Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison at The Nature Conservancy

What We Can Achieve Together

The Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison will be responsible for providing direct administrative support to the Michigan State Director and the Michigan Conservation Programs Manager. They will also serve as Board Liaison to the Michigan Board of Trustees (BOT) to advance the strategic priorities of the Michigan Business Unit by supporting the State Director and Conservation Programs Manager through engagement with the board. They will work closely with the State Director and Conservation Programs Manager to support the Management Team’s collaboration and serve as a point of contact for trustees.

The Executive Assistant and Trustee Liaison will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timelines. They will maintain, track, analyze, and report on key data for senior management. They will communicate on behalf of their supervisors with staff in various programs across the Conservancy; as well as with the board of trustees, donors, vendors, partner organizations, tribal communities, and business partners. The individual will perform a variety of high-level administrative tasks, including domestic and international travel arrangements, meeting and special events logistics, calendar management, drafting correspondence, and processing expenses. They must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the departments to provide support, coordinate communications, track and research data, and produce and review reports related to their responsibilities. They will take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team. Such duties may include, but are not limited to, a more significant role in training, developing documentation, and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team. They will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They will implement processes and practices to improve effectiveness. They will build connections to and understand the work of the Michigan Business Unit, Midwest Division, and global priorities. They will perform administrative functions for program, as required.

As trustee liaison, they will perform board management tasks that include committee meetings, developing agendas, compiling board materials, and managing board records. They will also support trustee engagement activities. They may aid in planning and managing a variety of engaging board-related meetings, retreats, events, and trips designed for the Michigan board of trustees. They may provide project support by developing briefs, writing, and other duties as needed. They will work in close communication with the Michigan development, conservation, operations, and marketing teams to coordinate trustee communications and strategy. They may also participate and coordinate with other board liaisons in the Midwest Division, including may serve on a planning team for future Midwest Trustee Summits. They will understand trustee expertise, insights, and passions so that volunteer leaders feel engaged and rewarded in their service.

This is an in-office position primarily in Lansing, Michigan with some hybrid work from home.

Responsibilities & 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;
• Updating and maintaining Board of Trustees documentation, Conservation Strategic Plan, and Objectives, Goals, Strategies and Plans (OGSP) reports;
• Administrative support to the Michigan State Director and Michigan Conservation Programs Manager;
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
• Coordinate projects with several variables, work within a defined timeline and budget;
• Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
• Conduct purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors;
• Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through;
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information;
• Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
• May participate in complex negotiations;
• May supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff;
• May act as a resource to others to solve problems and act in supervisor’s stead when instructed;
• Provide input to project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs;
• Travel and work flexible hours, as needed; and
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
  
  

We’re Looking For You

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work That You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in providing direct support to a senior manager or high level business unit director!

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing high level administrative tasks. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
• Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader;
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines;
• Experience in matrix management environments;
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people; and
• Experience working with a board of trustees, donors, volunteers, the public, partner organizations, tribal communities, and/or all levels of staff.
• Experience with presentation development and database management.
  
  

Desired 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.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
  
  

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page under the FAQ section. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $71,000 - $73,500. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.