Executive Assistant Careers at DonnaPro - Europe's Remote EA Team
DonnaPro is a European virtual assistant agency where top 1% Executive Assistants support CEOs and founders remotely. We’ve built a career model around radical ownership, deep work culture, and structural burnout prevention. With 91% client retention, 15-46% above-market salaries, and performance bonuses, we’re proving high-performance work doesn’t require sacrificing work-life balance.
We're Building Something Different
Most virtual assistant agencies operate like gig marketplaces – high turnover, race-to-the-bottom pricing, no career development, and EAs burning out within 18 months.
We built the opposite.
DonnaPro is a career destination for Executive Assistants who are done with corporate politics, below-market pay, and always-on hustle culture. We hire the top 1% of EA talent, pay them 15-46% above market rates, and create systems that prevent burnout by design rather than leaving it to individual discipline.
According to DonnaPro’s internal data from 500+ EA placements, our model works: 91% client retention (vs. 60-70% industry average), approximately 20% of team members become eligible for at least one performance bonus within 18 months, and team members who stay for years instead of months.
We’re not a stepping stone or a side hustle.
We’re where A-player Executive Assistants build long-term careers supporting A-player executives.
The Culture: Radical Ownership, Zero Drama
What Makes Our Culture Different
We have two non-negotiable cultural principles that shape everything we do:
- Radical Ownership: When something goes wrong, we don't point fingers or make excuses. We ask "What could I have done differently?" and fix the system that allowed the problem to happen. This isn't about being a doormat - it's about being powerful. Victims wait for others to fix things. Owners make things happen.
- Zero Drama: We don't hire people who gossip, make excuses, need hand-holding for basic work, or take feedback personally. We hire people who communicate directly, solve problems before they escalate, and take pride in making their executives' lives easier.
According to DonnaPro’s hiring data, we reject 97% of applicants. Not because they lack skills – because they lack ownership mindset or cultural fit.
What This Looks Like Daily
Our culture isn’t just values on a wall. It shows up in how we work:
- Direct Communication: If something isn't working with a client, you have a professional conversation about it. You don't complain to colleagues or wait for your manager to intervene. You address it like an adult.
- Problem-Solving First: If you spot an issue, you bring solutions, not just complaints. "This client's calendar system is breaking down" becomes "I've analyzed the patterns and here are three approaches we could try."
- Peer Support: When you're overwhelmed, sick, or need backup, your peer EA community provides coverage. When a colleague needs help, you do the same. No hero complex, no martyrdom-just professional mutual support.
- Feedback as Growth: You receive regular feedback from your Quality Manager, Account Manager, and clients. None of it is personal. All of it makes you better at your job. You also give feedback upward when processes aren't working.
How We Prevent Burnout (By Design)
The Problem We Solved
Most EA roles burn people out within 2-3 years. Not because EAs can’t handle the work-because the work structure is unsustainable.
“Always available” expectations. Clients who don’t respect boundaries. No protection for deep work time. Constant context-switching between 6+ executives. The slow boundary erosion where 40 hours becomes 50, then 60.
We fixed this structurally, not by hoping EAs will “set better boundaries.”
Our Burnout Prevention Systems
- Mandatory Deep Work Time: Every team member has 2+ hours daily of protected deep work time. No notifications. No meetings. No interruptions. Clients know this. Account Managers enforce it. It's non-negotiable.
- Technology Boundaries: We provide separate work devices or profiles that literally prevent after-hours access. You don't need discipline to maintain boundaries - we designed the system so you can't violate them even if you tried.
- Quality Manager Oversight: We actively monitor for "boundary erosion." If you're working late, skipping deep work, or trending toward burnout, your Quality Manager intervenes before it becomes a crisis.
- 40-Hour Maximum: We don't just say "don't work overtime" - we track it and intervene if it happens. If you're consistently hitting 40+ hours, that's a system failure we need to fix, not a personal discipline issue.
- Reasonable Client Loads: You support 2-4 executives maximum. Never 6-8. We adjust your load based on client complexity and your capacity.
According to DonnaPro’s internal data, approximately 20% of all team members become eligible for at least one performance bonus within 18 months. Why? Because they’re not too burned out to grow.
