Executive Assistant - World Resources Institute - Washington, DC

Overview

The pace of urbanization today is unprecedented in human history, creating huge challenges and vast opportunities for progress. By 2030, the world’s cities are expected to add another 1.5 billion people and possibly 1 billion more vehicles. In order to address these pressing issues, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities was established in 2014 following a $30.5 million contribution from Stephen M. Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies and a WRI Board member. The Center will partner with leading financial, business, and city institutions—like the World Bank and Regional Development Banks, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), C40, ICLEI, and UN Habitat. In collaboration with these and other local and global partners, we will seek to catalyze compact urban growth, implement game-changing solutions and policies, and develop performance tools and research, and scale-up best practices to other cities.

The Executive Assistant will enhance the effectiveness of the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities by providing administrative support for the Global Director of the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities. The ideal Executive Assistant will have extensive experience in multi-cultural environment and will be a detail-oriented and highly organized individual. The position serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters pertaining to the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities and serves as a liaison to Country office Directors, Project Area leaders, and high-level external contacts such as donors and partners.

This role functions as a close partner with the Director and Senior Management by anticipating needs, proactively resolving issues, assisting in the management of deliverable deadlines and ensuring timely preparation for upcoming events and commitments. The Executive Assistant assists in the organization, prioritization and overall management of the Director’s schedule by evaluating internal and external resources and effectively handling issues as they arise. The position organizes and coordinates internal and external events and helps coordinating special projects. Administrative support includes preparation and monitoring of expense reports, timesheets, and arrangement of domestic and international travel plans.

Responsibilities

The Executive Assistant’s key responsibilities will include:

• Create a strategy for scheduling and agenda-setting to help Global Director identify and prioritize fundraising, speaking and partnership opportunities
  


• Use office software to create drafts and summaries, including e-mails and meeting pre-briefs and de-briefs
  


• Work with the Communications team to prepare the Global Director for speaking engagements
  


• Work with the Communications team to manage the Global Director’s external profile (blogs, social media, etc.)
  


• Work with the Development team to ensure proper communication with donors
  


• Organize Director-led internal meetings, as well as those with external guests; take minutes , order catering and track follow-up as necessary
  


• Ensure appropriate follow-up to all internal and external engagements
  


• Play a lead role in the organization of team retreats and activities
  


• I dentify opportunities and execute actions to improve operational efficiency
  


• Provide administrative support to Global Director by follow-up emails and phone calls; field and delegate emails and phone calls for follow-up by others
  


• Ensure efficient and results-driven workflow management for the Global Director’s office
  


• Provides project information and status to support the Global Director’s decision making process
  


• Constantly improve communications among the team and with partners and donors
  


• Prepare and monitor expense reports and timesheets and take action to ensure financial objectives are met
  


• Arrange travel plans, both international and domestic
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree minimum
  


• Superior organization skills and attention to detail
  


• Minimum 2-3 years full time experience working as a business personal assistant, special assistant, or executive assistant (or similar role)
  


• Ability to be flexible and can work independently or in a team environment
  


• Ability to maintain key relationships, both internal and externalSet priorities and solves a range of general problems independently
  


• Demonstrates creativity and innovation in solving problems
  


• Ability to maintain confidentiality
  


• Professional demeanor and superior people skills
  


• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point) and the Internet;
  


• Ability to learn and use software applications that are used by WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities;
  


• Flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and guiding investment in people and systems
  


• Excellent oral and written communication skills; Mandarin, Spanish or Portuguese a plus.
  


• Commitment to WRI’s mission and values and interest in environmental issues.
  

Final candidate will be required to take a writing test.

Salary and Benefits: Salary is commensurate with experience and skills. WRI offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package

Location: Washington, DC

Qualified applicants should apply online at www.wri.org/careers . All applications must be submitted online through this career portal in order to be formally considered.

The World Resources Institute ( http://www.wri.org/wri ) is an environmental and development research and policy organization that creates solutions to protect the Earth and improve people’s lives. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is WRI’s policy to recruit, hire, and provide opportunities for advancement in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, parental status, protected veteran status, or disability. WRI’s global agenda requires a staff that is diverse – with respect to race, gender, cultural, and international background. Diverse perspectives and experience enhance the way WRI selects and approaches issues, as well as the creativity and applicability of WRI’s policy research and analysis. WRI, therefore, encourages applications from U.S. minorities, persons from other countries (especially developing nations), and from women of all backgrounds.

About WRI

Established in 1982, WRI is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization respected globally by policymakers, non-governmental organizations, and corporate leaders.

WRI’s reputation is grounded in its excellent analysis, non-partisan approach, and high-impact results. We measure our success based on how our work helps to create real-world change on the ground—and approach we call “Managing for Results.”

WRI’s work is united by and driven by our values: Innovation, Integrity, Urgency, Independence, and Respect.

WRI fosters a culture of innovative ideas, working collaboratively, and thinking independently. WRI employees are driven by the organization’s mission and have the satisfaction of helping to create a more prosperous and healthy planet.

Learn more about our organization at www.wri.org .

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WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, and the United States. Our more than 450 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action to sustain our natural resources—the foundation of economic opportunity and human well-being.

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