Executive Assistant at Emanuelson - Podas Inc – Minneapolis, Minnesota

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Assistant serves as a strategic partner to the Managing Partner, focused on maximizing effectiveness through ownership of priorities, communication, and commitments. This role is entrusted to act on behalf of the Managing Partner in managing schedules, communications, and priorities, exercising sound judgment in representing their intent. Key responsibilities include calendar and email management, travel coordination, meeting preparation, and support of business development activities, all handled with a high level of discretion and professionalism. Success in this role requires strong communication, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to proactively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

OVERVIEW OF RESPONSIBILITIES

PRIORITY & TIME MANAGEMENT

• Own and continuously optimize the Managing Partner’s time, ensuring focus remains on the highest-value work.
• Filter, redirect, and when appropriate decline requests to protect time and attention.
• Lead regular prioritization touchpoints to align on commitments, deadlines, and emerging needs.

COMMUNICATION & REPRESENTATION

• Act on behalf of the Managing Partner in managing communications, exercising sound judgment in representing their intent.
• Draft, review, and respond to correspondence with professionalism and clarity.
• Serve as a central point of coordination between the Managing Partner, internal teams, and external partners.

EXECUTION & FOLLOW-THROUGH

• Ensure key initiatives, meetings, and commitments are prepared, documented, and followed through to completion.
• Track action items, deadlines, and deliverables to maintain momentum and accountability.
• Anticipate needs and resolve issues before they impact progress.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, communication, and efficiency.

PROJECT & BUSINESS SUPPORT

• Support business development and strategic initiatives through research, coordination, and progress tracking.
• Maintain organized and accurate records related to clients, proposals, and ongoing efforts.

CONFIDENTIALITY & DISCRETION

• Handle sensitive information with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Build a strong, trust-based working relationship with the Managing Partner, aligning on communication preferences, decision-making rhythms, and operating style.
• Exercise sound judgment and discretion, with the ability to make decisions and take action in alignment with the Managing Partner’s intent.
• Communicate clearly and confidently across all levels, including the ability to represent the Managing Partner in written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrate strong prioritization and situational awareness, balancing competing demands while maintaining focus on the highest-value work.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced environment with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, and a high degree of ownership.
• Leverage technology and systems to improve organization, communication, and overall efficiency.

• 5–10+ years of experience supporting senior leadership (President, CEO, Managing Partner, or equivalent).
• Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, communication, and commitments on behalf of an executive.
• Experience operating in a fast-paced, professional environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Experience working with and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, but not required.

SUCCESS METRICS

• Consistently exercise independent judgment to prioritize, redirect, and manage commitments in a way that measurably increases the Managing Partner’s effectiveness.
• The Managing Partner’s time is aligned with the highest-value priorities, with minimal reactive or low-value commitments.
• Communications and commitments are managed proactively, with issues anticipated and resolved before escalation is required.
• Key meetings, initiatives, and follow-ups are prepared, tracked, and executed without gaps or missed expectations.