Executive Assistant

Executive Office | Chicago, IL | Full-Time, Exempt | On-Site Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience Join us — and do work those matters. We're a passionate team of change-makers, diverse thinkers, and problem-solvers. Our purpose: ensuring full access to quality living and championing the power of inclusivity.

We proudly serve over 7,000 individuals with disabilities and behavioral health challenges, including those who are Deaf, Deaf. Blind, and Hard of Hearing. If you're not looking for just any job — if you're ready to build a career where your work directly supports that mission — Anixter Center is the place for you.

About the Role

As Executive Assistant, you'll be a key member of the President & CEO's Office and the trusted right hand behind the work of our executive team and Board of Directors. You'll serve as the primary liaison to our Board and its committees, keep governance work running with precision, and support the President & CEO and other executives with scheduling, communications, meetings, and events.

You'll also be a visible, welcoming presence for the Office of the President & CEO across Anixter Center, visiting our locations and programs, building relationships with staff, and helping strengthen engagement and culture. This is a full-time, exempt role reporting to the President & CEO, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends for board meetings and events.

What You'll Do

Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and its committees; coordinate board and committee meetings and orientations; prepare and distribute agendas and board packets; record and distribute minutes; maintain governance records, board contacts, and committee rosters. Board portal: Help implement, administer, and maintain our board portal, and train and support board members and staff in using it.

Executive & leadership support: Support the President & CEO and other executives with calendars and meeting requests; coordinate leadership team meetings and retreats; draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, presentations, and reports; and track follow-up items and action steps. Meeting & project coordination: Manage meeting logistics (scheduling, rooms, technology, catering, and materials), maintain action item lists, organize executive files on SharePoint with strong version control and secure access, and support special projects and agency-wide initiatives.

Event coordination: Plan and run board events, executive meetings, recognition programs, and agency-wide events, including invitations, registration, vendors, and day-of coordination, and assist our Philanthropy and Marketing teams with fundraising, ambassador board, volunteer, and community outreach events. Organizational engagement & committee leadership: Visit Anixter Center locations and programs regularly to build relationships and keep leadership connected to staff; participate in agency committees and workgroups; chair assigned committees; and help plan employee engagement and recognition activities.

Facility support: For our Wilson location, monitor and order supplies, manage inventory, work with vendors, and conduct emergency drills.

What You'll Bring

Associate's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required; Bachelor's degree preferred. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible administrative support experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the diplomacy to match the voice of the President & CEO in governance materials while staying warm and approachable with staff and partners.

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), and comfort with AI-related tools and board portal software. Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and shifting deadlines accurately and calmly. Proactive, resourceful, and accountable: you anticipate needs, bring solutions alongside problems, and drive tasks through to completion.

Absolute discretion and sound judgment with sensitive governance, financial, and personnel information. The ability to build trusting relationships at every level, from program staff to donors and Board members, and to lead committees and cross-functional teams without direct authority. A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace and to Anixter Center's mission.

Preferred: Experience supporting executive leadership; working with boards, governing bodies, or committees; preparing meeting minutes and board materials; using board management software or online board portals; and familiarity with nonprofit organizations. Work Environment This role is on-site: 100% on-site for the first 90 days, then a minimum of three (3) days per week at an Anixter Center location.

Regular travel to Anixter Center locations and programs within the Chicagoland area is required, along with evening and weekend hours for board meetings and events. The role involves extended computer work and occasionally moving office supplies, event materials, or board packets weighing up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

Anixter Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and generous paid time off and holidays. Why Anixter Center You'll join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to inclusion and accessibility, where your follow-through and professionalism help leadership, the Board, and staff do their best work for the people we serve.

We offer a mission you can feel good about and the chance to be a central connection point across our organization. Anixter Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to recruiting, developing, and advancing people with disabilities. Ready to make an impact? Apply today with your resume and a cover letter describing your executive support or board administration experience and your interest in our mission.