Administrative Assistant, Jewish Life

The William Davidson Foundation, a private family foundation, dedicated to advancing the economic, cultural, and civic vitality of Southeast Michigan, the State of Israel, and the Jewish community is now seeking nominations and applications for the position of Administrative Assistant, Jewish Life .

The William Davidson Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to helping to secure a bright future for the communities that have inspired our founder’s family for generations. We imbue our work with a sense of possibility and believe deeply in the importance of building meaningful relationships across difference. Together with community leaders who share our sense of optimism and obligation related to Detroit, Israel, and the Jewish people, we make transformative investments and support catalytic initiatives that will deliver lasting value for future generations. The Foundation has assets of approximately $1.5 billion and grants approximately $60 million annually. 

Our culture reflects our founder’s greatest strengths and traits. Like Mr. Davidson, we prize optimism and creativity as we carry out our work together. We also value relationship building and true partnership within our team and alongside our board, grantees, and community. But in short, we believe in working hard, collaborating closely, and maintaining a consistent mindset embodying curiosity, courage, and action.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Administrative Assistant, Jewish Life, role provides comprehensive administrative support and coordination with the highest level of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion for the Program Director, Jewish Life, and to the broader Jewish Life program team, as needed. This position also plays a key role in ensuring smooth execution of programmatic convenings and meetings, maintaining organized systems, and supporting team priorities. 

Reporting into the Program Director, Jewish Life, this role actively builds internal and external relationships that are crucial to the success of the Foundation and is valuable contributor to the Jewish Life program team and the broader administrative team. The role thrives in a collaborative environment and positively contributes to the organizational culture.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to;

General Administrative Support

• Meticulous calendar management, including planning and scheduling internal/external meetings and teleconferences, prioritizing meeting requests, and acting as a gatekeeper for the Program Director, Jewish Life.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support for the Program Director, Jewish Life, including returning phone calls and/or messages, photocopying, preparing documents, and maintaining organized physical and digital filing systems aligned with institutional processes and tools.
• Prepare, complete, and submit Concur expense reports for the Program Director, Jewish Life.
• Coordinate all business travel arrangements and compile documents for travel-related meetings, as requested.
• Schedule and coordinate internal meetings, including drafting emails, agendas, and meeting notes.
• Assist with Jewish Life program team special projects and contribute to large-scale organizational priorities, as needed.
• Ensure consistent use of administrative systems and tools across the team, stay current on training and updates for platforms such as Salesforce, guest management systems, and internal collaboration tools.

Community Engagement Support

• Support the planning and execution of Jewish Life community engagement events, conferences, and gatherings.
• Oversee guest communications, including timely delivery of agendas, location access details, and logistics, while ensuring accurate setup in the online guest management system.
• Ensure that all materials align with established Foundation guidelines and standards to ensure a consistent look and feel across events.

Salesforce Support

• Accurately input, update, and maintain records in the Foundation’s Salesforce CRM system for the Jewish Life program team portfolio.
• Follow established data entry standards and naming conventions.
• Report data quality issues or inconsistencies to the appropriate data governance lead or designated internal contact.
• Use Salesforce dashboards and reports to track progress or performance.

Administrative Team Collaboration

• Actively participates in Administrative Team weekly meetings to review the Foundation’s meeting calendars.
• Collaborate with administrative staff to ensure consistent practices and coverage across departments.
• Provide a detailed meeting support form to Office Management for internal meeting needs.
• Provide support and back-up to the Executive Assistant, Southeast Michigan, as needed.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences:

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant administrative experience in a professional setting required, preferably in for a non-profit organization.
• High levels of proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems is preferred.
• Experience supporting senior staff is preferred.
• Experience working with the Jewish community is preferred.

Attributes:

• Strong interest and passion for the Foundation’s mission and honoring Mr. Davidson’s memory, and strong alignment with our organizational values.
• Technologically savvy with an understanding of how to leverage systems and technology tools to be productive and effective. Must be Zoom proficient.
• Strong work ethic and must possess the highest level of service, response, and professionalism.
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Exceptional judgment and decision-making abilities, and ability to foresee potential problems and plan contingencies accordingly.
• Excellent multitasking, organizational, and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks and execute projects, often with deadline pressures.
• Strong attention to detail and consistent accuracy when completing tasks.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize conflicting demands, remain calm under pressure, and handle matters expeditiously, and proactively.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.
• Thrives in a team environment, effective at building and maintaining collaborative relationships, acting in alignment with organizational values, and positively contributes to the organizational culture.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to and is accountable to the Program Director, Jewish Life.
• Serve as a member of and provide support to the Jewish Life program team.
• Works collaboratively with the administrative team and all members of the Foundation’s staff.
• Works collaboratively with all Foundation’s grantees, external vendors, and key stakeholders.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications including a cover letter describing your interest and qualifications and your resume should be sent to: View email address on click.appcast.io. No phone calls please. 

More information about the William Davidson Foundation can be found at:

The William Davidson Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.