The Better Government Association is a nonprofit media organization with a mission is to achieve transparency, equity and accountability in government. Our organization has been in existence for almost 100 years vigorously pursuing its mission by producing investigative journalism, advocating for good-government reform, litigating to defend public access to information, and mobilizing the public to achieve change. We are looking for a high-functioning experienced executive assistant who enjoys working in a mission-driven, results-driven environment to support the President & CEO. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Executive Assistant/Board Liaison is responsible for providing comprehensive high-level executive support to a very busy President & CEO, serving as a liaison to the Board of Directors and managing the executive office operations. Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Assistant provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship. The Executive Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the President & CEO. 

This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. The Executive Assistant must have the ability to work independently on tasks and projects, from conception to completion, and thrive in a multi-faceted role which requires the ability to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy being part of a mission-driven team and working with a wide variety of people, and exhibit patience and sharp attention to detail, then the BGA is the place for you.

This is a hybrid role requiring 2-4 days in the office located in downtown Chicago. Occasional evenings and weekends work may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

  • Oversee and expertly manage a complex calendar with limited or no consultation. Negotiate and manage the scheduling needs of the President & CEO. 
  • Attend President & CEO’s meetings and manage action items and deliverables. Ensure that the executive is aware of deliverables and next steps. 
  • Maintain an organized email system, prioritize key communications, identify and discuss time-sensitive content, sort/file email subscriptions.
  • Serve as the liaison to various internal and external constituencies, including screening correspondence and telephone calls.
  • Compose correspondence; develop, review and edit presentations in PowerPoint and documentation; independently research and analyze associated issues and/or compile materials needed for presentation and/or decision-making purposes.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously. Anticipate and track initial dates, events, and associated action items; follow up with appropriate parties to ensure deadlines are met.
  • Collaborate with the development team and director of development to optimize the BGA’s fundraising efforts, including overseeing follow-up tasks for the President & CEO, ensuring correspondence is signed and mailed, preparing draft emails to donors and attending development meetings. 
  • Vigorously pursue meetings with BGA funders and prospective funders, both major donors and foundations, developing strong relations with donors’ support staff over time.
  • Show resourcefulness in obtaining contact information for and scheduling phone calls or meetings with funding prospects.
  • Attend confidential leadership meetings and capture notes and assist with action plans or follow-ups. 
  • Support President & CEO in the areas associated with writing columns, TV appearances, attendance at public events, and invoicing for columns.
  • Daily tasks include answering the primary phone and tip line; resolving caller issues and/or forwarding to appropriate staff for resolution; screening visitors to the BGA; informing building management of expected guests.
  • Board Liaison tasks include: providing administrative support to the Board; scheduling board and committee meetings; securing and setting up meeting space, assist in creating presentation materials. Serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors, fielding inquiries and other regular communication. Coordinate Board member orientation, onboarding and recognition as needed. Maintain roster, board manual, onboarding guides and board documents; attend all board and committee meetings (some occur in the evening), coordinate agendas, produce minutes and track actionable items; oversee annual board conflict of interest disclosure; manage changes to BGA bylaws; work with Director of Development on annual pledge sheets.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Five plus years experience supporting C-level senior officials required. 
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a plus.
  • Solid business acumen – has a strong business sense and can decipher priorities and make sound judgment calls when needed.
  • Demonstrated high level computer skills with an understanding of Google Mail, Google Calendar, Google docs, Zoom and video conferencing, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with MAC environment, a plus. 
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, coupled with a professional demeanor and ability to serve as the public face of the CEO.
  • Ability to juggle multiple moving parts and pivot priorities quickly.
  • Top level interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and donors. 
  • Demonstrated ability to perform duties with a high level of professionalism, flexibility to switch gears at a moment’s notice, discretion, judgment, diplomacy and sense of calm and tact. 
  • Ability to multi-task, manage and adapt to competing priorities to meet deadlines. 
  • Ability to think creatively and with a sense of urgency to situations and events that require quick response or turnaround. 
  • Must be able to occasionally work some evenings and weekends. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is $55,000 – $65,000. The position also includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; a comprehensive paid time off package including 10 days in your first year, 15 sick days, three floating holidays, paid holidays; and a 401(k) with an employer match. 

How to Apply

Submit your cover letter and resume to jobs@bettergov.org. We will begin reviewing submissions immediately and we will consider applicants while the posting remains on our website.  

We encourage applicants from traditionally underrepresented communities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. The Better Government Association is an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness for all employees. We welcome the unique contributions you can bring in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of orig