Senior Executive Assistant

About Understood

Understood is a nonprofit focused on shaping the world for difference. We raise awareness of the challenges and strengths of people who learn and think differently. Our resources help people navigate challenges, gain confidence, and find support and community so they can thrive. 

Having a shared commitment to our values is a key factor in any hire we make. We have five core values: 

1. Continuously learn.
2. Act with intention.
3. Champion difference.
4. Inspire change.
5. Grow together. 

Come be part of an organization with an entrepreneurial spirit that’s helping to shape the world for difference. Together, we can build a world where everyone can reach their full potential. 

To learn more about Understood, please visit: www.understood.org.

Who you are 

To advance Understood’s mission and further our impact, we are hiring a Senior Executive Assistant reporting into the Director, Talent Acquisition and Engagement, to facilitate the engagement of the organization’s four executive leaders – the three (3) Co-Presidents and Chief People and Culture Officer – with the Understood staff, partners, Board of Directors, and external stakeholders, with a focus on providing strategic day-to-day support and navigating the priorities and demands of their days as effectively as possible. There will also be ad-hoc support needs for other select members of the Leadership Team. They will provide seamless, diversified, proactive administrative support, including calendar optimization, travel coordination, meeting coordination and follow-ups, presentation/agenda development, information collection/distribution, etc. 

Ideal candidates have a passion for this role as it’s critical and will be the go-to person for the leadership and extended team, enabling the executives to focus on the work that advances our mission. Therefore this role requires problem-solving, prioritization, strong communication skills and excellent organizational skills. 

This is a hybrid role that requires a minimum of four (4) days a week in our NYC office.

What you’ll do

• Act as a liaison between executive leaders and key stakeholders (internal/external), and board members
• Proactively manage and prioritize schedules, ensuring effective calendar management to increase effectiveness and productivity of leadership
• Design and implement systems that ensure the effective and efficient use of the executive team's time and resources
• Manage all administrative tasks on behalf of the executive leadership team, including but not limited to coordinating domestic and international travel, expense reporting, etc.
• Advise on time-sensitive issues, help prioritize and ensure proper follow up 
• Collect and prioritize incoming requests and information
• Serve as onsite point of contact and partner with the Office Manager for critical in-office meetings that the executives attend, including but not limited to: Leadership Team Meetings, and Board of Directors meetings, which includes room set up, meal coordination, meeting materials, etc.
• Prepare meeting materials and conduct timely follow up, as needed 
• Assist with special projects as needed

Must-haves 

• 5+ years of progressive experience supporting multiple executives in a fast-paced, professional environment
• Able to work out of Understood.org headquarters in the West Village area of New York City 4 days per week
• Proficient in G-suite, Microsoft Office Suite; extremely computer savvy
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to discern and sequence highest value priorities 
• Excellent at problem-solving, taking initiative, and being resourceful
• Committed to embodying and being a steward of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Nice-to-haves

• Ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders (including senior executives), and communicate in a friendly, flexible, professional manner
• You are passionate about providing positive experiences and building lasting relationships
• Outstanding professionalism, prioritization, judgment, and accuracy
• Proven integrity and discretion in handling confidential information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Empathetic and engaging

The base salary range for this role is minimum $90,000 - $105,000 maximum, depending on years of experience and qualifications. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that supports wellness for our team members and their families. You can learn more about our benefits and offerings.

Understood.org does not sponsor applicants for work visas or legal permanent residence, including providing assistance with STEM OPT extensions.

Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Understood encourages individuals of all learning styles and ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including those whose life experiences may include the challenge of access due to a disability, to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to supporting this work.

Understood is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, physical or mental disability (where the applicant or employee is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation), any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, stalking, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local law or that of persons with whom that individual associates, or any other legally protected characteristics.

For additional information on learning and thinking differences, including ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, executive function challenges, nonverbal learning disabilities, processing issues, and more, please visit www.understood.org.

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