Administrative Specialist I

Business Management Administrative Assistant

Location : Chicago, IL, USA

Time Type : Full time

Application Deadline : 11 / 27 / 2025

Address : 320 S Canal Street

Job Family Group : Business Management

Performs a variety of administrative and clerical tasks, financial and human resources administration and provides professional support to one or more Managers and their direct reports. The role provides general office services ensuring all administrative and operational processes and control standards are followed, while seeking to determine, develop, and participate in implementation of improvement opportunities, contributing to the effective and efficient operation of the business group.

Responsibilities include :

• Provides subject matter expertise and advice related to assigned strategic initiatives and act as relationship management for assigned initiatives.
• Builds effective relationships with internal / external stakeholders.
• Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations.
• Gathers and formats data into regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards.
• Leads the planning, coordinating and implementing department events.
• Provides senior level administrative and operational support within a large, diverse team including one or more senior executives.
• Employs systems (e.g. customized exception reports, tracking reports etc.) to manage information.
• Integrates information from multiple sources to enable more efficient processes, enhanced analysis and / or streamlined reporting.
• Provides input into the planning and implementation of administrative programs.
• Coordinates and monitors budgets and reporting on results vs. budget.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to more junior administrative assistants to support them in developing capability to carry out current job accountabilities.
• Manages and monitors calendars and upcoming events. Dispatches meeting invitations, books meeting rooms and arranges for resources and other requirements in support of smooth and efficient meeting facilitation. Supports the coordination and implementation of department events.
• Develops and maintains a filing system; ensures business and operational reports, forms, and other documentation, paper or electronic, are readily available.
• Supports the development of tailored messaging, which may include writing, editing and distributing communications (e.g., correspondence, presentations, policies & procedures).
• Dispatches outgoing communications. Answers central phone line, responding to and resolving / escalating inquiries.
• Processes invoices for payment in adherence with documented processes and guidelines and vendor agreements.
• Prepares and logs departmental expense claims and reports. Tracks expenses to ensure they stay within budget.
• Makes travel arrangements, booking flight / hotel reservations as needed.
• Liaises with internal business units and external vendors and participates in the local coordination and implementation of premises and building related matters including incoming / outgoing staff and contractors, relocations, office planning and new furniture requirements while ensuring minimal interruptions to business operations.
• Maintains supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies.
• Ensures all vacation and absence scheduling is documented, takes into account critical business needs, follows guidelines, and is managed consistently across employees in the group; identifies scheduling conflicts for resolution.
• Coordinates training requirements for staff (research, booking, cancellations, confirmations, etc.).
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver on business objectives.
• Organizes work information to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Focus may be on a business / group.
• Thinks creatively and proposes new solutions.
• Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules.
• Works mostly independently.
• Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed.

Qualifications :

Salary : $45,000.00 - $83,000.00

Pay Type : Salaried

The above represents BMO Financial Group's pay range and type.

Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group's expected target for the first year in this position.

BMO Financial Group's total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans.

About Us

At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose : Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world.

As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one for yourself and our customers. We'll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we'll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset.

BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to BMOCareers.Support@bmo.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.