Sr. Executive Assistant - CEO's Office

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Since 1975, Urban Pathways has engaged New York City's most vulnerable residents, people on the streets or in areas unfit for human habitation, "lighting the path home, one person at a time." Urban Pathways is a catalyst for transformative change in the lives of unhoused adults, empowering them to discover their inherent strengths and abilities. We provide essential support and foster an environment where individuals can redefine their narratives and become their best selves.

Job Summary

The Sr. Executive Assistant (EA) serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, supporting the execution of organizational priorities and ensuring alignment across all functions of the organization.

The Sr. Executive Assistant operates at the center of executive leadership, driving key initiatives, managing cross-functional coordination, and ensuring that strategic goals are translated into measurable outcomes. The Sr. EA enhances the effectiveness of the CEO by managing high-priority projects, facilitating decision-making, and ensuring accountability across the leadership team.

In addition, the role provides limited, high-level executive support to optimize the CEO's time and focus on mission-critical priorities and will serve as a liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders. The Executive Assistant will be an active listener, critical and strategic thinker and respond by exhibiting cross-cultural awareness with the ability to promote and contribute to an equitable and inclusive anti-racist organizational culture and environment.

Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Execution

• Partner with the CEO to drive execution of the organization's strategic plan and enterprise-wide priorities
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans with clear timelines, deliverables, and accountability measures
• Identify organizational risks and operational gaps and recommend solutions to improve performance and efficiency.

Executive Operations & Project Management

• Lead and manage high-impact, cross-functional initiatives across Human Resources, Finance, Programs, Compliance, and Operations
• Oversee execution of critical organizational projects, including compensation and workforce strategy initiatives, policy and process improvements, and operational enhancements
• Ensure adherence to internal controls and processes, including approval workflows, personnel actions, and audit readiness practices
• Prepare executive briefings, reports, and presentations to support decision-making at the CEO and senior leadership levels

Board & Executive Leadership Support

• Coordinate and support preparation of materials for Board of Directors and Board Committee meetings, including agendas, reports, and presentations
• Partner with the CEO in managing Board relationships, ensuring timely follow-up on action items and strategic initiatives
• Support executive leadership meetings by setting agendas, capturing key decisions, and ensuring accountability for follow-through
• Assist in executive recruitment efforts and leadership transitions, including coordination with external search firms and stakeholders

Cross-Functional Leadership & Alignment

• Serve as a liaison across departments to ensure alignment on organizational priorities, budget considerations, and operational execution
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among senior leadership to drive consistency and shared accountability
• Support implementation of organizational initiatives, change management efforts, and internal communications

Executive Support

• Manage high-level prioritization of the CEO's schedule to align with strategic objectives.
• Prepare the CEO for internal and external engagements, including travel arrangements, meetings with funders, Board members, and key stakeholders.
• Handle sensitive and confidential matters with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree (MBA, MPA, or related field) preferred.
• Minimum of 69 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, strategy, or executive-level support.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with senior executives or C-suite leadership.
• Experience in a nonprofit, social services, or complex, multi-site organization strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of New York City social services contracts preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking with the ability to translate vision into execution
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels of the organization
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling sensitive information
• Strong analytical skills with experience in performance tracking, reporting, and data-driven decision-making
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment

Attributes and Competencies

• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Collaborative and adaptable, with a positive attitude and ability to work well under pressure.
• High emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills to handle interactions with senior leadership, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Strategic Leadership & Execution
• Enterprise Thinking
• Collaboration & Influence
• Accountability & Results Orientation
• Executive Communication
• Ethical Judgment & Integrity

License

• Notary Public Required.

Capabilities

• Desire to perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Comfortable with using public transportation to travel to and from various program sites.