Specialist, Administrative Support at Pearson in Cedar Rapids, IA

Job Title: Executive Assistant

Reporting to: Group Finance Officer

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA (Remote)

 

About the role

We are looking for a highly organised, proactive, and trusted Executive Assistant to support our newly appointed Group Finance Officer at Pearson. This is a unique opportunity to work at the heart of a global organisation, partnering closely with one of our most senior leaders to ensure the smooth running of the Finance function and enabling strategic priorities across the business.

As a key member of the Finance leadership support network, you will act as a true partner to the Group Finance Officer — managing complex schedules, facilitating executive communications, and ensuring priorities are executed seamlessly across a global environment.

This role goes far beyond diary management. You will become a central point of coordination, interacting with senior leaders, managing confidential information, and helping drive efficiency across a fast-paced and dynamic function.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Provide high-level executive support to the Group Finance Officer, ensuring their time, priorities, and commitments are managed effectively.
• Manage a complex global diary, coordinating internal and external meetings across multiple time zones.
• Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, presentations, and documentation for leadership meetings, board interactions, and key business engagements.

• Act as a gatekeeper and trusted advisor, helping prioritise requests and managing competing demands.

   

Stakeholder & Communication Management

• Serve as a key liaison between the Group Finance Officer and senior stakeholders, including executives, board members, and global teams.
• Coordinate communication across the Finance leadership team and wider enterprise functions.
• Support the preparation and logistics of executive meetings, leadership offsites, and strategic reviews.

Operational Coordination

• Plan and organise international travel, ensuring seamless logistics and itinerary planning.
• Coordinate leadership meetings, including agenda preparation, follow-ups, and action tracking.
• Support key Finance leadership initiatives and projects, ensuring effective organisation and delivery.

Confidential & Strategic Support

• Handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Anticipate needs and proactively identify ways to improve efficiency and workflows.
• Help create structure around priorities to ensure the Group Finance Officer can focus on strategic decision-making and leadership.

About You

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys working closely with senior leaders. You will likely bring:

• Proven experience supporting C-suite or senior executives, ideally within a global organisation.
• Exceptional organisation, prioritisation, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities with discretion and professionalism.
• A proactive mindset with the confidence to anticipate needs and take initiative.
• High attention to detail and strong administrative expertise.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Office and collaboration tools.

Why Join Pearson?

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning.

Working here means being part of a global organisation that is shaping the future of education and skills. As Executive Assistant to the Group Finance Officer, you will gain exposure to senior leadership and play a key role in supporting the operations of a critical function within the business.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Executive Assistant who wants to work closely with senior leadership and have real visibility and impact within a global organisation.