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About the David Suzuki Foundation

Always grounded in sound evidence, the David Suzuki Foundation empowers people to take action in their communities on the environmental challenges we collectively face. Through evidence-based research, policy analysis, education and citizen empowerment, we conserve and protect the natural environment to create a sustainable Canada.

Our mission is to protect nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future. Our vision is that we all act every day on the understanding that we are One with Nature. #OneNature

You can learn more about us at www.davidsuzuki.org

The David Suzuki Foundation hires on the basis of merit and understands that merit is strengthened by equality and diversity.  The Foundation prioritizes a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. 

Title: Executive Assistant to the Executive Director (ED), Deputy Executive Director (DED) & Executive Office

Terms: Permanent full-time (4-day week). Flexibility required to work outside of regular hours and occasional weekends.

Location: Based out of the Vancouver office, remote work during COVID-19

Reporting to: ED and DED

Salary: 55-65k based on experience

• Are you a talented and experienced Executive Assistant who wants to work for the good of Canadian climate and communities?
• Are you passionate about supporting new leadership and an executive team, and working for a great organization that has a strong commitment to support the protection of nature’s diversity and the well-being of all life, now and for the future?

About the Role

We are a group of talented, bright and passionate people working to make a difference in the world. We are looking for a collaborative and solutions-oriented Executive Assistant who will play a critical role in the success of the Executive Director, Deputy ED and the executive team.

This is an exciting time at the David Suzuki Foundation and this role is an exciting opportunity for the right person. You would be helping our new ED and Deputy ED transition fully into their roles, and you’d be a part of a new chapter in the Foundation’s history and working in service of our new strategic plan.

You would provide a broad range of administrative support to the leaders of the Foundation.

Who You Are

You’re an expert at executive support and administration and management team coordination and you take pride in providing a high level of service for the ED and the DED. You thrive as an engaged and effective team player with strong inter-personal skills.

You’re energetic and enjoy dynamic work that is committed to an important mission, and is results driven and community oriented. You really care about the environment.

You love your work and thrive in a fast-paced stimulating environment.  You are an effective communicator and a clear and precise writer.

You are a creative problem solver who knows how to effectively connect and track work for your ED and DED. You are a professional and an expert in administrative and organizational skills, and you have a natural ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple and conflicting priorities.

Your super power is your ability to exercise good judgement in all situations. You work well in collaboration or independently, and under pressure to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide administrative support to ED and Deputy.
• Support the management team functions.
• Provide “gatekeeper” support while creating win-win situations for direct access to the ED & DED’s time.
• Demonstrate leadership to maintain credibility, trust and support with senior management and staff.
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality in communications with all board members.
• Research, prioritize and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the ED & DED including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determine appropriate course of action, referral or response.
• Work closely and effectively with ED & DED to keep well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities and following up appropriately.
• Complete critical aspects of deliverables including drafting acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence and other tasks.
• Work on special projects and other tasks as assigned.
• Participate as a member of the senior management team including scheduling and facilitating meetings, attending all meetings, coordinating agendas and recording meeting minutes.
• Other Duties as Required

What You Bring to the Role - Skills, Experience & Knowledge

Education and Experience:

• 3-5 years’ work experience in a senior executive assistance role preferably supporting C-level executives. 
• Undergraduate level studies or equivalent experience as asset.

Skill Set and Qualities:

• Strong personal interest and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and vision.
• Must love administrative duties and take pride in performing with speed and accuracy.
• Able to support extremely busy, highly professional individuals in a fast-paced, demanding environment by taking initiative, prioritizing needs, and meeting tight deadlines.
• Exceptional communication skills – both oral and written. Fluent French/English bilingualism strongly preferred.
• Focused, positive attitude, flexible and self-motivated.
• Strong organizational and research skills.
• Good judgement, discernment and diplomacy.
• Discrete and confidential, calm, warm and professional.
• Anticipatory sense; you have strong personal EQ.
• Proactive approach to problem solving. Good memory and systems to make sure things happen when they have to. 
• Exceptional inter-personable skills in building harmonious working relationships with board members, co-workers, donors and the general public. Team player and independent worker.
• Proven ability to make decisions and maintain confidentiality.
• Proven ability to identify creative solutions that address time, budget and quality.
• Negotiating skills. You understand how to manage through influence.
• Emotional maturity required. Loyal, patient, tolerant, even-tempered.
• Expert with tech, online, Microsoft Office and Teams, Zoom, Word, Excel, design/presentation, social media and database applications. Basic design graphic principles an asset.

What You Get                                                    

• Being part of a team of superstars
• Involvement with an environmental mission that is critical to our times
• Generous benefit package
• 4-day work week
• Amazing work culture with smart colleagues that care
• An experience working in an organization with a focus on technology

Please submit your cover letter and your resume online and submit your application by going to https://davidsuzuki.org/careers/

The position will stay open until it is filled.  Only qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews.

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, Indigenous People(s), First Nations, Inuk/ Inuit and Métis candidates, racialized persons, and persons with different abilities to apply.