Executive Assistant & Board Liaison

What We Can Achieve Together: Kentucky’s Executive Assistant to the State Director and Board Liaison manages the operations of the Kentucky program and provides essential support to the Kentucky State Director, key conservation and philanthropy staff, and the volunteer Board of Trustees. The EA & Board Liaison will oversee and lead a variety of operations tasks, including compliance, employee engagement, annual work planning, safety and sustainability. They will supervise an Operations Manager who performs operations and administrative tasks for the larger program, including serving as manager of the Lexington office. The EA will perform high-level administrative tasks, including partnering with the State Director to manage their schedule and provide key support to the program’s Leadership Team. Duties include managing the State Director’s calendar, correspondence, travel, meeting and event logistics, documenting decisions for Leadership Team meetings, and creating presentations (some tasks may be delegated to the Operations Manager). They may serve as Certified Contract Specialist for the Kentucky program if required. They will also serve as a key point of contact to Division level staff/programs including Finance and People Team (HR), and as local contact for onboarding processes. They will work with the State Director on program culture and engagement activities, including staff recognition, team building, annual meetings or retreats, and other items as necessary. They will oversee key operational activities including managing quarterly certifications, ensuring leases, and maintaining property and equipment lists; they will be responsible for managing the Youth Safety program. As Trustee Liaison, they provide support for trustees including preparing for board and committee meetings and communicating with trustees. They will build relationships with board members and trustees to support the business unit. They will provide staff support to the Nominating and Governance Committee and serve as a strategic partner to the State Director on trustee recruitment and retention. The EA will work knowledgeably across departments (conservation, philanthropy, finance, external affairs, marketing) and program teams, providing a critical link to the State Director and administrative support as needed. They will communicate on behalf of the State Director as necessary and will have contact with stakeholders, including trustees, staff at all levels, donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. They will take on additional administrative support duties to enhance the work of the team. The EA will act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines. The successful candidate will be intellectually curious, willing to learn new skills, detail oriented, and able to balance multiple priorities. They should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment both independently and as part of a team. They should bring a passion for making processes and systems work better for all and find value in collaborating with and serving a variety of colleagues and the larger Kentucky team. Responsibilities and Scope Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines. Work within scope of the program’s strategic goals. Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external donor/legal/IRS requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally. Conduct purchasing, transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors. Participate in budget preparation. Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information. Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability. May participate in complex negotiations. Supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development. Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs. Travel and work flexible hours, as needed. Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. What You’ll Bring: Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination. Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data. Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with database management. Experience working across departments. Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers. Qualifications: Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated. Ability to implement complex processes. Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results. Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff. Experience coordinating projects. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks. Successful experience implementing strategic program goals. Salary Information: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $65,000 - $75,000. This range applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Actual pay will be based on factors including location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Countries outside the USA may have different pay ranges in local currency. Your geographic location will be confirmed during recruitment. Who We Are : The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to challenges so that people and nature thrive. We value respect for all people, communities, and cultures. We offer career development, flexible schedules, and a rewarding mission. For more, view the TNC Talent playlist or Glassdoor via the public links and learn about our culture and values. What We Bring: Since 1951, TNC has grown from a small non-profit into a large environmental organization with global reach. We offer a competitive benefits package including health care, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an employer match, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance, and other well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits and perks here. We are committed to an inclusive work environment that values diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please apply; we welcome candidates from all cultures and backgrounds. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process. #J-18808-Ljbffr The Nature Conservancy