Executive Assistant

Location: Remote with preference for residents in Western North Carolina; however, we’d be open to exploring exceptional candidates that are residents in states that Dogwood Alliance is already registered in: Michigan, Pennsylvania, NY, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina. 

Position Type: Hourly, Part-Time (Non-Exempt), 21 hours average per week. 

About Dogwood Alliance: 

Dogwood Alliance advances environmental justice and climate action by mobilizing diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from industrial logging. Dogwood has transformed the practices of some of the largest corporations in the world. We are on the leading edge of international, national and regional efforts to advance equitable forest protection in the US South. Our work is grounded in community organizing. We center those most impacted by industrial logging and wood production. For 30 years, Dogwood Alliance has successfully fought threats to our forests and front-line communities. We promote forest protection as the best climate solution.  We partner with communities to develop equitable economic solutions that work with and for our forests. For more information, visit our website: www.dogwoodalliance.org. 

Position Summary

The Executive Assistant provides high-quality administrative and project management support to the Executive Director and Board of Directors and supports effective coordination across Dogwood Alliance’s Senior Management Team.

This role supports the productivity, organization, and efficiency of the Executive Director by managing schedules, coordinating projects, supporting ED communications, and ensuring consistent follow-through on organizational priorities. The Executive Assistant also manages planning and logistics for board meetings and leadership team activities.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, dependable and proactive, with strong project coordination skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Director & Leadership Support (75%)

• Maintain strong and consistent communication with the Executive Director
• Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, including scheduling meetings and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders
• Prioritize meeting requests and communications directed to the Executive Director
• Ensure follow-up on action items and commitments
• Draft and manage internal and external communications as directed by the Executive Director
• Manage all Executive Director travel and itinerary logistics, including expenses and handling receipts and reimbursements 
• Ensure Executive Director expense reports, check requests and credit card reconciliation is submitted accurately and on time
• Submit Executive Director timesheets 
• Represent Dogwood Alliance professionally in interactions with internal an external stakeholders

Project Management and Coordination

• Provide project management support for initiatives led by the Executive Director 
• Provide administrative and project management support for the Senior Management Team as directed by the Executive Director
• Track timelines, deliverables and next steps across multiple projects
• Maintain and update project management plans
• Schedule and support Senior Management Team meetings and retreats

Board of Directors Support (15%)

• Serve as administrative liaison to the Board of Directors by managing relevant board communication, scheduling, and tech support
• Maintain board calendars and invitations to meetings
• Support preparation and distribution of board agendas and materials
• Keep board portal materials current, organized, and accessible
• Take minutes for board and committee meetings as needed
• Manage logistics for bi-annual in-person board meetings and virtual meetings
• Provide board committee support as requested

Surge Capacity (Flex 10%)

• In consultation with the Executive Director, assist teams and staff across the organization on an as-needed basis during particularly busy time periods, time and schedules permitting

Competencies & Experience

Executive Support and Operations

• 3-5 years of experience in executive support, operations, project coordination or related roles
• Experience supporting senior leadership in complex environments with shifting context and priorities
• Able to bring structure and clarity to competing priorities, keeping projects, meetings, and communications organized across a digital-first team

Project Management Skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage projects and track deliverables from planning through execution
• Strong follow-up and task management skills
• Experience coordinating meetings, logistics, or events
• Ability to maintain organized systems and processes

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Google Workspace or similar tools, including advanced calendar management
• Experience with expense tracking, reimbursements, and basic financial documentation
• Comfort troubleshooting basic technology issues, including hybrid and virtual meeting support
• Experience with CRM or donor management systems preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a remote or hybrid environment using tools such as Zoom, Slack, and Google Chat

The ideal candidate will also be able to:

• Work one to two weekends a year to attend board meetings, which includes travel
• Attend staff retreats in Asheville, NC once a year
• Navigate conflict and differing perspectives with professionalism and sound judgement
• Embrace equity-driven environments where power dynamics are acknowledged and addressed
• Take initiative while also responding well to direction and feedback
• Manage up, anticipate leadership needs, and communicate proactively
• Coordinate effectively between the Executive Director, board members, and staff

All candidates must align with Dogwood Alliance’s mission and motivation to contribute to long-term environmental justice, climate action and forest protection.  

Compensation and Benefits:

Part-time employees are eligible for a livable wage prorated from Dogwood Alliance’s compensation philosophy. Read about the compensation philosophy here. Hourly pay will range from $28.00 - $37.00, depending on years of relevant experience.  Regular part-time employees are eligible for some benefits, namely prorated personal days, equal to 21 hours of personal time in one year. This position is not eligible for health, dental, or vision insurance. Time-off can be taken in hour-long increments. 

Anticipated Application Process:

• Job posting will be removed once the position is filled; priority will be given to applicants that apply by Friday March 20th, 2026.
• The interview process will be as follows: 
  • Resume Review - each application is reviewed by a human! 
  • First Interview - applicants will meet with Brittany Gollins (contract Executive Assistant) 
  • Compensated Task & Activity: We believe in equitable labor. Therefore, all candidates will be compensated for time spent on this activity at a rate of $50/hour. 
  • Final Interview - Final round applicants will meet with Executive Director Danna Smith either through Zoom or in-person in Asheville. 
• Anticipated start date: Thursday April 16th, 2026

How to Apply:

Submit an application through BambooHR. If you need an accommodation during the hiring or interview process, please reach out to [email protected]. 

EEOC Statement: 

At Dogwood Alliance, we are unwavering in our commitment to fostering an environment of equity, justice, and inclusivity. Dogwood Alliance advances environmental justice and climate action by mobilizing diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from industrial logging. Our staff and culture reflects this mission. We aspire to have a diverse and visionary leadership, an equitable leadership structure and a transformative culture of belonging and care. 

We believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves equal opportunities to thrive and succeed. Our dedication to upholding the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) runs deep in every aspect of our organization. In this spirit, Dogwood Alliance provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Furthermore, Dogwood Alliance does not discriminate against qualified individuals because of their disabilities and makes  efforts to provide reasonable accommodations to assist individuals with disabilities in performing and thriving in their jobs. 

Our commitment extends beyond mere compliance with legal standards; it's a promise to actively cultivate an environment where each employee's unique experiences and talents are celebrated and respected. We are dedicated to providing equal opportunities in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and all other aspects of employment. Harassment and retaliation are contrary to our values and will not be tolerated.

We strive to eliminate barriers that could impede the full potential of any member of our team. We encourage open conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion and are committed to addressing any concerns promptly and transparently. Together, we work to build a team culture that reflects the forests we swear to protect—one that champions collective care, embraces diversity, and empowers each individual to contribute their best. Our commitment to equity and justice is resolute, and we are dedicated to partnering with our staff, volunteers, communities to create a more just and green future for all.