The External Affairs team is made up of six areas: US Government Relations, International Government Relations, Policy Innovation (staff imbedded in TNC’s Global Priority teams), Corporate Engagement, Conservation Campaigns (ballot measures and research), and the Center for Sustainability Science.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
If you have a personal passion for conserving and protecting the natural world and addressing climate change, with a belief in The Nature Conservancy’s mission, please apply for this position and learn more about the Conservancy.
The Executive Assistant will be responsible for providing direct administrative support to the Co-Chief External Affairs Officer, to whom s/he reports and will be based in the Conservancy’s office in Arlington, VA.
The Executive Assistant will be responsible for a variety of high-level administrative tasks to directly support the Co-Chief External Affairs Officer. Specific responsibilities include: domestic and international travel arrangements, departmental events management, calendar management, drafting correspondence and travel itineraries, and processing expenses.
The Executive Assistant demonstrates impeccable prioritization skills with an ability to catch potential conflicts, staying ahead of a complex, changing calendar. S/he must exercise superb initiative and independent judgment and decision-making in managing daily office activities and performing non-routine tasks, and discretion in the collection and dissemination of information to staff and external contacts. The Executive Assistant will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing to a timeline. S/he will communicate on behalf of the Co-Chief External Affairs Officer with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, including senior managers, as well as with external partners, donors, vendors, and business relations. S/he will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. S/he will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness and will provide guidance to staff based on extensive knowledge of TNC policies and procedures.
This position requires sophisticated organizational and administrative skills, a team-centered approach, judgment, tact, poise, and the ability to work well under pressure. Duties are highly confidential and require comprehensive knowledge of TNC’s policies, procedures and operations in order to satisfy administrative requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines;
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
- Conduct purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors;
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;
- Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
- May participate in complex negotiations;
- May supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
- Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs;
- Travel and work flexible hours, as needed; and
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data;
- Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader;
- Experience with database management; and
- Experience working across departments.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to implement complex processes;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
- Experience coordinating projects;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers;
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and/or
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.