Special Assistant, Executive Operations job in Washington

We’re looking for a resourceful, detail-oriented, organized, high-performing individual to serve as a part-time (20/hours per week) Special Assistant to our Executive Operations team. This is an excellent opportunity for an organized, client-service oriented individual who is interested in building a career in the social sector through exceptional work with senior leaders at Arabella and in the sector.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide primary administrative support to the Executive team
• Handle requests for meetings, appointments, and scheduling
• Manage timesheets and expense reports
• Coordinate logistics for internal and external meetings and retreats, including event logistics and run of show
• Attend and participate in meetings on an as needed basis
• Oversee special projects and autonomous assignments as required

To be successful in this role you’ll need:

• Demonstrated experience anticipating the needs of a senior leader and planning time and materials appropriately
• High degree of organization and attention to detail and ability to manage and make progress on multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to draft high quality written materials and correspondence
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a willingness to be flexible and do whatever it takes to get the job done
• The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and experience with Salesforce
• Flexibility, initiative, and entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to work cooperatively and across teams
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Our Core Competencies:

• Ability to provide excellent, including the ability to efficiently and independently address routine service matters, to suggest effective client-centered solutions when elevating challenges or concerns, and to understand how the team can operate to maintain high-quality service
• The ability to complete complex tasks, to use a work plan to undertake projects, and to understand how those projects impact the client, team, and/or firm’s objectives
• The ability to understand stakeholders’ perspectives and circumstances, and to build and manage strong relationships that reflect that understanding
• The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally, including the ability to adapt style, tone, and content to various audiences; to make technical information accessible to broader audiences; and to collaborate with others to produce strong written deliverables
• The ability to work cooperatively and inclusively with others to achieve shared goals, including knowing when and how to compromise, being willing to proactively help colleagues, and sharing knowledge in various mediums
• An enthusiasm for taking on stretch and development opportunities, including the ability to accept feedback and use it to improve performance
• The ability to take ownership and be creative and solutions-oriented when encountering challenges that don’t have obvious answers, including knowing when to elevate challenges along with possible solutions.

About Arabella Advisors

Arabella Advisors helps foundations, philanthropists and investors who are serious about impact achieve the greatest good with their resources. We work on issues ranging from the social and economic advancement of women and girls, and conservation of our climate and planet, to reducing poverty and inequity in the United States and around the world. Our staff members are mission-driven and action-oriented, and have a unique combination of experience in philanthropy, business, nonprofits, government, finance, law, and other fields. We combine creative, strategic thinking with knowledge and networks developed through decades of hands-on experience. The fastest-growing philanthropic advisory firm in the nation, Arabella is also a certified B Corporation.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Advancing DEI within our firm and in our work with partners is critical to our mission. To be effective partners to philanthropists, nonprofits, and communities impacted by philanthropic dollars, we need to have a highly diverse staff, a workplace where individuals are encouraged to retain their uniqueness and can feel a sense of belonging, and a nuanced understanding of the racial, ethnic, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, and other disparities that undergird the issues we engage in and the interactions we have with one another. For us, equity means that our staff members, our clients, and the people they serve can experience the same level of success, no matter their starting place. We expect all our employees to share this commitment, and always seek ways to improve how well we live these values. Click here to learn more about DEI at Arabella and read our official DEI statement.

Working with Us

While this position must be based in Washington, DC, please note that due to COVID-19, all Arabella Advisors' offices are closed, and we remain a remote-first organization until further notice. We have a strong firm culture rooted in collaboration and in-person interactions between colleagues. To that end, once our offices reopen it is our expectation that all staff will generally work from the office according to a schedule agreed upon with their supervisor.

This is a part-time (20 hours per week) position.

We offer a competitive and holistic total rewards package that includes salary, bonus, and benefits. Our base salaries are based on a blend of similar sized organizations from different sectors, including nonprofits, foundations, and professional service firms. They are also based on local market rates and differentiated by geography. You will accrue generous paid time off including vacation, personal time, and volunteer leave. In addition to seven federal holidays, you get to pick four more from a list of inclusive cultural and religious holidays and your birthday. Our competitive health package includes medical, vision, dental, and prescription insurance, and our retirement package includes a 401(k) plan that is fully vested from day one. We also provide funds for professional development, a fitness benefit, and cover part of your personal cell phone plan.

We are committed to having a passion-driven, inclusive, transparent, collaborative, healthy, and fun culture. We invite you to visit our careers page to learn more.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and a one-page cover letter online. The cover letter should address why you’re excited to work at Arabella and why you’re qualified for this specific job.

Arabella Advisors is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to racial equity. If we can make the application process easier through accommodation in the recruitment process, please let us know.

We encourage you to read (or listen to) our DEI statement prior to applying. We make a particular effort to recruit people of color and members of marginalized groups to apply for open positions. Once you have applied, we welcome your feedback on how you have experienced our values around DEI in the recruitment process.

While Arabella is open to individuals from various locations applying to join our team, please note that we generally are unable to pay for relocation expenses.

We will review applications as they are received and look forward to hearing from you.