The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is a multigenerational family foundation, rooted in the Jewish tradition of social justice and committed to creating a more just, vibrant, sustainable and democratic society. Located in New York City, NCF has assets of approximately $450 million and an annual budget of about $25 million. NCF has given away more than $425 million in the past 25 years and has earned a strong track record as a leader and innovator in the philanthropic community.

As a family foundation, the Board of Trustees is actively engaged in the affairs of the Foundation.  Under the leadership of Sharon Alpert, the first female and fourth president, the foundation has aligned its strategy, culture, and technology in building teams for its next successful chapter.  In a work environment where people of diverse religions, races, ages, genders, sexual orientation and backgrounds collaborate, the foundation encourages creative thinking and individual growth. 

NCF focuses on finding solutions to the two most challenging problems of our time – the climate crisis and growing inequality – and aims to transform the systems and mindsets that hinder progress toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all people, particularly women and people of color. The Foundation invests in four focus areas that together advance its vision of a healthy planet and a healthy democracy: (i) Inclusive Clean Economy, (ii) Racial and Economic Justice, (iii) Voice, Creativity & Culture and (iv) Corporate and Political Accountability.

Known for tackling difficult issues that require moving hearts and minds, NCF takes risks on the unexpected, such as its fellowship that grants visionaries up to $150,000 to turn an inspired and potentially radical idea into a world-changing reality. NCF has a long history of aligning investments with values through shareholder activism and is exploring how it expands the tools it uses to direct NCF’s investment dollars for greater impact. While NCF’s work is primarily concentrated in the United States, it supports efforts addressing inequality in Israel and looks globally to make a strategic difference.  

The Opportunity

NCF is recruiting an Executive Assistant (EA) to join the President’s office team.  The EA will report to the President and also to the Chief of Staff/Board Liaison (COS/BL), playing a critical support role in creating a highly functioning team and organization.  This is a great opportunity to work in the philanthropic sector for a mission driven candidate interested in a job that provides stimulating challenges as well as developmental opportunities. 

As a valuable member of the President’s team, the Executive Assistant will work closely with the COS/BL and strategic partners on key executive related tasks and projects. Using expert judgment and coordination, the EA will perform a wide range of administrative duties. Typical duties will include special projects, managing a complex calendar for the President, scheduling meetings, conference calls, travel arrangements, and drafting correspondence for the President. The ideal candidate will have a commitment to the mission and values of the Foundation with an interest in nonprofits and social justice.  S/he will be an analytical thinker with the ability to assess complex information, quickly perceive implications, and confident in making recommendations for further action(s).  The EA will be extraordinarily organized, with an acute attention to detail, and will possess exceptional multitasking abilities including excellent written and verbal communication skills.

In reporting to the COS/BL, the EA serves as a strong conduit for connecting the administrative work of the president’s office with other departments of the Foundation and the Board of Trustees in support of the President’s goals and objectives for the institution.  

Principal Responsibilities

     Executive and Administrative Support

• Monitor and manage internal and external communications into and out of the President’s office, including special projects
• Liaise with the COS/BL on any issues/opportunities and action to be taken and keep an up-to-date repository of projects underway; request pending review as necessary
• With efficiency and effectiveness, prioritize workload, including reports/documents, and develop an organized system for managing administrative tasks and requests of the President as appropriate
• With a clear understanding of the subject matter, provide concrete suggestions, feedback and systematic support
• Take notes/minutes at meetings as directed; highlight action items; draft and circulate in a timely manner, and maintain confidentiality on all work issues and opportunities
• Work with the COS/BL on President’s office conference calls/meetings/gatherings; prepare necessary materials and organize logistics as required
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, compilation of President’s expense reports, track and submit for reimbursements, monitor budget expenditures, review and prepare request for payment
• Respond to daily e-mails, screen phone calls, open and sort mail and summarize reports/memos as appropriate
• This position may require travel and occasional work outside traditional office hours

Core Competencies

• Interest in performing critical support role while learning in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, detail-oriented, and highly organized
• Ability to anticipate President's and COS/BL needs and proactively support those needs
• Analytical thinking – across multi-dimensional areas
• Strong commitment to delivering excellence; emotional maturity
• Sense of humor, exceptional work ethic, “roll-up-my-sleeves” attitude, and a willingness to do “whatever it takes” to get the job done

Qualifications

ü  Possess Bachelor’s Degree, Post Graduate Diploma, Professional or Master’s Degree

ü  Minimum 3-5 years supporting a high-level executive

ü  Excellent computer skills, including spreadsheets and social media

ü  Strong calendaring, tracking, and project management skills

ü  Good sense of self and strong personal presence

Salary: commensurate with experience; excellent benefits including retirement plan, foundation-paid medical and dental insurance coverage, vacation & holidays, and staff development funds and tuition reimbursement. 

Interested candidates should send:

ü  A letter stating interest and qualifications for the position;

ü  A resume with salary history;

ü  A 2-3 page writing sample;

ü  Names of three references (at least two professional); and

ü  Other information that might be useful in evaluating your candidacy for this position. 

Forward application materials via email:  [email protected]

NOTE:  Send attachments as Microsoft Word or Adobe pdf format only.

• Please do not call or mail applications. 
• All electronic applications will be acknowledged.
• All information is confidential. 
• Deadline for applications: reviewed on a rolling basis through February 15, 2017