Executive Assistant

About Ashford

Ashford is an alternative asset management company with a portfolio of strategic operating businesses that provide global asset management, investment management, and related services to the real estate and hospitality sectors. Ashford's principals have a strong track record and extensive experience in lodging and real estate investment and asset management. Ashford currently serves as advisor to Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE: AHT), a publicly traded real estate investment trust. Ashford also has a Services division, where it strategically invests in operating companies that provide products and services to the industry, including project and construction management (Premier Project Management), hotel management (Remington Hospitality), audiovisual services (Inspire Audiovisual), destination services including watersports, beach, recreation, and transportation services (Red Watersports & Leisure), and hypo-allergenic room products (Pure Wellness). Ashford embraces five guiding principles, which we believe best describe what our company stands for: ethical, innovative, profitable, engaging and tenacious. Our adherence to these standards is a key component in building a reputation of excellence and integrity.

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant serves as a strategic partner to senior leadership, providing high-level administrative, organizational, and operational support. This role is responsible for managing complex calendars, coordinating meetings and travel, preparing reports and presentations, handling confidential information, and ensuring seamless day-to-day executive operations. This position requires a highly organized, proactive individual who can manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and operate with a high level of discretion in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive & Calendar Management: Manage complex, high-volume calendars for the EVP and SVP, including recurring leadership meetings, cross-functional sessions, and external engagements. Proactively prioritize scheduling requests, resolve conflicts, and optimize executive time. Ensure recurring meeting cadences remain current, effective, and aligned with business needs.
• Travel & Logistics: Coordinate all aspects of domestic and international travel including flights, accommodations, transportation, and detailed itineraries. Build comprehensive travel agendas with built-in time management and logistical considerations. Monitor travel in real time and proactively adjust plans as needed.
• Meetings, Board & Business Rhythm Coordination: Coordinate department meetings, leadership sessions, quarterly business reviews, and executive-level meetings. Support board and earnings preparation cycles, including scheduling, material coordination, and logistics. Prepare meeting agendas, ensure materials are ready in advance, and manage day-of execution.
• Events & Offsite Coordination: Coordinate department offsites, leadership meetings, and internal events end-to-end (logistics, scheduling, attendee coordination, materials). Partner with external vendors or event coordinators for larger events while maintaining internal ownership of execution. Manage timelines, track deliverables, and ensure seamless event execution.
• Communication & Administrative Support: Draft, edit, and manage professional communications on behalf of executives. Create and modify presentations, reports, and documents using Microsoft Office tools. Serve as a liaison across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Expense & Reporting Management: Prepare and submit expense reports in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with company policies. Track recurring expenses and follow up on approvals or discrepancies.
• Team & Operational Support: Coordinate onboarding logistics for new hires, including scheduling, access, and team integration. Maintain organizational materials such as contact lists, org charts, and team calendars. Track key deadlines, deliverables, and follow-ups to support team alignment.
• Office & Operational Execution: Ensure smooth in-office operations including meeting setup, supply management, and coordination with IT and building services. Manage conference room scheduling and resolve booking conflicts. Maintain organization of records, documents, and shared resources. Handle sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion.
• Personal & Executive Support (Limited Scope): Scheduling medical appointments and annual executive physicals. Coordinating routine appointments (e.g., grooming). Managing select dining reservations during business travel or key in-office periods (e.g., Dallas Week). Assisting with hotel stay coordination at portfolio properties. Other personal items as assigned, with business priorities taking precedence.

What Sets This Role Apart

• High visibility role supporting senior leadership and key business initiatives
• Opportunity to act as a true partner in optimizing executive and team effectiveness
• Exposure to board-level, investor, and strategic business activities
• Dynamic and fast-paced environment within a leading hospitality platform

Requirements

• Five (5)+ years of administrative experience, including support of senior executives (C-suite or EVP level preferred)
• Flexible and adaptable approach to supporting evolving executive needs, including limited personal assistance as required
• Heavy event planning experience required, including ownership of executive meetings, leadership offsites, board-related events, internal functions, and special company initiatives
• Proven ability to manage complex calendars and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and take initiative
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); strong calendaring expertise required
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-oriented mindset
• Ability to organize a daily workload based on priorities
• Must be able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Experience exercising discretion and confidentiality with sensitive information
• Accuracy, attention to detail and the ability to proof own work

Compensation & Benefits

• Bonus: Up to 10% Annual incentive plan tied to performance metrics
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement: 401(k) with company match
• Time Off: Paid vacation, holidays, and personal days
• Perks: Discounted hotel stays across the portfolio
• Growth: Career development and advancement opportunities
• Culture: People-first environment focused on excellence and innovation