Compensation Philosophy
We Pay What You're Worth (Then Add More)
We analyzed EA salaries across 11 European countries and found that market rates consistently undervalue Executive Assistant expertise. So we pay 15-46% above market.
DonnaPro pays €1,350-€1,800+ net monthly depending on location – that’s 15-46% above local market averages. These are net monthly salaries (after tax) for full-time, permanent positions. Not freelance rates. Stable work with benefits, paid time off, and job security.
Beyond Salary
- Professional Development: Access to DonnaPro's comprehensive training system with constant updates and enhancements to our training library. We invest in making you better at your job through structured onboarding, ongoing skill development resources, and continuous learning materials covering executive support, strategic thinking, and operational excellence.
- Tools & Software: All required software licenses, project management tools, communication platforms, and productivity applications needed for seamless remote work. You provide your own laptop and home office setup; we take care of all the tools and licenses.
- Career Growth: Clear promotion paths with transparent criteria. Account Manager support for client relationships. Quality Manager coaching for performance development.
- Peer Community: Regular EA meetups (virtual and occasional in-person), peer mentoring, shared communication channels for support and knowledge sharing.
Who We Hire
We're Selective (On Purpose)
DonnaPro isn’t for everyone, and that’s intentional.
We hire experienced Executive Assistants who:
- Have 3+ years of EA experience (C-suite level preferred, but exceptional candidates with strong transferable skills are considered if they demonstrate standout performance)
- Speak fluent English at C2 level (clients are international CEOs and founders)
- Actually enjoy EA work (not using it as a stepping stone to "something better")
- Take pride in making complex things simple for busy executives
- Embrace radical ownership and zero-drama culture
- Want stability, fair pay, and sane hours
We don’t hire:
- Entry-level administrative assistants looking to transition into EA roles
- People who view EA work as temporary or "just a job"
- Candidates who need constant validation or detailed instructions for every task
- Anyone who struggles with direct communication or receiving feedback
According to DonnaPro’s hiring data from 500+ placements, we reject 97% of applicants. Not because they’re bad at admin work – because they’re not the right fit for our culture or our clients’ needs.
What "Top 1%" Actually Means
We’re not looking for EAs who know the most software tools or have the longest resumes.
We’re looking for EAs who:
- Think proactively – You anticipate problems and solve them before executives know they existed
- Own outcomes – When something is yours, it gets done right, no excuses
- Communicate like adults – Direct, professional, no drama or passive aggression
- Handle complexity – Multiple time zones, stakeholder juggling, and competing priorities don't rattle you
- Learn obsessively – You want to master your craft, not coast on existing skills
- Thrive in autonomy – You don't need hand-holding or constant direction
If this sounds like you, we want to talk.
Career Growth at DonnaPro
Skills You'll Develop
Working at DonnaPro accelerates your professional development beyond what’s possible in traditional corporate EA roles:
- Strategic Executive Support: Learn to anticipate needs, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and operate as a true business partner to C-suite leaders.
- Advanced Project Management: Own initiatives from conception to completion across multiple time zones and organizational structures.
- High-Stakes Communication: Master the art of drafting executive correspondence, managing sensitive information, and representing your executive's voice and priorities.
- Systems Thinking: Build processes and workflows that scale, prevent chaos, and create leverage for busy leaders.
- Crisis Management: Develop the judgment and composure to handle last-minute changes, conflicting priorities, and high-pressure situations without breaking a sweat.
According to DonnaPro’s placement data, our EAs learn more in 6 months than most professionals learn in 3 years. Why? Because you’re working directly with ambitious leaders tackling complex challenges daily.
Growth Trajectories
- Within the EA Role: Many of our top performers choose to stay in Executive Assistant positions because they genuinely love the work. Growth happens through expanding your client portfolio, taking on more strategic projects, and earning performance-based bonuses - all while remaining in roles they enjoy.
- Beyond EA: For those interested in different challenges, transition opportunities exist into Quality Manager, Team Lead, Operations Manager, or Account Manager roles. However, these come with different demands - more meetings, less deep work, different stress profiles. They're not automatically "better," just different.
