Executive Assistant to the CFO – Catalyst Brands bei JCPenney

Executive Assistant to the CFO – Catalyst Brands
Location: In office
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Organization: Catalyst Brands (Portfolio includes JCPenney, Brooks Brothers, Aéropostale, and others)

About the Role
The Executive Assistant will support the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Catalyst Brands, working closely on a daily basis to handle a wide range of administrative and executive support tasks. This dynamic role requires someone who is proactive, highly organized, and able to balance traditional executive support with broader contributions in communications, event planning, and team coordination.

This is an opportunity for a motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings energy and attention to detail, and wants to play a critical role in supporting the CFO and engaging with an organization of 200 employees.

Primary Responsibilities
Executive & Administrative Support
•    Manage complex calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate logistics across multiple time zones.
•    Arrange domestic and international travel, including flights, hotels, and itineraries.
•    Process and track expense reports (via iExpense) with accuracy and timeliness.
•    Initiate and respond to email and telephone inquiries, resolving matters not requiring direct action from the CFO.
•    Act as a liaison for the Board of Directors and support all related activities.
Inbox & Workflow Management
•    Proactively manage and prioritize the CFO’s email inbox, flagging critical items and drafting responses when appropriate.
•    Ensure timely follow-up on outstanding communications and deadlines.
Team & Meeting Coordination
•    Manage planning and logistics for CFO team meetings, including agendas, materials, minutes, and follow-ups.
•    Track the CFO’s touchpoints with direct reports and ensure regular and consistent engagement.
•    Serve as a connector across the CFO’s 200-person organization, ensuring smooth communication and alignment.
•    Support leadership team coordination, helping track initiatives, priorities, and deliverables.
Communication & Presentations
•    Draft, edit, and design presentations in PowerPoint for internal and external stakeholders.
•    Prepare and distribute clear, concise communications (emails, memos, announcements) to the CFO’s organization.
•    Maintain a professional tone and ensure alignment with the CFO’s voice and priorities.
Event & Meeting Planning
•    Organize and execute leadership meetings, department gatherings, and team events.
•    Manage logistics, agendas, materials, and follow-up actions for key leadership meetings and offsites.
Operational Support
•    Prepare, maintain, and update reports, data, and records required by management using Excel, Word, and Outlook.
•    Serve as a daily resource for internal partners, maintaining in-depth knowledge of organizational resources.
•    Support special projects and initiatives as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.

Core Competencies & Qualifications
•    3–5 years of experience as a corporate executive assistant or in a professional support role (prior EA experience helpful but not required).
•    Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent work experience.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word).
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to write clear and persuasive messages.
•    Demonstrates excellent judgment, professionalism, and discretion when interacting with senior leaders, board members, and external partners.
•    Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and adapt quickly to shifting priorities.
•    High energy, resourcefulness, and attention to detail.
•    Ability to take initiative, anticipate needs, and proactively solve problems.

What We Offer
•    A competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays, 401(k) savings plan with company match, and employee discounts.
•    The opportunity to work closely with senior leadership across multiple iconic retail brands.
•    A role that balances executive support with opportunities for growth in communications, event planning, and team coordination.