Job Title: Executive Assistant
Organization: Alliance for Education
Classification: Regular, Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: President, Alliance for Education
Location: Hybrid
**The Alliance is a flexible workplace. This role will have some in-office and on-location work required; the person in this role will also be able to do some of their work remotely.**
About the Alliance for Education
The Alliance for Education is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools. Founded in 1995, the Alliance’s vision is a deeply invested community that collectively ensures all students in Seattle Public Schools experience a sense of belonging, receive an excellent and equitable education, and reach their fullest potential. The Alliance for Education was established in 1995 to engage the broader community on behalf of SPS students, and has consistently convened stakeholders, raised dollars, and created innovative programs designed to support student success.
We Encourage You to Apply
At the Alliance for Education, we know that a diverse and inclusive workforce makes us a better, more effective, more equitable organization. As we strive continually to be that organization, we encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply for this role.
Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, trans, & non-binary folks are less likely to apply for positions unless they believe they meet every single qualification as described in a position description. We recognize that qualified candidates can have backgrounds less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.
Position Summary
The Alliance for Education is seeking an Executive Assistant to partner with the President of the Alliance, and act as a key collaborator willing to roll up their sleeves and do both big thinking and essential implementation to move the organization’s mission forward. The Executive Assistant supports the well-being and smooth functioning of the Alliance for Education by building connectivity between staff members and departments, coordinating smooth communication between the board and staff, and ensuring strong functioning across the organization.
Candidates should be team players with excellent organizational and communication skills. They should have the ability to take initiative, to work independently and collaboratively with others, and to work effectively with a diverse group of co-workers and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a proactive/problem solving mentality, and enjoys a dynamic work environment. This role will be a liaison to other key areas of the organization, requiring a high level of attention to detail and professionalism, as well as the ability to be a flexible problem solver. Candidates should be passionate about the importance of racial equity and educational justice in public education.
Responsibilities and Duties
Assist the President – Support the President in being efficient and effective by:
- Assist the President in multi-tasking, prioritization and organization
- Manage scheduling/calendaring for the President in a manner that reflects organizational priorities
- Track commitments made by the President to external partners and support project management and completion
- Support in meeting preparation, including developing presentation materials, content research, logistical support
- Support communications internally and externally
- Provide additional administrative support, including tracking completion of staff annual review process
Support the Board of Directors – Partner with the President and VP of Advancement to support a highly effective and engaged Board of Directors.
- Project manage developing board meeting agendas and materials
- Develop a working knowledge of the organization’s bylaws and committee charters
- Build relationships with Board members and Board member assistants
- Document board meetings with meeting minutes
- Maintain board files, including bylaws and resolutions, board membership forms, etc.
- Provide administrative support for board candidate recruitment process
- Coordinate board orientation process
Staff and office support – Encourage a strong staff team and a productive work environment.
- Schedule, manage logistics for, and support design of all-staff meetings, retreats and celebrations, in collaboration with President
- Draft staff meeting agendas, in collaboration with President and Leadership Team
- Encourage staff morale through events and experiences (coordinate birthday acknowledgements, work anniversaries, staff celebrations, office lunch and snack orders, etc.)
- Coordinate staff hiring activities – field resumes, schedule and plan interviews, support selection process, coordinate on-boarding
- Populate and manage annual organizational calendar
- Oversee use of conference room facilities
Special Projects – Provide support for cross-departmental projects.
- Support and help lead aspects of organizational events, including fundraising events, convenings, annual holiday party, Foster Award celebrations, etc.
- Support the Advancement department with gift entry into the Raisers Edge system when staff absences or high-volume seasons for gift entry occur
Team Membership – Be an active part of the AFE team
- Actively contribute to team building initiatives and promote a collaborative and positive atmosphere that enhances the overall success of the Alliance for Education team.
- Collaborate on broad-based organizational efforts and representing the Alliance for Education in the community
- Support the creation of an organizational environment oriented to trust, open communication, creativity and teamwork
- Pro-actively engage in and support organizational and individual work to learn about and advance anti-racism
- Work cross-departmentally to ensure staff understanding of the work of the President and board as appropriate, and to build staff camaraderie and connection
- Work in partnership with all members of the Alliance for Education team to advance the mission of the organization
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in executive support and/or project coordination or administrative roles
- Passion for the Alliance’s mission to advance racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools
- Responsiveness, resourcefulness and a self-directed approach
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a wide variety of partners; high EQ
- Ability to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent follow-through and strong detail-orientation
- Ability to manage complex projects from start to finish
- Discretion; demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to draft, edit and finalize a variety of written products
- Strong computer skills with a wide variety of programs; MS Office Suite proficiency required
- Experience in working with executive leadership and Boards of Directors, or transferable skills
- Experience working in education and in diverse work environments strongly preferred
Employment Details
The Alliance for Education is affiliated with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce; staff members of the Alliance are officially employees of the Chamber and participate in Chamber benefit plans.
The Chamber is committed to internal and market equity. The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 annually. The Chamber provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including but not restricted to:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
- PTO/Community Service Leave
- Paid Parental Leave
- Generous Holiday Schedule and Paid Days Off
- Life Insurance; Optional ADD/LTD/Personal Accident Insurance
- Subsidized ORCA Card
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employer-Matched 401(k) Contribution with up to 6% Match
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Wellspring EAP Membership
- Mindfulness and Wellness Resources
We recognize the value of the Chamber and our affiliate organizations and programs reflecting the diversity of our community and are intentionally and actively seeking out applications from a variety of backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQIA community, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
The Chamber is an equal opportunity employer. All employees and potential employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, and, if necessary, disciplined without regard to sex, race, religion, creed, caste, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, color, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political ideology or activity, disability, honorably discharged veteran, or military status. All applicants are carefully screened, and full consideration is given to their training, education, skills, aptitudes, experience, and previous work record. In addition, the Chamber does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information in its employment related policies and practices, including coverage under its health benefits program.