The Executive Assistant (EA) is the right hand of the Chief Development Officer, with central responsibility for directing follow-up on donor portfolio moves, calendaring meetings for internal and external stakeholders and managing workflow, all while anticipating needs to help meet the CDO’s annual and Campaign fundraising goals most effectively. The Executive Assistant will also support one other senior Development Officer.
The EA’s role is to help the CDO prioritize competing demands, host and coordinate meetings, complete domestic and international travel arrangements, draft correspondence and briefings, process expenses, and maintain donor records, including data entry in the donor database. They will also provide support to one other Development Officer. The EA will own meaningful projects and be deeply involved in the department’s operations. The EA will work alongside the most passionate, intelligent, talented, and focused men and women in environmental conservation, helping to ensure the preservation of the land and waters upon which all life depends. They must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the program in order to provide support and coordinate communications related to the resources. The EA will maintain, track, analyze, and report on key data for the CDO and the Philanthropy Senior Management team. The EA provides guidance in satisfying requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. S/he will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness. They will communicate on behalf of the CDO and have substantial contact with stakeholders, including all levels of staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. The EA takes on additional duties to enhance the work of the team. Such duties may include, but are not limited to, a more significant role in training, developing documentation, and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team.
RESPONSIBILITIES & 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.
- Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility includes purchasing, and negotiating and contracting with vendors, and participating in budget preparation.
- Maintains 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, responsibility includes 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.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Experience generating reports and analyzing/interpreting data.
- Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader.
- Experience with database management.
- Experience working across departments.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 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.
- Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems;
- 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.
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.