Cross Functional Executive Support Lead

About the Organization:

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative (AHI) is a foundation that addresses on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world, focusing on assisting the most destitute. Aurora’s flagship program, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most innovative humanitarian awards, granting $1 million annually to an individual whose actions have had an exceptional impact on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes. To date, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has benefited over 2 million people through 427 projects in 56 countries.

The Aurora Prize Selection Committee includes renowned human rights and humanitarian leaders such as Mary Robinson, Ernesto Zedillo, Dame Louise Richardson, Hamdi Ulukaya, Leymah Gbowee, Lord Ara Darzi, Paul Polman, John Prendergast, Dele Olojede, and George Clooney.

In addition to the Prize, Aurora organizes and promotes the Aurora Dialogues, a platform for the world’s leading humanitarians, academics, philanthropists, business leaders, and civil society members to engage in insightful discussions on some of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges.

For more information, visit www.auroraprize.com.

About the Role:

The Cross-Functional Executive Support & Project Management Lead will play a multifaceted role at Aurora, supporting executive leadership while driving strategic project management initiatives across operations, HR, finance, development, and event planning. This role requires a highly organized, proactive, and resourceful professional with the ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate cross-functional efforts, and ensure smooth execution of key initiatives.

This individual will be responsible for overseeing complex projects from initiation to completion, ensuring alignment with Aurora’s mission, objectives, and operational goals. They must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, handling confidential information with discretion, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders across various locations. This position requires, among other things, a proactive, organized, and resourceful individual who can multitask and manage projects both individually, and as a project manager, ensuring things stay on their critical path.

This role is based in Cambridge, MA, and requires 3 days per week in the office.

You Will:

Project Management & Strategic Coordination

• Lead and oversee cross-functional projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with organizational goals.
• Develop and maintain project plans, track progress, and ensure accountability across teams.
• Utilize project management tools like Trello to coordinate tasks and streamline execution.
• Identify and mitigate risks, remove roadblocks, and provide solutions to keep projects on track.
• Ensure documentation, timelines, and stakeholder communications are clear and up to date.

Executive Support & Operational Efficiency

• Manage executive calendars, travel arrangements, meetings, and logistics.
• Collect, organize, and prepare reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Act as a key liaison between executives and internal/external stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication and coordination.

HR & Cross-Functional Operations

• Oversee onboarding processes, including preparation of materials, scheduling, and employee records management in the HRIS.
• Serve as a point of contact for HR-related inquiries, escalating as needed.
• Develop and improve internal workflows for HR and administrative processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.

Event & Logistics Management

• Plan and execute high-impact events, including Aurora Dialogues and donor-related gatherings.
• Oversee logistics such as venue booking, catering, transportation, and attendee coordination.
• Manage event budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships.

Financial & Compliance Support

• Process vendor invoices, payments, and approvals.
• Assist with humanitarian payments, donor pledge tracking, and contractual agreements.
• Maintain financial records in Bill.com or similar platforms.
• Manage other projects as needed.

Development & Fundraising Support

• Track and manage donor pledge agreements and engagement efforts using Salesforce or donor management systems.
• Provide reporting and data insights to support fundraising initiatives.

Office & Remote Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of remote office needs, including vendor relationships, facilities coordination, and general office administration.
• Handle incoming communications and inquiries to ensure seamless organizational operations.

You Have:

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in project management, operations, executive support, or HR coordination, preferably in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Proficiency in project management tools (Trello, Asana, or similar) and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a proactive and approachable demeanor.
• The ability to think ahead, anticipate needs, and act independently in handling sensitive information.
• A roll-up-your-sleeves mentality and a commitment to driving results in a collaborative, high-impact environment.

You’ll Get:

• Competitive nonprofit compensation.
• The opportunity to make a global impact through meaningful humanitarian initiatives.
• A fast-paced, collaborative environment where you can take ownership and drive impactful projects.

Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.