Provides confidential executive and department administrative support to the Chief HR Officer and HR leadership team. Responsibilities include calendar and meeting management, travel and expense coordination, document and records administration, reporting, correspondence, visitor support, action-item follow-up, and department logistics. The role requires advanced Microsoft Office skills, discretion, strong organization, and in-person availability in Palo Alto.
Wilson Sonsini is the premier legal advisor to technology, life sciences, and other growth enterprises worldwide. We represent companies at every stage of development, from entrepreneurial start-ups to multibillion-dollar global corporations, as well as the venture firms, private equity firms, and investment banks that finance and advise them. The firm has approximately 1,100 attorneys in 17 offices: 13 in the U.S., two in China, and two in Europe. Our broad spectrum of practices and entrepreneurial spirit allow exceptional opportunities for professional achievement and career growth.
Wilson Sonsini is seeking a highly organized, discreet, and proactive Administrative Assistant to support the Chief HR Officer and the HR leadership team. This role is the operational backbone of the CHRO's office. It manages the executive's time, communications, and records, and helps keep department priorities, deliverables, and meetings on track. The ideal candidate exercises sound judgment with highly confidential information, anticipates needs, and communicates professionally with firm leadership, partners, attorneys, business professionals, and external vendors.
Key Responsibilities
Calendar, Email, and Scheduling
- Manage the CHRO's calendar, prioritizing meetings and resolving conflicts with minimal direction
- Schedule internal and external meetings, including coordination across multiple offices and time zones
- Coordinate with executive assistants to firm leadership to schedule joint meetings
- Prepare the CHRO for the week and day ahead with relevant materials and context
- Handle highly confidential information with strict discretion
Meeting Support and Follow-Through
- Organize agendas for HR department and leadership meetings, gathering input from team members in advance
- Reserve conference rooms, order catering, and arrange A/V and hospitality for meetings
- Assist in preparing documents, analytics, and slide presentations for upcoming meetings
- Take notes or minutes and distribute action items after meetings
- Follow up with team members on action items and expected deliverables, and escalate delays as appropriate
Reporting and Systems
- Run ad hoc reports from Workday and format the output for review
- Perform basic data cleanup and analysis in Excel to support CHRO and department requests
- File documents in NetDocuments according to the department’s matter/folder structure
Expenses and Travel
- Prepare and submit expense reimbursements for the CHRO and other HR managers, ensuring compliance with firm policy
- Book and manage domestic and international travel, including itineraries, ground transportation, and lodging
- Coordinate logistics for visits to firm offices
Records and Department Administration
- Organize and maintain department records, both electronic and hard copy, in line with firm retention policies
- Receive, open, and distribute incoming department mail, packages, and deliveries
- Maintain the department's shared files, contact lists, and calendars
- Order and track department supplies and credit card purchases
Additional Responsibilities
- Serve as the first point of contact for department visitors, welcoming them and fielding calls professionally
- Prepare correspondence, memos, and routine communications for the CHRO's review and signature; route documents in DocuSign for execution
- Support special projects as assigned
Qualifications
Required
- 7+ years of administrative support experience, preferably supporting a senior executive in a law firm, professional services firm, or corporate HR department
- Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to work on-site in the Palo Alto office in-person
Preferred
- Experience with Workday (reporting experience a plus) and NetDocuments or a comparable document management system
- Experience with expense and travel systems
- Familiarity with HR functions and terminology
- Experience supporting a multi-office or international organization
- accountable with tact
Working Conditions
This is an in-office position based in Palo Alto. Occasional extended hours may be required to support the CHRO's schedule or time-sensitive projects.
The compensation for this position may include overtime and a discretionary year-end merit bonus based on performance. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.
Benefits information can be found here. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Palo Alto, California, USA Office
Palo Alto, CA, United States
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati San Francisco, California, USA Office
One Market Plaza Spear Tower, Suite 3300, San Francisco, United States, 94105-1126
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