Executive Assistant to Executive Director - Steppenwolf Theatre Company

For over 40 years, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, stage managers and playwrights. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Executive Assistant to Executive Director



Reporting to the Executive Director, the Executive Assistant serves as a primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies for the Executive Office; organizes and coordinates executive scheduling; outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects. The Executive Assistant must be creative and enjoy working within an entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-focused, and arts-centered.



The ideal candidate will have the ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations. They will possess strong written and verbal communication, administrative and organizational skills—and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. The Executive Assistant will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion



Areas of Responsibility:

• Completes a broad list of administrative tasks for the Executive Director, including:

o coordination of an active calendar of appointments.

o organizing workflow and incoming requests.

o completing expense reports.

o managing paper and electronic filing.

o documenting meetings with clear and effective minutes.

o composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential.

o arranging detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas.

o completing preparatory documents for meetings and events.

• Plans, coordinates and ensures that the Executive Director’s schedule is followed and respected.

o Serves as both a connector and a pathway to solutions as necessary in matters pertaining to direct access requests for Executive Leadership.

• Communicates directly, on behalf of the Executive Director with artists, donors, members and staff in a respectful and discreet manner.

• Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the Executive Director’s office and internal departments, cultivating credibility, trust and support with senior management staff.

• Works closely and effectively with the Executive Director to keep her well-informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities. Maintains a finger on the pulse of internal and external matters related to the operations of Steppenwolf Theatre and provides regular briefings, gathering reports from internal departments and external partners.

• Manages a variety of special projects, with a keen attention to detail and a particular focus on meeting deadlines.

• Prioritizes conflicting needs, approaches matters proactively, and follows-through on projects to successful completion.

• Maintains discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all staff, ensemble and board members.

• Supports the Executive Director in ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding board, ensemble and board/ensemble committee matters, including advance distribution of materials before meetings of committees managed by the Executive Office.



Successful candidates will:

Be

• Detail-oriented

• Good at listening and anticipating others’ needs

• Good at planning and managing for successful outcomes.



They will

• enjoy assuming responsibility,

• supporting the work of others,

• finding opportunities to take the initiative,

• and doing what is needed to ensure that everything runs smoothly.



Desired Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5-7 years of executive assistant experience (or equivalent) preferred, with strong administrative, organizational, scheduling, problem-solving, and technical skills.

• Effective written and oral communicator with a confident, diplomatic, discrete, and trustworthy demeanor.

• Excellent time management, deadline management, and multi-tasking skills.

• Highly proficient in Tessitura, Microsoft Office (Office 365, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe Acrobat, and Zoom. Comfortable with and adept at learning new systems.

• Highly motivated with a strong organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy. A demonstrated ability to see the big picture while tending to the position’s varied and detailed work.

• Flexibility, teamwork and a sense of humor. Capacity to work collaboratively in a bustling performing arts environment with high volume of work. Ability to work comfortably and develop relationships with people and colleagues who hold diverse perspectives.

• Commitment to the Theater’s mission and core values of ensemble, innovation and citizenship.



About Steppenwolf:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programming includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multigenre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director.

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.



Steppenwolf Mission:



Steppenwolf Theatre Company strives to create thrilling, courageous, and provocative art in a thoughtful and inclusive environent. We succeed when we disrupt your routine with experiences that spark curiosity, empathy and joy. We invite you to join our ensemble as we navigate, together, our complex world.



Steppenwolf Core Values:



Equity + Inclusion

Integrity + Curiosity

Courage + Collaboration

Accountability + Leadership



Compensation:

Excellent benefit package for full time employees, including medical, dental, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, vacation pay, paid sick time, personal days, Ventra transit benefit program, employee assistance program and 401(k) matching retirement program.



How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and three references by going to our website to apply by July 17, 2021.


Salary: 45,000 to 55,000