Position Summary
The Executive Assistant (EA) provides high-level support to a Vice President by managing executive operations, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring effective execution of key business priorities. This role combines traditional executive support responsibilities with project management and governance functions, serving as a trusted partner to leadership and a central point of coordination across multiple stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment. They possess strong communication, stakeholder management, and project coordination skills, with the ability to influence outcomes and drive accountability across teams.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support (35%)
- Manage and prioritize the Vice President's calendar, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives.
- Prepare executive-level presentations, reports, communications, and briefing materials.
- Coordinate leadership meetings, governance forums, operating reviews, and executive staff meetings.
- Track and monitor action items, decisions, and commitments arising from leadership discussions.
- Arrange domestic and international travel, executive visits, and leadership events.
- Serve as a gatekeeper and trusted liaison between the VP and senior leaders, ensuring timely communication and issue resolution.
- Manage confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
- Support executive decision-making through research, analysis, and meeting preparation.
Project Management & Governance (65%)
- Maintain oversight of the portfolio of VP-sponsored initiatives and strategic projects.
- Develop and manage project plans, timelines, milestones, and governance activities.
- Track project progress, risks, dependencies, and issues to ensure successful execution.
- Follow up with leaders and stakeholders accountable for project deliverables and commitments.
- Prepare executive dashboards, status reports, and performance updates for leadership review.
- Facilitate governance meetings and document key decisions, actions, and outcomes.
- Drive accountability by ensuring agreed actions are executed and tracked to completion.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational effectiveness, project execution, and reporting processes.
- Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and facilitate collaboration among business partners.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
- 2-5 years of experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Executive Assistant support for senior leadership
- Chief of Staff or Chief of Staff support functions
- Project Management
- PMO (Project Management Office)
- Business Operations
- Experience supporting executive-level stakeholders and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Strong project coordination and stakeholder management experience.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting Vice President-level or senior executive leaders.
- Background in PMO governance, business operations, or strategic planning.
- Exposure to enterprise-scale projects or cross-functional initiatives.
- PMP, CAPM, Scrum, or other project management certifications are a plus.
- Experience developing executive dashboards and leadership reporting.
Key Competencies
- Executive Presence
- Project Management & Governance
- Stakeholder Management
- Organizational Agility
- Strategic Thinking
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Influence Without Authority
- Problem Solving
- Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
- Time Management & Prioritization
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, or related field
- 2-5 years of experience in executive assistant support, Chief of Staff functions, project management, PMO, or business operations
- Experience supporting executive-level stakeholders and managing multiple priorities simultaneously
- Strong project coordination and stakeholder management experience
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
- Experience supporting Vice President-level or senior executive leaders
- Background in PMO governance, business operations, or strategic planning
- Exposure to enterprise-scale projects or cross-functional initiatives
- PMP, CAPM, Scrum, or other project management certifications
- Experience developing executive dashboards and leadership reporting
Optum Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Official materials highlight copay and HSA medical plan choices with in‑network preventive care at 100%, prescription coverage, and low/no‑cost virtual visits, plus company HSA contributions. Dental preventive services are 100% in network, and mental health resources include an EAP and premium Calm access.
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Parental & Family Support — Programs include six weeks paid parental leave, up to two weeks paid caregiver leave, and Bright Horizons back‑up care with enhanced family supports. Adoption assistance up to $10,000 for full‑time employees reinforces family‑oriented benefits.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Financial benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Plan at a 10% discount, expanding access to equity ownership.
Optum Insights
What We Do
Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. At Optum, we support your well-being with an understanding team, extensive benefits and rewarding opportunities. By joining us, you’ll have the resources to drive system transformation while we help you take care of your future. We recognize the power of connection to drive change, improve efficiency and make a difference in health care. Join a team where your skills and ideas can make an impact and where collaboration is key to creating technology that produces healthier outcomes.
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Optum Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
Optum has three workplace models that balance the needs of the business and the responsibilities of each role. These models, core on‑site (5 days/week), hybrid (4 days/week) and telecommute or fully remote, vary by country, role and location.
