We are seeking an Executive Assistant to perform a wide range of highly skilled, diversified and confidential administrative and executive support for the Institute Director; someone who is self-motivated and able to work independently with limited supervision.  Crucial to this role is the ability to interact with individuals at all levels both within and outside the organization, anticipate needs, excel in a fast paced environment, work well under pressure while remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient.  Responsibilities include ensuring confidentiality of information and sensitive documents by following operational procedures, exercising sound judgment and helping to create and maintain a favorable image for the Institute. The successful candidate will be a self-starter who is personable, exceedingly well organized, detail-oriented and dedicated to handling all duties in a professional and helpful manner while meeting numerous time-sensitive deadlines. Excellent computer skills, superior communication skills, and the ability to exercise diplomacy, tact, and sensitivity are key characteristics.  Experience in a science/pharma/biotech environment is a plus.

Job Related Qualifications:
•Experience scheduling and coordinating a high volume of appointments/meetings with numerous attendees, and maintaining a calendar of activities, meetings, and events for senior Executives; demonstrated ability to understand appointments, priorities and negotiate requests for time.
•Experience attending meetings to record minutes and summarize actions; ability to transcribe meeting information into official minutes.
•Demonstrated ability to create and format a wide variety of electronic documents ranging from routine letters and memos to more complex agendas and long reports; demonstrated proficiency with advanced document formatting processes using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
•Demonstrated ability to type or take notes at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
•Knowledge of business communication and report preparation principles; ability to independently compose routine correspondence and reports.
•Experience coordinating complex domestic/international travel and preparing expense reports/requests for reimbursement.
•Demonstrated ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
•Experience maintaining files and records including hard copy and electronic files; ability to research, gather, organize and arrange a diverse range of information; keep complex records and prepare reports.
•Excellent customer service skills including strong verbal and written communication skills for responding to telephone and e-mail inquiries.
•Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and with frequent interruptions; effective time management skills and the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
•Excellent organizational skills and the ability to anticipate needs, exercise good judgment, work independently, and meet strict deadlines.
•Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department executives, staff, Novartis community and business leaders, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
•Demonstrated proficiency with Windows XP computer operating system, Microsoft Office 2007 (particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Visio, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other PC-based applications.

Minimum Requirements:
•Education, training, and experience which would demonstrate application of the knowledge and skills listed above, such as a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by specialized training or college level business courses
•Six years of increasingly responsible executive assistance/secretarial experience performing duties similar to those described above
•Strong verbal and written communication skills with an excellent command of the English language including knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, to include the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. 

Interested candidates please send your CV to jobs@gnf.org (please include the job code in your application).