Executive Assistant

Overview

High Country News seeks a nimble and highly organized multi-tasker to serve as Executive Assistant. This position provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship with the Executive Director & Publisher.  The Executive Assistant also serves as a liaison, ensuring smooth communication with the Board of Directors and staff. Candidates should be creative and enjoy working within a small, nonprofit environment that is mission-driven and community oriented.

Working under the guidance of the Executive Director & Publisher (ED), day to day behaviors and essential functions will include:

Executive support

·         Maintains the calendar for the ED, informing and updating the ED of upcoming commitments and responsibilities in order to keep them well informed and prepared

·         Schedules senior managers meetings and ensures that agendas and materials are circulated in advance; takes notes and minutes as required and distributes to the appropriate parties

·         Arranges travel plans, logistics, in-person donor meetings and speaking engagements for the ED

·         Compiles and sends all-staff communications, including a monthly staff and board email newsletter

·         Plans and organizes all-staff meetings, retreats and other staff events for the ED

·         Assists the ED in lining up speakers and talent for live and online fundraising and reader engagement events

Board support

·         Plans and organizes the board’s three meetings – by Zoom or in-person in communities around the Western U.S., coordinating board and staff travel and lodging

·         Compiles the board report prior to each meeting, with information from managers and board leadership

·         Works with committee chairs to schedule meetings between board meetings

·         Updates the Board Handbook and Box account to ensure that all documents, contact information and committee assignments and terms are accurate and up to date

·         Assists with preparation of presentations and briefs for meetings

·         Maintains discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all board members

High Country News is part of a growing number of newsrooms addressing a historic lack of representation, inclusion and equity in journalism and committed to finding effective solutions. We welcome applicants from all life experiences and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, people with disabilities, two spirit and non-binary people.

Skills and experience:

We’re most interested in hearing how your own skills, broader experience and qualifications would enhance the role and benefit HCN and the communities we serve and hope to serve across the West. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about the mission and values of HCN, and driven to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in working practices and company culture.

The ideal candidate has a background as an executive level administrative assistant, office administrator or other relevant support role and is able to perform a range of duties that require excellent organizational, project management and problem- solving skills. Able to prioritize daily workloads effectively, they are comfortable taking responsibility for day-to-day decisions.

The position requires high level written communication skills, with the ability to ‘make things happen’. The Executive Assistant is a highly collaborative individual, able to build trust and effective relationships with managers, staff and the board of HCN. They will develop and sustain a level of professionalism, often acting on behalf of the Executive Director & Publisher in communications, upholding a strict level of confidentiality. A proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace applications and Zoom is an advantage.

Compensation and general terms:

Based on 20 hours a week, flexibility will be required from time to time to meet workloads and support HCN meetings and events. Occasional travel to board meetings and corporate events to support the Executive Director may be required. Benefits include paid vacation leave starting at 12 days a year plus 9 HCN paid holiday days each year; paid sick and family leave benefits; a monthly remote work stipend and IT start-up stipend; pro-rata’d for part-time hours.  This is a non-exempt, hourly paid position in the range of $22.84 to $25.37 per hour, dependent on skills and experience.

This is a remote role that may be based anyplace in the Western United States. The ED is based in Seattle, Washington and maintains regular working hours between 8am and 5pm PST.

To apply, please send a résumé and cover letter to careers@hcn.org with “Executive Assistant” in the subject line. Your cover letter should include any personal experience or qualifications you may have, and how you’d bring diversity to bear on the work. Closing date for applications is April 12th, 2022. In your email, please let us know how you heard about the position.

High Country News is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners.  HCN is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.