Hiring a virtual executive assistant in Latin America is the most common entry point for US founders and executives exploring nearshore talent, and the role where placement quality varies the most.
What the Role Actually Requires
A virtual executive assistant is not an admin. The role requires inbox triage with judgment, calendar management across multiple stakeholders, task follow-up with accountability, and communication on behalf of the executive, often directly with clients, investors, or partners.
The difference between a good EA and a bad one is decision-making under ambiguity. Can they prioritize without being told? Can they draft a response that sounds like you wrote it? Can they flag a problem before it becomes a crisis?
Where to Find Qualified Candidates
Colombia and Argentina produce the deepest pool of EA-ready talent in Latin America. English fluency rates are highest among professionals with prior US remote experience, and the cultural alignment with American business norms – directness, proactive communication, deadline orientation – is stronger than in most offshore markets.
The rate range for a qualified virtual executive assistant in Latin America sits between $1,800 and $3,500 per month, depending on experience level and the complexity of the executive’s workflow. A US-based equivalent runs $5,500–$8,000 monthly before benefits.
Screening That Matters
The standard interview doesn’t surface EA capability. The screening process should include a live inbox simulation: real emails, real calendar conflicts, real prioritization decisions. Test writing quality. Test judgment. Test how they handle an ambiguous request with incomplete information.
Nearshore recruitment firms that run competency-based assessments for EA roles outperform general staffing agencies by a wide margin. The difference shows up in retention: a well-screened EA stays 18+ months, while a poorly screened one churns in under 90 days.
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