Executive Coordinator

Executive Coordinator

Founded in 1967, California Indian Legal Services (CILS) is the oldest public interest Indian rights law firm in the country, promoting the fundamental rights of California Tribes and Indians through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, community development, and other strategies for systemic change. CILS provides a full range of legal representation to California Indian Tribes and Indian organizations, advocates for the rights of California Indians at the local, state, and national levels, and provides direct services and community education to low-income Native American individuals on issues related to Federal Indian Law. Currently, CILS offers services statewide and maintains four offices throughout California Eastern (Bishop), Southern (Escondido), Northern (McKinleyville), and Central (Sacramento). This position is in the Principal Office, located in Sacramento, CA.

The Executive Coordinator at CILS provides high-level administrative, project, and writing support to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees. This position coordinates executive priorities, Board and committee logistics, meeting materials, records, follow-up, travel, reimbursements, strategic initiatives and special projects with accuracy, discretion, and strong attention to detail. The role serves as a central point of coordination for organization communication by gathering content, drafting and reviewing communications, coordinating approvals, and working with staff and external vendors to support implementation. This role requires exceptional organization, sound judgment, strong writing skills, project management abilities and the ability to manage details, deadlines, competing priorities and confidential information with professionalism.

As the Executive Coordinator at CILS, you will:

• Support Executive Projects: Serve as a trusted partner to the Executive Director by coordinating delegated tasks, projects, and priorities with accuracy and timeliness.
• Coordinate Governance: Coordinate the quarterly meeting preparation and the logistics and execution of the Board of Trustees and its Committees, ensuring smooth meetings, accurate records and clear communication of actions and decisions.
• Coordinate Organizational Communications: Coordinate the development and implementation of organizational communications, including newsletters, Annual Reports, website content, social media, and other public-facing materials. Work collaboratively with staff and external vendors when applicable to gather content, manage reviews and approvals, and draft or edit communications as appropriate to support organizational priorities.
• Advance Advocacy: Assist the Executive Director with CILS's Capitol Presence by coordinating and promoting legislative and policy initiatives, advocacy events, trainings, Tribal Roundtables, and other key Capitol-based activities.
• Strengthen Organization: Maintain internal communication tools, resources, and processes that keep staff informed and aligned with the strategic plan.

Compensation & Classification

Salary Range: This position is offered at a starting pay range of $28.43 - $33.72 per hour ($59,144 $70,149 annually), aligned with the entry tier for this role and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Reports To: Executive Director

Employment Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Benefits:

• Multiple high-quality, and low-cost medical plans.
• 100% coverage for the employee and 90% for dependent premiums.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible medical/dental, dependent care, and public transportation expenses.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• 17 paid holidays annually (includes office closure from December 24-January 1) plus an additional day for your birthday.
• Vacation time off, starting at 13 days accrued per year.
• Sick leave is set at 12 days per year.
• Paid leave for jury duty/witness services, Election Day, bereavement.
• Free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program with access to free mental health services.
• Loan Repayment Assistance Program for eligible attorney positions.
• Supplemental insurance, including additional life and disability coverage.

Location:

This position is in person in the Principal Office (Sacramento, CA) Mondays through Fridays with optional teleworking on Mondays and Fridays.

To Apply:

Submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. We will accept applications until the position is filled, but CILS does not accept incomplete applications.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (communications, public policy, nonprofit management, Native American studies or related field preferred) or equivalent experience.
• One to three years' work experience in a nonprofit, Tribal organization/government, or legal setting.
• Experience supporting projects or administrative coordination.

Knowledge & Cultural Competency:

• Solid understanding of Native Americans and Tribes in California.
• Experience working directly with Tribal communities in any capacity.

Communications & Media:

• Proven experience creating or coordinating organizational communications, public information, newsletters, website content or social media initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with ability to draft clear, compelling content for diverse audiences.
• Strong writing and editing experience, including drafting correspondence, reports, press releases, newsletters, Board materials, or other professional public-facing communications.

Professional Skills:

• High attention to detail and strong organizational/time management skills.
• Ability to balance multiple projects and work independently while meeting deadlines.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a professional, reliable, and collaborative approach.

Technology Skills:

• Expertise in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Excel).
• Proficient with Zoom and PDF editors for professional collaboration and document management.
• Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new platforms and digital tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience updating and maintaining websites using WordPress (or comparable CMS).
• Familiarity with California legislative or Capitol processes, including event coordination and communications.
• Experience coordinating communication projects and working with external vendors, designers, or communications consultants.
• Proficiency with communications and design tools including Canva, Constant Contact, and Hootsuite (or similar social media scheduling platforms).
• Ability to capture and edit photos or videos for professional use.
• Experience supporting Board governance, including meeting logistics, minutes, and follow-up tracking.