Sr. 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
  OR
• AND
• 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.

Location(s): AM - Chicago, AM - Schaumburg
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
Employment Sponsorship Offered: No  
 
Linkedin Recruiter Tag: #LI-BK1