Executive Assistant of Research & Development

Executive Assistant of Research & Development

Drive innovation and operational excellence by supporting executive leadership at the center of research and development initiatives. As the Executive Assistant of Research & Development, you will provide high level administrative and operational support to the SVP of R&D and the Perdue R&D Innovation Center, helping ensure seamless coordination across scientific, technical, and cross-functional teams. You will play a critical role in managing executive communications, coordinating projects and departmental operations, and handling highly confidential research and innovation materials with professionalism and discretion.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, excels at managing competing priorities, and enjoys serving as a trusted partner to executive leadership and key stakeholders across the organization.

This position has a target wage of $34.00- $51.00 per hour, based on shift, experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance). Overtime may be available.

In addition to hourly wages, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.

Principal

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage correspondence, document routing, calls, and file organization.
• Schedule R&D meetings, including project reviews and leadership sessions.
• Coordinate travel, itineraries for SVP and senior leaders, and logistics for internal and external events.
• Prepare executive reports, presentations, and project summaries.
• Maintain organization and adapt to shifting R&D priorities.
• Support accurate document control for sensitive materials.
• Serve as the main liaison for the SVP with internal teams and external partners.
• Track deadlines, provide reminders, and prepare materials.
• Prepare briefing documents and pre-reads for executive meetings.
• Improve departmental processes, templates, and workflows.
• Manage complex executive calendars and meeting-space scheduling.
• Draft and edit executive communications and presentations.
• Track R&D initiatives, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate department events such as Town Halls and capability forums.
• Organize logistics for cross-functional collaborations.
• Support onboarding for new team members.
• Maintain scientific and technical repositories and archives.
• Ensure proper handling of confidential and proprietary information.
• Format and route technical reports and regulatory documents.
• Lead R&D leadership meeting administration (agendas, minutes, action items).
• Manage R&D and Innovation Center calendars of events.
• Support special projects and team onboarding.
• Track departmental budgets, POs, invoices, and expenses.
• Coordinate supplier meetings and external collaborations.
• Support resource needs, equipment service, and supply orders.
• Manage PO creation, invoice processing, and financial documentation.
• Maintain accurate financial records and audit materials.
• Anticipate leadership needs and prepare materials proactively.
• Support board-level and executive updates related to R&D strategy.
• Maintain confidential dashboards and tracking documents.
• Build strong relationships with administrative and executive assistants across the organization.
• Coordinate communication and workflow between the SVP and senior executives.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Coordinate team engagement, recognition, and culture-building activities.
• Support R&D training, workshops, and learning events.
• Assist with talent planning, reviews, and development meetings.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, estimated travel up to 15%.

Minimum

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree.
• 5+ years' administrative support experience.
• 4+ years supporting senior executives (C-Suite or SVP/VP level).
• Experience in technical or scientific environments.
• Strong communication, organization, and confidentiality skills.
• Expertise in Microsoft 365 and…