The specific details of a junior executive’s responsibilities can vary between companies and industries, but the basics remain the same: A junior executive’s primary function is to support the executive staff of a company. This position is often seen as a stepping-stone or a "grooming" job on the way to a senior executive position in the company.

Administrative Duties

One of a junior executive’s primary functions is that of an administrative assistant to higher-ranking executives in a company. Depending on the industry, this may include speaking with customers, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, billing or keeping a website updated. You may be asked to attend meetings for bookkeeping purposes such as presenting information or taking minutes, but some companies encourage junior executives to make suggestions and otherwise participate in meetings.

Business Development

Junior executives often assist executive officers, who spend much of their time focusing on business development. Duties may include developing and implementing marketing strategies, interacting with customers, and planning and organizing activities and projects within the company. Since junior executives are there to learn from as well as support senior executives, they may on occasion be asked their opinion on important business decisions and must be willing and ready to speak up with creative ideas.

Management Skills

Managerial skill is one of the most desirable qualities in applicants for a junior executive position. Among managerial skills, the abilities to communicate effectively and work collaboratively are critically important for managing employees and establishing rapport with clients or customers. In addition, junior executives must be self-starters and have a personality that lends itself well to leadership roles. Advanced decision-making, multitasking and organizational skills are necessary to navigate easily and effectively in a business environment. Junior executives also need the ability to formulate solutions to problems and implement the processes necessary to see them through.

Technical Skills

Some junior executive positions may require technical skills, including advanced computer knowledge and certifications, especially if the position is in or related to the technology industry. Some companies, particularly those in medical, tax or insurance fields, use proprietary software, which you may be required to learn to a high level of proficiency.

Junior Executive Qualifications

Qualifications for junior executive positions vary, depending on the company. While some companies require nothing more than a high school diploma, others may require management courses or college degrees related to the company's, field, such as business administration, technology, or marketing.