Current job title: Executive Assistant
to the President and CEO
Industry: Healthcare
Department: Executive Office
Years worked in this industry: 9
Years worked in this department: 9
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Good,
basic skills of typing, calendaring, communications. Tactfulness and a
calm demeanor.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 1
Typical work hours: 7:30 – 5:00
Weekends or overtime hours: I usually
work longer hours during our quarterly board meetings which last 2 ½ days.
General salary range
(Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may
NOT be an exact salary in order to
give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that
the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this
salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports
to, required hours and geographical location.): approx. $63,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Great
healthcare benefits.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
We are a Catholic non-profit healthcare system. Terms we use on a daily
basis are Health Ministry (our facilities), and Mission – a word that is
the basis of our being. We strive to provide healthcare to those most
vulnerable in our society – the uninsured and the underinsured.
A typical day on the job: I spend
approximately 80% of my time on scheduling. The other 20% is normal
secretarial duties – telephones, mail, liaison between my executive and
others, routine meetings, agendas and minutes.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: I love working for a company
that has as its core values service to the poor. Although I am not
Catholic myself, I have learned a great deal about the strength of faith
(not just Catholic) and how it is possible to change by coming together.
We are given 4 hours per month to use for volunteer work to give back to
our communities.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: It can be frustrating to see
that our healthcare in the United States has such a long road ahead before
it is accessible to all.
Type of workspace/office:
cubicle
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: First and foremost is to keep
my executive on track. Making sure he is prepared for each and every
meeting. He allows me great latitude with his schedule. He lets me tell
him where to go and when. This is the largest part of my job and takes the
greatest amount of time. I read all background material that is sent for
meetings and do my own research in order to add information for him that
may not be included.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
1. Communication skills including a high level of confidentiality
2. Excellent basic secretarial skills
3. Self-starter.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Dictaphone, computer, copier, scanner.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Critical soft skills: Communication is
probably number one in all areas – in-person, telephone and e-mail. I am
my executive’s first-line communicator with everyone that comes in contact
with him. A good, tactful, firm, flexible communicator is critical.
Pace of this position: fast
Geographical region: Midwest, U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™