Senior Executive Assistant

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is seeking a highly-organized Senior Executive Assistant. This is a fast-paced, high-visibility role requiring exceptional judgment, attention to detail and operational excellence. As the trusted partner to the President/CEO, the incumbent will coordinate executive operations, support board governance, and help foster a positive workplace. This permanent full-time position is located in Arlington, VA. The incumbent is required to come to AFP headquarters two days/week - Tuesday and Wednesday.

Position Summary:

The Senior Executive Assistant is a critical partner to the President/CEO and is a key member of the AFP executive team. The Senior Executive Assistant will primarily support the President/CEO, the AFP Global Board, the Strategy Group (the executive team) and oversee office management. The Senior Executive Assistant works independently within the full range of administrative responsibilities and collaborates with all levels of employees and volunteers. They also oversee board governance logistics and manage executive operations and are responsible for board education, board chair support, and board communication. This role requires excellent attention to detail, anticipates organizational needs, works independently within established guidelines, and performs a full range of administrative support. The incumbent helps with internal communications, documentation support, meeting support, and other administrative duties as needed per the discretion of the President/CEO. The Senior Executive Assistant must be able to think critically and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide management of daily schedule for President/CEO. Prioritize inquiries and requests while troubleshooting conflicts; make judgements and recommendations to ensure smooth day-to-day engagements of the President/CEO.
• Arrange and handle all logistics for meetings and events of the President/CEO including overseeing and filing related expense reports.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the President/CEO. This includes those of a confidential or critical nature.
• Ensure the President/CEO is prepared for meetings, conferences, and other Association engagements. Assist with international and domestic travel as needed.
• Work closely with the President/CEO and SG to keep President/CEO well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately.
• Responsible for all aspects of the planning and execution of AFP Global Board meetings, including dinners and other ancillary meetings, ensuring the board is highly effective in carrying out its essential duties and governance responsibilities.
• Supports the Executive Committee and CEO Evaluation Committee, assisting with managing all relevant projects and follow up items, including overseeing all reimbursement expense reports.
• Helps the CEO and Chair of the Board in shaping a strategic agenda for all board meetings,including recruiting guest speakers and contributors.
• Works with outside vendors to administer annual board self-assessment survey with an emphasis on continuous improvement in board effectiveness.
• Handle broad variety of administrative tasks that facilitate the President/CEO and SG to effectively lead, including assisting with special projects, reports, and presentations, collects and prepares information for staff and strategy group meetings.
• Schedule and coordinate staff meetings and staff events as needed. Lead the internal Social Committee that plans external staff social outings as well as work to ensure the staff culture and office environment remain positive.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience managing calendars, planning/running meetings, and documenting meeting notes.
• Ability to plan proactively
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint and Outlook) and ability to quickly learn to master similar productivity tools.
• Professional etiquette and ability to interact with professionals and executives.
• Outstanding problem-solving skills.
• Strong ability to work with minimal guidance.
• Detail and deadline-oriented.
• Self-starter with ability to prioritize and multitask many priorities simultaneously.
• Comfort with complexity, change and ambiguity.
• Attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to manage volunteers.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to obtain results.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• 7+ years of progressive experience in executive support roles, preferably supporting C-suite executives.
• Non-profit/association background preferred with an understanding of board roles and committees.

About AFP:

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals and organizations that generate philanthropic support for a wide variety of charitable institutions. Founded in 1960, AFP advances philanthropy through its over 24,000 members in more than 240 chapters throughout the world. AFP has inspired global change and supported efforts that have generated over $1 trillion. AFP’s individual and organizational members raise over $115 billion annually.