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Executive Assistant to the Director

Fermilab · Batavia, IL · $41.43–$50.53 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you managed a complex schedule with frequent last-minute changes.

What they are checking: Whether they can stay calm and organized under constant change.

How do you communicate on behalf of a leader so the message lands correctly with different levels of management?

What they are checking: Whether they can represent a leader accurately and professionally.

How do you stay ahead of what the leader needs before they ask?

What they are checking: Whether they work proactively, which the posting names directly.

How do you handle confidential information in a directorate role?

What they are checking: Whether they understand discretion at the leadership level.

Tell me about a problem you solved on your own without needing to involve your boss.

What they are checking: Whether they can make independent decisions, as the posting requires.

What would you do

Walk me through how you decide which meetings to accept, decline or reschedule for a busy leader.

What they are checking: Whether they can use the judgment on urgency and importance that the posting describes.

A senior scientist insists on getting time on the director's calendar this week, but it is full. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle pressure from important people while protecting the leader's priorities.

Two urgent requests arrive at once from different senior leaders. How do you decide?

What they are checking: Whether they prioritize thoughtfully and communicate clearly.

About the work

How do you prepare a leader for a meeting so they walk in ready?

What they are checking: Whether they create briefing materials that save the leader time.

What tools do you use to manage calendars, tasks and documents?

What they are checking: Whether they have strong tool skills that keep a busy office running.

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The full job description

As published by Fermilab.

The expected hiring range for this position is: $41.43-$50.53. Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. About the Role: Under limited supervision, reports to and supports a leader within the Directorate or a Center Director by performing a variety of executive-level administrative duties that require a high degree of independent decision-making and problem resolution. The combination of specific duties varies depending on the needs of the assignment. *This position is not eligible for sponsorship* *This position is not eligible for relocation* What your day-to-day as the Executive Assistant to the Director at Fermilab will look like: • You will proactively manage the leader’s complex schedule by deciding which meetings to accept or reschedule based on urgency and importance. • Independently setting priorities when committing the leader’s time, taking initiative to monitor schedules ahead of time, and maintaining awareness of real time activities. • You will communicate on behalf of the leader with various levels of management by accurately delivering and receiving messages. • You will collect and prepare information for use in meetings; attends planning meetings to document meeting minutes and track action items. • You will handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion, ensuring that access is restricted to authorized individuals. • You will ensure high-profile special projects or committees achieve the objectives outlined by the leader, as assigned. • You will support the leader with special assignments and ad-hoc requests, such as proposing and implementing cost-saving measures. • Coordinate foreign and domestic travel plans for the leader. • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor. • Abide by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position. Required Skills and Attributes for Success: • Associate’s degree • 8+ years of administrative experience. • Experience working with the DOE (Department of Energy) and/or a National Laboratory strongly preferred. • Equivalent experience considered in lieu of degree. Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: • Ability to effectively navigate internal Lab structures (e.g., knowledge of who to approach for approvals, information, etc.) • Expert knowledge of administrative operational procedures. • Ability to manage cross-functional communication and collaboration. • Ability to use independent judgment and effectively prioritize tasks. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite Work Arrangement: Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final. • Onsite : This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office. Benefits/Perks: Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Accounts • Paid time off • Life insurance • Short and Long-term disability insurance • Retirement benefits • Onsite day care Why Fermilab: Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole. Pre-Employment Screening: Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening. HSPD-12 In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment. Foreign Government Sponsored Activities Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel. REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf . If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. Equal Opportunity Statement Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.

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