- Your Path, Your Choice: Growth at DonnaPro happens through performance, not tenure. Your trajectory depends entirely on what you deliver and what you genuinely want from your career.
Explore DonnaPro Careers
Current Opportunities
Executive Virtual Assistant (Remote, Full-Time)
- Location: Anywhere in European Union
- Salary: €1,350-€1,800+ net monthly (location-adjusted)
- Type: Full-time, permanent position
Career Development Resources
Want to learn more about the Executive Assistant career path?
Location-Specific Information
Based in a specific European country? See salary details, cost of living context, and work-from-home infrastructure for your location:
Frequently Asked Questions
What positions are you currently hiring for?
We’re currently hiring for Executive Virtual Assistant positions across Europe. This is our core role – we don’t hire for general virtual assistants, administrative assistants, or other support positions. We focus exclusively on placing experienced EAs with C-suite executives.
Do you hire for other virtual assistant roles?
No. DonnaPro specializes exclusively in Executive Virtual Assistants supporting CEOs, founders, and C-suite executives. We don’t hire for medical VAs, legal VAs, real estate VAs, or general administrative support roles. Our entire business model, training systems, and client base are built around executive-level support.
Which countries do you hire from?
We hire Executive Assistants based anywhere in the European Union. Current team members are based in Poland, Portugal, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Spain, and other EU countries. As long as you’re an EU resident with legal right to work, you can apply.
Can I work from anywhere in the world?
You can work from anywhere as long as you’re based in the European Union and work primarily in EU timezone (for client meetings and collaboration). Your location is flexible – you might have Polish citizenship while working from your Portuguese home office.
Do you offer part-time or freelance positions?
No. All DonnaPro positions are full-time (40 hours/week), permanent roles with stable monthly compensation. We don’t offer part-time positions. Our clients need consistent, dedicated support, and our burnout prevention systems are designed around full-time structures with protected boundaries.
What's the application process for Executive Assistant like?
Our hiring process includes:
- Detailed application form (30 minutes)
- Initial review (within 7 working days)
- Demo tasks (real-world scenarios)
- Multiple interview rounds
- Comprehensive final assessment
- Offer and onboarding
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The entire process typically takes 4 weeks. We’re selective because our clients deserve the best, and we want to ensure strong mutual fit.
What if I don't have 3 years of EA experience?
We primarily hire experienced professionals with 3+ years of executive support experience. However, exceptional candidates with strong transferable skills are considered if they demonstrate standout performance. If you’re an outlier with relevant skills (project management, executive communication, complex coordination), apply and prove it through the demo tasks.
Do I need to speak languages other than English?
Fluent English (C2 level) is mandatory – all client communication happens in English. Additional languages are a bonus but not required. Most of our clients are international, so English is the working language across the board.
What happens if I don't fit with a client?
We have systems to prevent mismatches from the start, but if a pairing isn’t working, we address it professionally. Your Account Manager mediates the situation, and we work to find a solution – whether that’s adjusting the working relationship or re-matching you with a different client. We don’t leave EAs stranded in bad situations.
How many clients will I support?
Most EAs support 2-4 executives, allowing you to deeply understand each business while maintaining variety. We never overload you with 6-8 clients – that’s how people burn out. Your client load is adjusted based on complexity and your capacity.
Can I choose which industries or clients I work with?
We match based on personality fit, working style, and skill alignment rather than industry preference. That said, we take your preferences into account during placement. Most clients are in technology, SaaS, e-commerce, and fintech – fast-growth, innovative sectors.
Do you offer equity or performance bonuses?
We don’t offer equity. We do offer performance bonuses based on exceptional results, client satisfaction, and contribution to the team. According to DonnaPro’s internal data, approximately 20% of team members become eligible for at least one performance bonus within 18 months.
Additionally, we offer referral bonuses: €500 for referring another A-player EA who gets hired, and up to €2,000 for referring clients to DonnaPro.
Ready to Build Your Career?
Stop settling for jobs that don’t challenge you. Join a team where excellence is standard, growth is guaranteed, and your work directly impacts Europe’s most ambitious leaders.