Executive Assistant - Chief Legal Officer

The Legal & Corporate Affairs team is responsible for safeguarding the company’s reputation, ensuring we are operating with integrity and in line with our strategic initiatives. The Legal team provides high-quality legal services, ensures legal compliance and mitigates risks.  The Corporate Communications team works to execute strategic and effective communication efforts that drive brand awareness, preference and reputation with internal and external stakeholders. In addition, the Corporate Social Responsibility & Belonging teams support the company’s environmental and social commitments with a strong focus on pets, people and the planet.  The collective team supports the overall success and positive reputation of the company.

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

Position Summary
The Executive Administrative Assistant provides high-level administrative and operational support to the Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and the Legal Leadership Team. This role is essential to the effective functioning of PetSmart’s Legal, Risk Management, and Corporate Communications functions, enabling the CLO to operate effectively across a broad and complex portfolio.

A critical component of this role is supporting the Corporate Secretary function, including Board of Directors governance activities, Board meeting logistics, and materials management. This position requires exceptional judgment, discretion, attention to detail, proven organizational skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive & Calendar Operations

• Manage complex, high-volume calendar scheduling for the CLO and team, including prioritization of competing demands and protection of strategic time
• Coordinate travel, including itineraries, logistics, and briefing materials
• Draft, review, and manage executive-level correspondence on behalf of the CLO with Board members, outside counsel, and peer executives
• Triage and manage email and communications flow, exercising sound judgment on escalation and independent handling
• Process invoices, outside counsel billing, and departmental expense reporting accurately and on schedule

Board of Directors & Corporate Secretary Support

• Manage the full Board meeting cycle, including materials collection, formatting, distribution, and logistics coordination for quarterly Board and committee meetings
• Interface directly with Board members and their offices, maintaining a high standard of professionalism and governance protocol awareness
• Maintain Board and committee calendars, including scheduling, coordination, and execution of meeting logistics
• Maintain Board portals, governance records, minute books, and related filing systems with accuracy and timeliness

Legal Team Coordination & Operations

• Serve as the administrative coordination hub for the Legal Leadership Team, managing cross-functional projects, team communications, and operational rhythms
• Support team meeting cadence, offsites, all-hands communications, and department-wide initiatives
• Partner with legal operations on matter tracking, vendor coordination, and outside counsel administration
• Maintain and organize confidential legal files, litigation records, contracts, and regulatory correspondence
• Coordinate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and Corporate Communications on matters within the CLO’s portfolio

Presentations, Communications & Research

• Develop and format high-quality PowerPoint presentations for Board, executive, external conference, and internal audiences
• Draft internal and external communications on behalf of the CLO, including announcements and industry engagement materials
• Conduct targeted research and prepare briefing materials for key meetings and speaking engagements
• Support management of the CLO’s external professional commitments and industry-facing activities

Technology & Administrative Systems

• Operate with advanced proficiency across Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel, and Word
• Leverage AI-enabled productivity tools for document drafting, research synthesis, and communications preparation
• Adapt to evolving legal technology and document management platforms as the function continues to build its technology infrastructure

Minimum Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive executive administrative experience, including at least 5 years supporting a C-suite executive (General Counsel, CLO, CEO, or CFO) in a large, complex organization
• Experience supporting Board of Directors governance processes, including materials management, Board communications, and meeting logistics
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft in an executive’s voice for diverse audiences
• Proven organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple high-stakes priorities simultaneously
• High level of discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential legal, personnel, regulatory, and governance information
• Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency, including PowerPoint for executive and Board-level audiences
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and exercise judgment in fast-paced, high-accountability environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a large publicly traded or private equity-backed company; consumer industry experience a plus
• Familiarity with legal operations, outside counsel management, or corporate governance practices
• Experience supporting a Corporate Secretary function or public company Board responsibilities
• Comfort with AI-assisted workflows and emerging legal technology platforms

• This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.
• Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.
• On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.

* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.

At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed. 

We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!
• On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more
• “Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early education
• Paid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heart
• Print Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.