Assistant to Executive Director - Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity

  • Full-time

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

CEO’s Guiding Principles

  • We believe city government has the responsibility to provide opportunities to and promote the well-being of all citizens while representing their best interests.
  • We believe the people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, and full lives.
  • We believe people can offer meaningful insights into both their personal experiences and how the systems around them function.
  • We believe poverty is a systemic issue and city government can lead in dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities.

CEO’s Values

  • Dignity: How we treat the community we serve is reflective of how we treat each other.
  • Inclusivity: We all benefit when the talents and contributions of all members are available to our communities.
  • Persistence: When we get discouraged, we find ways to lift each other up and push forward.
  • Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.
  • Honesty: We create a safe space without judgment to have healthy and honest dialogue about systems, people and misconceptions.

Job Description

The Executive Assistant is a key staff position that provides high level administrative support and manages the functions of the executive office. This position works closely with the Executive Team, composed of the Executive Director and two Deputy Executive Directors, and reports directly to the Executive Director. Key responsibilities include working independently on difficult clerical tasks or complex projects while demonstrating professionalism and confidentiality when handling all matters; composing Oversight Board minutes and routine correspondence; interacting with departmental directors and managers on behalf of the Executive Director and address direct inquiries, assist, and troubleshoot; participate in team activities with other staff members. The Executive Assistant is the primary liaison to external working groups and governing bodies on behalf of the Executive Director and must skillfully manage external communication with the Oversight Board and high-level public officials. The Executive Assistant will seek to preserve CEO’s positive reputation and will model high ethical conduct and inclusion throughout the organization. 

Executive Staff Assistance:

  • Works with Executive Director and Deputy Executive Directors to ensure effective interaction and communication with the Managing Director’s Office, Oversight Board, staff, multiple constituency groups and stakeholders.
  • Serve as a liaison for Executive Director to external parties and attend meetings in the executive’s absence
  • Provide full administrative support to ensure that the office of the Executive Director operates in an efficient manner.
  • Establish and maintain administrative, reference, and filing systems for current files and archives
  • Maintain a calendar of the Executive Director’s activities, meetings, and various events
  • Assemble and/or coordinate the preparation of various reports, memoranda, correspondence, and various documentation and presentation materials
  • Schedule conferences, travel and meetings arrangements, including coordinating room set-up and preparation of agenda for organizational gatherings such as monthly Roundtables and the annual Summit
  • Conserve the Executive Director’s time by reviewing, researching, and summarizing a variety of fiscal, statistical, and administrative information; initiating telecommunications

Project Management:

  • Manage discrete projects providing support to various departments to improve effectiveness by increasing collaborative practices.
  • Provide direct support or assign support to senior staff and managers on distinct projects
  • Support communications / PR activity and manage Executive Director’s social media presence.
  • Support planning and execution of community engagement activities on behalf of the Executive Director or agency
  • Support HR in the planning and execution of the annual formal staff retreat and associated events
  • Support HR in intern/volunteer recruitment and retention activities.

Liaison to the Oversight Board:

  • Provide continuous support to CEO Oversight Board to increase Board performance in supporting the administration.
  • Provide all logistical and document preparation support (agendas and handouts) for meetings of the Oversight Board and subcommittees.
  • Interface directly with Board members in the coordination of meeting and events.
  • Record and prepare minutes for Board and subcommittee meetings.
  • Prepare, maintain and archive meetings, resolutions and other Board documents.

Professional Development:

  • Enhance professional competence through on-going developmental activities.
  • Demonstrate active participation in virtual and in-person training opportunities
  • Complete City mandated training and CEO’s professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
  • 3+ years in a similar position
  • Adept at Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, Excel, and PPT
  • Experience in using collaboration tools and platforms
  • Experience using resources to research and summarize topics that pertain to the strategic framework
  • Project management, procurement, or accounting experience a plus

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Successful characteristics include:

  • Ability to demonstrate confidentiality
  • Exhibiting sound judgment and the ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction
  • Demonstrating adaptability and strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize while showing particular attention to detail
  • Excellent oral and written communication, time management, technology, and analytical skills are also essential
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
  • Must be able to work evening and weekend hours, as required

Additional Information

Please submit a cover letter, resume and reference list with your application. Applications without all documents will not be considered.

Did you know?

  • We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
  • Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
  • We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
  • Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
  • Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Generous retirement savings options are available 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

CEO is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from all candidates.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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