Description:
POSITION SUMMARY
The Special Assistant to the CEO (SA) will be part of a five-person Executive Office and will report directly to the CEO (“CEO”). The SA will provide support to the CEO on key internal and external priorities, while advancing the overall effectiveness of the Executive Office and productive interactions with the Board of Directors. The SA will work directly on priority projects and specific needs of the CEO as requested, helping create and advance key partnerships, high-profile activities, and broader projects that accelerate growth within Fountain House and support its broader strategic plan.
The successful candidate will be highly skilled at managing relationships, balancing multiple priorities, possess a proactive and positive attitude, and maintain poise under pressure. A sense of humor is highly valued. The SA must be a strong writer, analyst, and be skilled at developing compelling visual presentations. They should be a highly motivated self-starter, able to work quickly and efficiently and pivot when needed. This position may be particularly well-suited to a candidate who envisions a future as a leader in a change-making organization.
The multi-dimensional nature of this role requires a well-organized candidate who can interact effectively and collaborate with department staff, Fountain House members, the Fountain House executive leadership team, employees at all levels throughout the organization, and external partners. Sensitivity to confidential matters, a high level of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy are vital. Given the central nature of community to the Fountain House model and work, there is an expectation that the candidate, like all other staff, will prioritize becoming part of the Fountain House community.
Shift: Monday - Friday 9M - 5PM with some flexibility as needed, (Please note this position is required to be in office 2-3 days a week),
Salary: $85K - $100K (Nonunion, exempt position)
Requirements:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Support of CEO
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Assist the CEO in developing and managing special projects that amplify Fountain House’s profile and advance its strategic ambitions.
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Strategically manage CEO's time in close collaboration with his Executive Assistant, reviewing internal and external opportunities, ensuring involvement in projects and important meetings.
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Assist the CEO in preparing for external meetings, presentations, and interviews, including providing supportive research and collaborating with the External Affairs and Research teams as needed.
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Prepare written materials, such as memos, talking points and presentation slide decks for the CEO.
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Serve as the point person for events, meetings, and speaking engagements and take the lead in ensuring coordination of material preparation and logistics with the support of the CEO’s Executive Assistant and the External Affairs and Development teams.
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Develop processes and procedures to manage the CEO’s email correspondence, including email drafting on behalf of the CEO.
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Act as point of contact in CEO’s absence and direct requests for action or information to responsible staff or members as needed. Monitors the resulting activity for briefing the CEO.
Management of Executive Office
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Lead day-to-day operations of the Executive Office and ensure effective engagement and communication with key stakeholders (including Executive Committee, staff, members, and Board of Directors).
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Manage meeting logistics and development of weekly agendas for Executive Office and Executive Committee.
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Plan leadership retreats and other special events, including development of agendas and material preparation.
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Oversee consultants hired by the Executive Office.
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Support of the Board of Directors
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Facilitate preparation for quarterly Board meetings, including development of agenda, organization of pre-read materials, and Diligent board database management.
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Support Board Chair with planning and execution of events as needed, such as annual retreat.
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Maintain effective Board communication in between meetings, serving as liaison between the Board and FH staff.
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Maintain updated materials and process for onboarding new Directors.
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Provide leadership for ad-hoc board projects and issues as needed.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
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Ability to distill complex concepts into compelling written and verbal presentations.
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Ability to think strategically and creatively and align priorities accordingly in an organization that is rapidly gaining national attention and reach.
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Quick learner who can get up to speed rapidly on a wide variety of topics.
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Excellent project management skills and ability to move an idea forward into operation. Knowledge of Asana or similar project management software a plus.
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Exceptionally organized with an attention to detail to facilitate team processes.
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Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
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Ability to maintain good humor and a positive attitude when working under deadline and juggling multiple priorities
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Ability to work independently and to conduct assignments to completion within a hybrid work environment
REQUIRED AND PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CREDENTIALS
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Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
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Recent Master’s degree candidate or graduate (MPH, MPA, MBA, MA, JD etc.) or higher degree, is a plus.
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Relevant work experience and/or knowledge of mental health related activities in non-profit, academia, social activism, or advocacy is a plus.
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Excellent writing/research ability; previous publications as primary or co-author are a plus.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and meet all physical requirements satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.