SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Job description

Background

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA is an international non-governmental organization that continues Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering animal research and global conservation mission. The breadth of the Jane Goodall Institute’s work reflects Dr. Goodall’s personal philosophy that the survival of all species depends upon collaboration, community, and valuing individuals’ contributions.

Job Summary

The Special Assistant to the Executive Director is an indispensable member of the Jane Goodall Institute’s team; playing a critical role coordinating amongst all departments, the senior leadership team, international partners, field offices, and the Board of Directors on behalf of the Executive Director. In addition, the Special Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for the Executive Director with external partners taking a lead role in crafting formal and informal executive communications. The Special Assistant is responsible for organizing high-level events, speaking engagements, donor meetings, and travel itineraries for the Executive Director.

This fast-paced role wears multiple hats and handles a wide-range of projects, initiatives, and tasks. The position requires the individual to work independently with little or no supervision while exercising good judgement on behalf of the Executive Director and the organization.

Requirements

Summary of Duties

• Coordinate with JGI departments to compile briefing materials and event materials related to high-level meetings for the ED; including meetings with key donors, Board members, and/or organizational partners.

• Take a lead role in executive communications strategy; crafting and coordinating executive communications for social media posts, donor communications, and external presentations.

• Manage, maintain, and serve as primary point of contact for Executive Director's schedule, including communicating on behalf of the ED to internal and external parties on scheduling matters.

• Create detailed meeting minutes and agendas for meetings and discussions.

• Organize and coordinate travel arrangements for the ED.

• Manage the Executive Director’s expense reports and coordinating with the Finance team to submit reports and assist with all financial matters

• Work with colleagues in Development to support ED in donor cultivation and stewardship activities such as mailings, personal correspondence, and outreach.

• Assist with event logistics, acting as on-the-ground support as necessary.

• Serve as the office manager for events, meetings and other duties such as ordering office products; maintaining the office condition and arranging repairs.

• Serve as the lead on a variety of special projects and initiatives.

• Additional duties include supporting the Communications team, Development team, and Office of the Founder in a variety of capacities.

Education and Experience

The successful candidate will maintain high standards of confidentiality, and display sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy. They are a resourceful, proactive, independent thinker, and self-starter who demonstrates the following:

• Commitment to excellence through superior written, oral, and interpersonal (communication) skills
• Attention to detail with strong planning, organizational, problem solving, project management, and time management skills
• Flexibility, the ability to multi-task, and the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, and the use and troubleshooting of standard office equipment
• Alignment to the organization’s mission of “inspiring hope through action” through excellent communication and administrative support

Work Environment

At the Jane Goodall Institute we believe that when we can bring our whole selves to work on a day-to-day basis, we become happier, more comfortable, more confident, and more excited to do great things for our organization, each other, and our world.

The Jane Goodall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to being an organization and a community where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. We value attracting diverse talent and we cultivate an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We strive to be a diverse workforce and believe that forming teams in which everyone can be their authentic selves from all different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives is key to our success.