I just reviewed this Executive Assistant requisition for ConocoPhillips in Houston. Let’s be clear about what supporting the C-suite at a legacy energy titan actually entails. You are not just managing a calendar; you are a strategic gatekeeper. In this administrative role, you are the operational firewall absorbing the daily chaos so the executive team can function. This position demands immense emotional intelligence, strict boundary-setting, and the ability to make autonomous, high-stakes decisions under severe pressure.
The Reality of the Energy Corridor Culture
ConocoPhillips operates under a highly traditional, regimented corporate structure. At a Fortune 500 oil and gas corporation, hierarchy and protocol matter deeply. Your primary objective is to protect your executive’s time and reputation. You will serve as their proxy to the Board of Directors and external VIPs, which means your communication style must be flawless and your discretion absolute.
Core Deliverables & Executive Support
- Calendar Optimization: Command complex, shifting executive schedules. (Elena’s Note: “Enforcing firm time boundaries” means you will be saying ‘no’ to powerful VPs and directors on a daily basis. You need the emotional intelligence to block access without making internal enemies.)
- Global Travel Logistics: Coordinate seamless domestic and international travel itineraries. (Elena’s Note: Real-time contingency planning is code for being available off-hours. When a private jet is grounded or an international visa falls through at 3 AM, you are the one fixing it.)
- Board & Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Board of Directors and global stakeholders.
- Financial & Expense Management: Execute monthly corporate expense reporting via SAP Concur, reconciling complex international billing.
- Confidential Correspondence: Draft and filter highly sensitive internal communications. (Elena’s Note: You will be handling Material Non-Public Information (MNPI). The level of discretion required here is non-negotiable—one leaked document can trigger an SEC investigation.)
The Non-Negotiable Cut-Off
- Executive Support Experience: 7+ years of progressive administrative experience, with a minimum of 3 years directly supporting C-level executives. (Elena’s Note: They are strictly filtering for candidates who have already survived the pressure cooker of Fortune 500 C-suite support. Mid-level or small-office admin experience will not clear the ATS.)
- Software Fluency: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, SAP Concur, and board portal software (e.g., Diligent or BoardVantage).
- Logistical Acumen: Verifiable track record of managing multi-leg international travel and coordinating large-scale executive offsites.
- Discretion & Polish: Clear written and verbal communication skills, paired with a documented history of handling strict NDAs.
Compensation & Corporate Benefits
The $85k–$105k base salary is highly competitive for executive support in the Houston market, but it comes with the expectation of total availability and dedication.
- Base Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000 USD / Year
- Energy Corridor Campus: Premium on-site dining, a private fitness center, and wellness clinics. (Elena’s Note: These top-tier campus amenities are fantastic, but remember their corporate purpose: they are designed to keep you on-site and working comfortably for longer hours.)
- Career Growth: Access to dedicated administrative professional development programs and structured pathways to Senior Executive Assistant or Chief of Staff roles.
- Corporate Benefits: Top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching with immediate vesting, and performance-based annual bonuses.
Campus Logistics & Hiring Process
- Work Location Policy
- This is a Full-Time position. Location: Houston, TX. Remote status: No. (Elena’s Note: Do not expect hybrid flexibility. Managing the physical flow of VIPs and handling confidential documentation requires 100% on-site presence at the Houston headquarters.)
- Relocation Assistance
- Relocation assistance is not offered for administrative support roles. Prioritizing candidates currently residing in the Greater Houston area.
