Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

Join the 1890 Universities Foundation and support a dynamic organization dedicated to advancing collaborative, high-impact programs across the 1890 system of land-grant universities.

About the 1890 Universities Foundation:

Established in 2016 and headquartered in Washington, DC, the 1890 Universities Foundation is a 501(c)3 charitable and educational organization dedicated to advancing the teaching, research, and extension missions of the nineteen (19) 1890 land-grant universities, primarily located in the southern United States.

The Foundation is a growing organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $5 million and a dedicated team of mission-driven professionals, committed to strengthening institutional capacity and expanding opportunities across the 1890 system. We are seeking an Executive Assistant to the President and CEO who will serve as a strategic partner and trusted advisor, providing high-level administrative and organizational support.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a national organization at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation, while making a lasting impact on the communities served by the Foundation’s member universities and the broader higher education landscape.

Role and Responsibilities:

In the capacity of the Executive Assistant, you will collaborate closely with the President & CEO, providing administrative support, contributing to organizational success, and empowering a high-performing team.

Executive Assistant Support

• Provide comprehensive executive assistant support to the President & CEO, anticipating needs, prioritizing competing demands, and ensuring seamless day-to-day operations.
• Act as a trusted liaison between the President & CEO and internal departments, ensuring clear communication, alignment, and timely follow-through on the Foundation’s priorities.
• Manage complex, ever-changing calendars for the President & CEO, including scheduling appointments across time zones, meetings, and detailed domestic and international travel arrangements, itineraries, and ground transportation.
• Schedule and coordinate staff meetings, board meetings, committee meetings, and other Foundation events/meetings, including quarterly board meetings.
• Develop, document, and implement operational policies, procedures, and systems to improve workflow efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Monitor deadlines, follow-ups, and priorities related to executive and operation initiatives.

Board of Directors & Governance Support

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the 1890 Foundation Board of Directors and its committees.
• Prepare, compile, and distribute board and committee meeting materials, including agendas, reports, presentations, and briefing packets.
• Coordinate and document board and committee meetings, including preparing accurate meeting minutes, tracking action items, and maintaining official records of board decisions and resolutions.

Financial & Administrative Support

• Assist with follow-up for billing Foundation member universities, partners, clients, and donors, and coordinate with finance staff, as appropriate.
• Track and reconcile executive expenses, reimbursements, and related documentation in coordination with finance and operations teams.
• Provide administrative support related to budgets, contracts, vendor coordination, Centers of Excellence, grants, projects as appropriate.

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and edit professional communications, including memos, emails, reports, presentations, proposals, spreadsheets, correspondence, and meeting minutes.
• Support executive communications and engagement with key stakeholders, including member 1890 universities, governmental agencies, Centers of Excellence, donors, partners, and external organizations.
• Represent the Foundation at external events, conferences, and networking opportunities, as appropriate, to enhance visibility and relationships.

Qualifications:

If you have these qualifications, we want to hear from you:

• At least 3-5 years as an Executive or Senior level Assistant, Project Manager, Office Manager and/or relevant position
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office especially MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Must be willing to work in Washington, DC office at least 3 days per week
• Associate’s degree required and Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working in higher education, education related/adjacent organizations, or professional associations is highly desired
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Proactive, resourceful, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Experience working with RAMP, SharePoint, Paychex, or comparable enterprise systems.
• Experience coordinating executive-level meetings, Board meetings, leadership retreats, conferences, or other high-level events.
• Exceptional communication, organization, writing and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, time management, and work independently
• Ability to travel 20%.

You can expect a compensation package to include:

• Competitive pay – Salary is commensurate with experience.
• Great benefits – including medical, prescription drug plan, dental, vision, PTO, and an employee-funded 401(k) retirement savings plan

Application Process:

Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to team@soarenterprise.com. For more information, please visit the website at www.1890foundation.org.

1890 Foundation is an EOE!