Senior Executive Assistant

ORGANIZATION:

Rainier Scholars is a comprehensive academic enrichment program that supports students of color over a 12-year journey – from 5th grade to college graduation. We seek to serve those who are most under-represented on college campuses and have the greatest number of barriers to achieving a college education: 85% qualify as low-income, 90% would be the first in their family to earn a college degree. Our program offers rigorous academics, leadership development and personalized support for scholars, providing access to educational pathways and myriad opportunities previously unimagined.

With a budget size of $10 million, a staff team of 50+ full-time employees and 675+ scholars and families whom we currently serve in Seattle and Tacoma, Rainier Scholars has established a positive brand for our unwavering commitment to education, proven success rate, and sustainable impact. We grow new generations of diverse college graduates, career professionals, and community leaders.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Executive Assistant to the CEO is a highly skilled, strategic, and experienced professional who provides high-level administrative support to the CEO. This role goes beyond traditional executive assistance by involving key responsibilities in supporting strategic initiatives, managing special projects, and contributing to the overall efficiency and success of the executive office. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and detail-oriented individual, capable of managing complex tasks and contributing to the strategic goals of the organization while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

CEO Administrative Support (25%)

• Serve as a liaison between the CEO and the Executive Leadership Team, RS board, and external stakeholders ensuring smooth information flow and alignment of priorities.
• Anticipate, manage preparation for, and facilitate CEO meetings. This includes but is not limited to, creating agendas, preparing briefing documents, providing technical support and ensuring documents are ready.
• Manage incoming requests for CEO involvement, engagement, or activities to prioritize and recommend appropriate responses and actions.
• Prepare communication material and presentations on behalf of the CEO to ensure consistent, strategic and effective materials.
• Oversee the CEO’s calendar by prioritizing appointments, meetings and engagements that align with broader organizational priorities.
• Perform other duties to support the Board, CEO and leadership team, as assigned.

Board Administration (25%)

• Serve as primary liaison between leadership and board members, ensuring strategic alignment among stakeholders and smooth execution of board meetings.
• Work closely with the Board Chair and executive committee to produce full board and committee agendas and maintain the board rhythm of business.
• Staff Board committees as assigned and safeguard the confidential nature of discussions and information shared or learned by virtue of the position.

Support (50%)

• Support the CEO in the execution of strategic initiatives, assisting in the planning, coordination, and tracking of key company projects and goals.
• Help prioritize strategic activities and initiatives based on the CEO’s goals, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that deadlines are met.
• Coordinate the collection of relevant information and resources needed for the CEO to make informed decisions regarding various strategic initiatives.
• Support in the development of systems to track the status of projects, ensuring that deliverables are met and communicated to relevant teams.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 7+ years of proven experience in a complex administrative role, preferably supporting senior leadership in a nonprofit or corporate setting.
• Strong background in supporting leadership teams with project management, process improvement, and strategic execution.
• Exceptional organization with excellent attention to detail and anticipatory planning and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, results-focused environment.
• Proficient in remote work tools and platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Suite, OnBoard, and other project management tools).
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to create clear, concise, and professional documents and presentations.
• Works well with spans of leadership from board chairs and members to senior executives and managers.
• Passion for the mission and values of the organization.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Compensation for this role is $80-90K annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. Rainier Scholars offers employer-paid medical and dental benefits, employer-paid life and AD&D insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, generous vacation, all-staff holiday closure, personal days, sick leave, and holiday pay.

Rainier Scholars is a workplace committed to wellness and sustainability. This is a flexible, hybrid full-time role based out of our Seattle office, with 1-2 days/week working in-person. This role may require some work in the evenings and weekends. This schedule is subject to change as needs arise.

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who submit their applications by March 28, 2025. Position will remain open until filled.

Our work is rooted in ensuring that people from marginalized communities have the opportunity to thrive in education and careers that they are passionate about. Rainier Scholars is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting an equitable and inclusive environment for our scholars, families, and staff. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and strongly encourage people of color, first-generation college graduates, and people from working-class backgrounds to apply.