Executive Assistant to the CEO

The Executive Assistant to the CEO at Axios plays a pivotal role in managing the complex and fast-paced life of CEO Jim VandeHei. Responsibilities include optimizing his schedule, anticipating his needs, handling communications, and interacting with stakeholders on both a personal and professional level. The assistant must also provide logistical support to co-founder Mike Allen, ensuring all schedules and travel plans are meticulously organized.

Prospective candidates for the Executive Assistant position at Axios should have at least 5 years of experience working with a busy top executive. Essential qualifications include excellent communication skills, expert proficiency in G-suite, exceptional organizational abilities, and the judgment to make informed decisions swiftly. Additionally, candidates must exhibit a high level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.

Axios seeks an Executive Assistant who embodies a proactive and entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating a strong commitment to the company’s mission. Ideal candidates will have a passion for teamwork and collaboration, possess the ability to maintain focus under pressure, and are adept at problem-solving. Discretion, adaptability, and a genuine enthusiasm for learning from high-impact leaders like Jim VandeHei are also highly valued.

The starting salary for the Executive Assistant position at Axios ranges from $95,000 to $130,000. The exact salary depends on various factors such as location, work experience, and specific skills. This figure also does not include the additional compensation and benefits that Axios provides to its employees.

Axios offers a comprehensive benefits package for its Executive Assistant team, including health insurance options, a 401(k) with employer match, generous vacation policies, paid parental leave, and wellness programs. Employees also have access to a monthly work-from-home stipend, virtual company events, and unique resources like tele-mental health services, making it a supportive and enriching workplace.

In your response, emphasize your organizational skills and experience prioritizing tasks in high-pressure environments. Share specific examples of how you’ve effectively allocated time and resources in previous roles to ensure that crucial tasks are completed efficiently.

Highlight your problem-solving abilities. Discuss a challenging scenario and how your proactive approach helped resolve the issue while maintaining professionalism and discretion, demonstrating your capability in high-stress situations.

Discuss tools and systems you use for scheduling, like digital calendars or project management software. Emphasize the importance of flexibility, communication, and anticipating last-minute changes in priorities to showcase your preparedness for the role.

Describe your communication style and emphasize your ability to tailor your message based on the audience. Provide examples of working with different stakeholders, highlighting your professionalism and clarity in high-stakes communication.

Discuss your understanding of the importance of confidentiality and provide examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled sensitive information with discretion, ensuring the trust of your executive and colleagues.

Share your passion for supporting leaders and exploring diverse topics, as well as your commitment to contributing to a dynamic and collaborative team environment. Highlight how your values align with Axios' mission.

Explain the strategies you employ to stay composed, like time management techniques, taking breaks, and maintaining a positive outlook. Providing a personal story about a high-pressure event can illustrate your ability to manage stress.

Share a specific project that highlights your organizational skills and ability to work autonomously. Discuss the steps you took to plan, execute, and deliver results, showing your capability to handle significant responsibilities.

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning and staying informed by utilizing news outlets, industry publications, and networking. This showcases your proactive approach to supporting the executive effectively.

Emphasize qualities such as exceptional communication, organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. Highlight how these traits contribute to the overall success of an executive and the organization as a whole.