Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison

The Nature Conservancy • Lansing, MI

12d • $71,000 - $73,500 • Hybrid

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: The Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison will be responsible for providing direct administrative support to the Michigan State Director and the Michigan Conservation Programs Manager. They will also serve as Board Liaison to the Michigan Board of Trustees (BOT) to advance the strategic priorities of the Michigan Business Unit by supporting the State Director and Conservation Programs Manager through engagement with the board. They will work closely with the State Director and Conservation Programs Manager to support the Management Team’s collaboration and serve as a point of contact for trustees. The Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timelines. They will maintain, track, analyze, and report on key data for senior management. They will communicate on behalf of their supervisors with staff in various programs across the Conservancy; as well as with the board of trustees, donors, vendors, partner organizations, tribal communities, and business partners. The individual will perform a variety of high-level administrative tasks, including domestic and international travel arrangements, meeting and special events logistics, calendar management, drafting correspondence, and processing expenses. They must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the departments to provide support, coordinate communications, track and research data, and produce and review reports related to their responsibilities. They will take 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. They will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They will implement processes and practices to improve effectiveness. They will build connections to and understand the work of the Michigan Business Unit, Midwest Division, and global priorities. They will perform administrative functions for program, as required. As trustee liaison, they will perform board management tasks that include committee meetings, developing agendas, compiling board materials, and managing board records. They will also support trustee engagement activities. They may aid in planning and managing a variety of engaging board-related meetings, retreats, events, and trips designed for the Michigan board of trustees. They may provide project support by developing briefs, writing, and other duties as needed. They will work in close communication with the Michigan development, conservation, operations, and marketing teams to coordinate trustee communications and strategy. They may also participate and coordinate with other board liaisons in the Midwest Division, including may serve on a planning team for future Midwest Trustee Summits. They will understand trustee expertise, insights, and passions so that volunteer leaders feel engaged and rewarded in their service. This is an in-office position primarily in Lansing, Michigan with some hybrid work from home.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading
• Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines
• Experience in matrix management environments
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people
• Experience working with a board of trustees, donors, volunteers, the public, partner organizations, tribal communities, and/or all levels of staff.
• This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• 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.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
• Experience with presentation development and database management.

Responsibilities

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines
• Updating and maintaining Board of Trustees documentation, Conservation Strategic Plan, and Objectives, Goals, Strategies and Plans (OGSP) reports
• Administrative support to the Michigan State Director and Michigan Conservation Programs Manager
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals
• Coordinate projects with several variables, work within a defined timeline and budget
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally
• Conduct purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors
• Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive 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
• May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed
• Provide input to 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

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.
• Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here .
• We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level