Hire an Executive Assistant in Chicago: Your Competitive Edge Starts Here

It’s no wonder there’s high demand for executive assistants in Chicago, IL — with a metro population reaching ~9.5 million and industries spanning finance, tech, and
healthcare.

Whether you’re a CEO navigating investor meetings or a founder moving at startup speed, there’s no time like the present to hire an executive assistant (EA). But the challenge is finding the right assistant among a growing talent pool. You need an EA who can manage details, streamline workflows, and stay two steps ahead to anticipate your needs.

Let’s explore what an EA can do for you and learn why Athena is the top choice for Chicago’s industry leaders.

A Glimpse Into Chicago’s Professional Landscape

Chicago has emerged as a major hub for Fortune 500 headquarters, fast-growing startups, and a wide network of mid-sized businesses and solo entrepreneurs. 

U.S. Census data and small business reports show the Chicago metro is home to over 600,000 business owners — roughly 12% of the local workforce. At the same time, thousands of executive roles remain open across the Windy City, with exceptionally high demand in sectors like fintech and manufacturing.

All signs point to one thing: The need for executive assistant jobs in Chicago is on the rise. But finding an EA in this market isn’t always easy. Competition is fierce, expectations are high, and many top assistants in the Chicago Loop and nearby Elk Grove Village are already spoken for. 

Fortunately, that’s where Athena steps in.

What Sets Athena Apart in Chicago’s EA Market

Unlike a traditional executive assistant staffing agency, Athena has a more strategic and scalable approach. We understand the unique demands of Chicago-based leaders, like managing hybrid teams in multiple time zones and scaling quickly in high-pressure industries. 

That’s why we tap into a nationwide talent pool rather than relying solely on local candidates. Athena attracts EAs from across the U.S. and globally, bringing in individuals with diverse backgrounds, bilingual communication skills, and specialized experience.

By casting a wider net, Athena finds executive administrative support with the exact skill set and personality fit leaders need. Additionally, our hiring process involves rigorous vetting to ensure every EA can handle complex responsibilities from day one. Athena Assistants receive ongoing training and mentorship to sharpen their skills and stay updated on industry best practices.

At Athena, we don’t just connect you with résumés. We carefully match you with a top 1% assistant who’s ready to support your short-term needs and long-term goals.

The Athena Advantage: Executive Assistants Built for More

If you’re exploring EA options, you might’ve looked into recruiters for executive assistants in Chicago or browsed personal assistant jobs in Chicago online. Athena does things differently than conventional recruiters. Instead of simply assigning you an assistant, we help transform how you lead. Here’s what makes the Athena model stand out.

Dedicated, One-On-One Relationships

We believe exceptional administrative support starts with strong one-on-one relationships. This support goes far beyond everyday demands — you gain a partner who’s fully invested in your success. Athena Assistants are trusted collaborators, helping you operate at your highest level while continually evolving in their own careers. It’s a win-win situation that drives growth for leaders and EAs alike.

Support for Work and Life

Athena’s executive support is an extension of how you live and lead. More specifically, your assistant helps you balance business priorities with personal well-being. They anticipate your needs, spot inefficiencies, and carve out space for what matters most. Whether organizing your inbox or setting aside family time, Athena Assistants are a proactive force behind the scenes. Their professionalism enhances your whole life, not just your working hours.

Discretion You Can Trust

Between investor updates, HR issues, and personal scheduling, an EA has access to highly sensitive details. That’s why confidentiality is a core value for Athena. Every Athena Assistant signs a strict non-disclosure agreement and receives training in professional discretion and secure communication. They treat your confidential information with care so you can operate from a place of transparency and trust.

Proven, Personalized Process

Our personalized hiring process pairs you with an EA who understands how you think, work, and lead. While you focus on strategic objectives, your assistant is trained to become your second brain — anticipating what needs done and handling it before you even have to ask. From the first discovery call to the guided onboarding sessions, every step of Athena’s process offers clarity and helps you delegate with confidence.

Unmatched Value and Flexibility

Unlike traditional in-person assistants with fixed schedules and short tenures, Athena matches you with a full-time, dedicated EA who aligns with your goals and flexes to your needs. 

You get all the benefits of elite administrative support without the operational burden. Athena manages logistics like payroll, taxes, and compliance, all while providing your assistant ongoing coaching for quality assurance. Partnering with Athena is a scalable investment that offers immediate impact and long-term value.

FAQs

  • When Should You Hire an Executive Assistant?

    Many senior leaders and C-suite executives wait too long to get help, choosing instead to manage administrative duties on their own. While that approach might work temporarily, pushing through mounting demands adds a lot of stress to your days. Here are some unmistakable signs that you could benefit from an expert assistant:

    • You’re spending more time organizing your calendar than making strategic decisions. Every Zoom link and scheduling conflict pulls you away from high-level work.
    • You’re the bottleneck for follow-ups and next steps. Key conversations stall because you’re responsible for moving them forward, and your inbox is a mile long.
    • You’re hard to reach when your team needs input. Inconsistent availability leads to missed opportunities and unnecessary tension within the team.
    • You’re stuck in reactive mode. Instead of leading with purpose, you’re constantly playing catch-up. Late responses and delayed decision-making are your norm.
    • You’re wearing too many hats. When every role reports to you, it’s impossible to scale sustainably and give each area the attention it deserves.

    By hiring an EA to sort out the details that slow you down, you’ll be empowered to make better decisions and act with intention.

  • How Athena Assistants Elevate Executive Workflows

    Athena Assistants seamlessly integrate into the fast-paced workflows of Chicago’s executive leaders. Here’s how Athena delivers executive administrative support to help you perform your best:

    • Organizational skills and schedule management: Athena Assistants skillfully organize your calendar and prioritize tasks and meetings that align with organizational goals. 
    • Inbox and communication oversight: Your assistant ensures effective communication by managing incoming emails and flagging what needs immediate attention. 
    • Meeting preparation and follow-ups: Athena EAs take care of everything from creating agendas and compiling background documents to tackling post-meeting action items.
    • Client and stakeholder relationship support: EAs oversee your professional relationships by handling client correspondence and scheduling check-ins.
    • Travel planning and coordination: Athena Assistants arrange all business travel details, including booking flights, accommodations, and ground transportation.
    • Expense reporting and budget tracking: An EA organizes receipts, processes expense reports, and tracks budgets to keep your finances in check.
    • Personal task management: Athena EAs run errands, coordinate appointments, and set reminders so important details don’t slip through the cracks.
    • Data organization and reporting: Your assistant compiles data, generates reports, and presents key insights that equip you to make informed decisions.
    • Vendor and partner communication: Athena lightens your administrative workload by facilitating communication with vendors and managing partner contracts.

    Confidentiality and discretion: Our EAs treat confidential information with the utmost discretion, adhering to strict privacy protocols to safeguard your personal details.

  • Unlock Your Leadership Potential With an Athena Assistant

    If you’ve been searching for executive assistant recruiters in Chicago who understand the pace and pressure of senior leadership, Athena offers a smarter solution. Our assistants are trusted partners who streamline operations, protect your time and privacy, and create the breathing room you need to lead effectively.

    Whether you’re hiring your first EA or you need a new assistant who can evolve with your leadership style, Athena is here to help. Get started today with an assistant who keeps you moving forward.