Human Resources Executive Assistant

Overview

Cascade Asset Management Company ("Cascade") protects and grows capital in service of Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation Trust, supporting mission-related and philanthropic activities aligned with the Foundation's goals. Located in the Seattle area, Cascade applies a long-horizon investment approach across asset classes and geographies, primarily through direct investing and a select group of funds and segregated accounts. Cascade offers the blend of managing a multi-billion-dollar portfolio while collaborating with professionals in a culture that values intellectual curiosity, collaboration, and respect.

Human Resources Team Overview

Led by the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) and Head of Talent & Business Partnerships (HTBP), the Human Resources team serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, integrating Cascade’s human capital strategy into everyday management and decision-making. The team shapes organization-wide policies and practices related to talent acquisition, employee performance, professional development, and overall organizational effectiveness to foster continuous improvement and growth, supporting Cascade’s strategic goals.

Position Description

The Executive Assistant (EA) will report directly to the CHRO and HTBP, providing comprehensive administrative and operational support. The EA enables the CHRO and HTBP to operate efficiently, maintain strong organizational communication, and support key people initiatives. The successful candidate will be proactive, exceptionally detail-oriented, and highly organized, thriving in dynamic environments with ambiguity, frequent changes, and shifting priorities. Professionalism and discretion in handling sensitive matters are essential.

In addition to primary responsibilities, this role will actively support the broader HR team and cultivate strong professional relationships with other Executive Assistants to foster effective communication and teamwork.

• Executive Support
• Support daily operations for the CHRO and HTBP by proactively managing requests, communications, and information flow to keep them prepared and focused.
• Schedule and organize meetings, manage complex calendars, and oversee meeting logistics for the CHRO and HTBP.
• Handle administrative tasks such as HR contracts, invoices, expense reporting, and preparation of confidential information or documents as needed.
• Anticipate and support follow-up actions stemming from CHRO and HTBP meetings and communications.
• Independently manage tasks and responsibilities, ensuring timely and accurate completion with minimal guidance.
• Proactively anticipate needs, own follow-through on actions, and close the loop on outstanding items.
• Uphold professionalism and discretion when dealing with sensitive information (e.g., employee relations, compensation, organizational changes).
• Operational, Program, and Project Support
• Prepare and assist in drafting organization-wide communications; provide back-up support for intranet management to ensure timely dissemination of information.
• Prepare and assist in drafting communications and meeting materials for the CHRO and HTBP, including agendas, PowerPoint presentations, and follow-up documents.
• Support HR programmatic initiatives and systems for the CHRO, HTBP, HR Business Partners, and Benefits and Operations Managers.
• Assist with day-to-day HR team operations, including planning team events and logistics.
• Provide feedback to drive continuous HR operational improvement.
• Expand knowledge base to support employees with HR-related questions and re-route inquiries as needed.
• Provide back-up support for the Recruiting Coordinator and recruitment processes as needed.

• Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a professional point of contact between the CHRO, HTBP, internal leaders, employees, and external partners.
• Build relationships across the organization, especially with other Executive Assistants, to enable cross-functional alignment.
• Ensure timely and effective communication and coordination across the HR team.

• Additional Responsibilities
• Perform other duties as reasonably assigned to support HR initiatives and team functions. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs and priorities.

• Skills and Qualifications
• 5-10+ years of experience providing executive-level support, ideally to a CHRO or HR leadership team.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams); experience with SharePoint and Dynamics is a plus.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data quality and accuracy.
• Outstanding verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Strong judgment and creative problem-solving abilities, especially when navigating ambiguity.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task against deadlines.
• Ability to build strong relationships and…