The Arkansas chapter of The Nature Conservancy is one of the most successful not-for-profit conservation organizations in the state and a key contributor to the global success of The Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy seeks an Executive Coordinator (EC) for the Arkansas Director’s office. The EC will be an experienced professional with proven ability to manage the demands of the state director’s office, recognizing that the responsibilities of the job may often extend beyond normal working hours. The EC must be able to quickly adapt or modify processes in response to changing circumstances. Common sense, flexibility and teamwork with a strong ability to exercise independent judgment are needed in order to be successful in this position.
While not critical for this position the following are attributes that staff and trustees believe would enhance the potential for success:
- Capacity to understand, embrace, and communicate The Nature Conservancy’s mission and projects, and their relevance to the environment, to the economy and to the health of our communities.
- Experience working within a decentralized organization
- A level of conservation “authenticity”— an appreciation for the mission of the Conservancy and a demonstrated interest in nature and/or the out-of-doors.
- A level of presence and comfort with leaders in business, government and philanthropy in the state.
This position offers an excellent administrative professional the opportunity to join the staff of the leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. As part of the Arkansas chapter, the Executive Coordinator will be a member of a highly professional, passionate team of 35 leaders, fundraisers, and conservationists who are committed to achieving the Conservancy’s mission in the state and globally. Additionally, s/he will work with a state Board of 25 that is well connected and has a wide breadth of relationships to corporate, governmental and influential audiences.
The Executive Coordinator serves as the Director’s representative in communications with managers, staff, trustees, donors and the public as well as leaders and partners in the business, policy, and conservation community to accomplish the chapter’s conservation goals. This includes the coordination of discreet projects and the organization of meetings and small group events. They will also perform or oversee a variety of administrative support tasks including travel arrangements, calendar management, screening incoming correspondence, calls, and requests; drafting correspondence and reports, processing expenses, and scheduling and coordinating logistics of meetings and small group events and assist in the execution of philanthropy meetings, events and reports as directed by the Director of Philanthropy. They will implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness. They will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.
Duties are highly confidential and require broad and comprehensive knowledge of the Conservancy’s policies, operations, programs, organization and values and must be carried out with little or no supervision. Responsibilities require discretion, judgment, tact and poise. Incumbent may have considerable latitude and flexibility in carrying out assigned tasks.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines;
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
- Coordinate projects with several variables, work within a defined timeline and budget;
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information;
- Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements;
- Make purchases, process invoices, contract with vendors, and assist with budget preparation;
- May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;
- May supervise administrative and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
- Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs;
- Refer difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor;
- Travel and work flexible hours; and
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience generating reports and interpreting data;
- Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines; and
- Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.
- Valid Driver’s License
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experiences are appreciated;
- Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Experience working with a board of directors, donors, volunteers, the public, and/or all levels of staff; and/or
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.