.
- What preferred qualifications would make a candidate stand out for the Sr. Executive Assistant position at Zurich?
- Preferred qualifications include experience supporting a CEO in a global organization, exceptional professionalism, strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to handle confidential information, critical thinking, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and productivity tools.
- What is the work arrangement for the Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO at Zurich North America?
- The Sr. Executive Assistant role at Zurich North America is a hybrid position, requiring regular presence across multiple office locations, specifically Chicago and Schaumburg, IL, based on business needs and the CEO’s schedule.
- How can I best prepare my application for the Sr. Executive Assistant job at Zurich?
- To best prepare your application for the Sr. Executive Assistant job at Zurich, tailor your resume to highlight direct CEO support, complex calendar management, and experience with confidential information. Showcase your proficiency with Microsoft Office and any relevant productivity tools.
- What is the salary range for the Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO at Zurich?
- The proposed salary range for the Sr. Executive Assistant to the CEO position at Zurich North America is $75,800 - $124,100 annually, with eligibility for a short-term incentive bonus of 10%.
- Does Zurich North America offer opportunities for professional growth for Executive Assistants?
- Yes, Zurich emphasizes growth, inclusion, and a supportive environment. They value employee ideas and experience, providing opportunities to help shape the future of insurance, which includes professional development for roles like the Sr. Executive Assistant.