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Senior Administrative Assistant - Clinical Development Operations

AbbVie · North Chicago, IL · Full time · Administrative

Posted Sep 29, 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 calendar with constant changes. How did you keep it under control?

What they are checking: Whether they have reliable habits for managing a busy executive schedule.

How do you handle confidential information you see while supporting an executive?

What they are checking: Whether they understand discretion and treat sensitive information with care.

Tell me about a time you caught a mistake before it became a problem.

What they are checking: Whether they pay close attention to detail and act before small issues grow.

Describe how you work with other administrative assistants when the team is very busy.

What they are checking: Whether they are a team player who shares work and supports colleagues.

What would you do

This role splits time between a Vice President and the broader Clinical Development Operations team. How would you balance those demands?

What they are checking: Whether they can prioritize clearly when two groups both need their time.

Two senior leaders both want the Vice President's only open hour this week. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can make sound calls on priority and know when to ask the executive.

About the work

Walk me through how you would plan international travel for an executive attending meetings in several countries.

What they are checking: Whether they think about time zones, visas, policies and backup plans.

How would you organize a function-wide meeting or event for a large clinical operations team?

What they are checking: Whether they can plan logistics, materials and communication for a big group.

How do you make sure expense reports are accurate and follow company policy?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the importance of following procedures for expenses and billing.

Which Microsoft Office tools do you use most, and how have you used them to make a presentation or document better?

What they are checking: Whether they have real intermediate to advanced software skills, not just basic use.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by AbbVie.

Job Description This role provides dedicated executive administrative support to the Vice President of Clinical Development Operations (approximately 50% of capacity) and flexible support across the broader Clinical Development Operations function (approximately 50%). The broader remit includes partnering with the administrative team, supporting function-wide communications, and coordinating meetings and events. Responsibilities also include answering phones, managing calendars and correspondence, arranging domestic and international travel, processing expense reports and billing, scheduling couriers, preparing and revising business documents and presentations, coordinating teleconferences, compiling meeting materials, and other related administrative activities. Responsibilities • Provides advanced administrative support to the Vice President of Clinical Development Operations as the primary executive assignment, while flexibly supporting the broader administrative team and Clinical Development Operations priorities based on business needs. • Coordinates and maintains departmental files, as assigned, in compliance with corporate and legal guidelines. • Follows company purchasing and other established procedures. • Uses intermediate to advanced software skills to perform assigned work. Uses and understands Microsoft Office Suite and other business-specific software, including Corporate Travel website and other programs. • Coordinates new employee office setups and onboarding. • Professionally interacts with high level executives. • Consistently handles confidential or business-sensitive information. • Maintains and manages calendars, including meeting and travel scheduling and domestic and international travel arrangements. • Proactively identifies and resolves scheduling conflicts. • Uses approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools responsibly to streamline administrative processes, improve productivity and efficiency, and support high-quality work in accordance with company policies and confidentiality requirements. • Plans and coordinates Clinical Development Operations functional meetings and events, including leadership and function-wide forums, by managing logistics, venues, schedules, materials, technology, vendors and attendee communications to support effective execution. This is an onsite opportunity in the Lake County area • Minimum 3 years of administrative assistant related experience. High School diploma or equivalent. • Experience providing support to a VP level or equivalent. • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, understanding of business processes and requirements. • Self-starter able to function at a high level with general instruction. • Builds strong relationships with peers and cross-functionally with partners outside of assigned group as necessary to enable effective and efficient Legal team operations. • Demonstrates a team-oriented, service-focused approach and the ability to balance dedicated executive support with changing priorities across the broader administrative team and Clinical Development Operations function. • Learns quickly and can change course quickly when needed. • Open to suggestions and innovation for improvement. • Professional demeanor and ability to maintain confidentiality. Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: ​ • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. ​ • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.​ • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs. ​ Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole and absolutediscretion, consistent with applicable law. ​ AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community.  Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

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