R&D Executive Assistant (Hybrid)

The R&D Executive Assistant at Axon plays a crucial role in supporting senior leaders within the R&D business unit. Key responsibilities include managing complex calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and liaising with internal and external stakeholders. You will also be integral in preparing meetings, handling confidential information, and ensuring that executives can focus on strategic initiatives without getting bogged down by administrative tasks. Your role is about maximizing the effectiveness of our leaders while making sure the office runs smoothly!

To be considered for the R&D Executive Assistant position at Axon, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in an executive assistant role, with at least 2 years supporting a Vice President or higher. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate exceptional organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication capabilities, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. It's also preferred to have experience in STEM fields and the ability to handle various tasks with competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

At Axon, we significantly value the growth of our employees, including R&D Executive Assistants. With our learning and development programs, you’ll have access to resources and training to enhance your skills and advance your career. We promote an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged, allowing you to take ownership, embrace new challenges, and grow professionally while contributing to our mission to protect life!

The R&D Executive Assistant role at Axon is designed to be hybrid, offering flexibility in working hours. However, as you'll be supporting executives who operate across various time zones, you may need to adjust your schedule occasionally to accommodate meetings and appointments. Overall, we prioritize a work-life balance while ensuring productivity and responsiveness to our dynamic business needs.

The R&D Executive Assistant is vital in supporting Axon’s mission to protect life by ensuring that top executives can focus on innovative projects that enhance safety and justice. By efficiently managing administrative tasks, the Executive Assistant helps streamline decision-making processes and enhances collaboration within the R&D team. Your contributions directly impact the organization’s ability to drive technological advancements and develop solutions that matter to communities.

In your response, highlight a specific situation where you successfully handled multiple tasks. Share the strategies you implemented to prioritize effectively and how you ensured each task was completed on time. Mention specific tools or methods you used to stay organized and any team collaboration involved.

Discuss the protocols you follow to maintain confidentiality, such as securely managing sensitive documents, using encrypted communication channels, and being discreet in conversations. Provide examples of how you’ve handled confidential information in previous roles, emphasizing your commitment to trust and security.

Reflect on your experience using calendar management software like Microsoft Outlook or Google Calendar to optimize scheduling. Mention specific features you utilize, such as scheduling tools and integrations that help manage availability across different time zones, and describe how these tools have enhanced your efficiency.

Explain the steps you take in preparation, such as gathering relevant documents, confirming attendee availability, and organizing meeting logistics. Mention how you anticipate the needs of the executives and the importance of ensuring that technology is set up properly and the agenda is shared in advance.

Share a specific example of when last-minute changes occurred in your previous roles. Discuss your approach to staying flexible and communicating effectively with all parties involved while balancing the changing priorities, reinforcing your adaptability and quick problem-solving abilities.

Discuss your understanding of the communication styles that resonate with different executives. Talk about the importance of clarity, timeliness, and tailoring your message based on the audience, emphasizing how you’ve relied on this skill in past roles to ensure effective exchanges of information.

Outline your method for evaluating urgency and importance when faced with tight deadlines. Provide examples of a time when you had to prioritize tasks effectively, detailing how you ensured that critical deadlines were met while maintaining high-quality work standards.

Provide an overview of your experience in planning and executing large events. Describe specific roles you’ve taken in coordinating logistics, managing attendees, and collaborating with vendors. Highlight any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.

Discuss your commitment to diversity and inclusion, offering examples of how you’ve implemented these principles in your role. Explain how you seek to create an inclusive atmosphere among colleagues and stakeholders by valuing diverse perspectives and fostering open communication.

Share a success story where you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions to improve workflows or enhance productivity. Highlight your analytical skills and creativity in finding innovative solutions, along with the positive results achieved.