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Executive Assistant , Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this mission, the Foundations seek to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. On a local level, the Open Society Foundations implement a range of initiatives to advance justice, education, public health, and independent media. At the same time, we build alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The Foundations place a high priority on protecting and improving the lives of people in marginalized communities.

Investor and philanthropist George Soros established the Open Society Foundations, starting in 1984, to help countries make the transition from communism. Our activities have grown to encompass the United States and more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. Each Foundation relies on the expertise of boards composed of eminent citizens who determine individual agendas based on local priorities.

The Open Society Foundations’ U.S. Programs is seeking an Executive Assistant to support the Director.

The Open Society Foundations’ U.S. Programs works to build a vibrant society that invites all people to participate fully in civic, economic, and cultural life. It supports efforts to advance equality, fairness, and justice with a focus on the most vulnerable and marginalized communities and the most significant threats to open society in the U.S.

U.S. Programs supports grantmaking, programming, and policy initiatives that:

  • ensure fair criminal justice, immigration, and national security policies, and reduce the over-reliance on incarceration and harsh punishment;
  • increase the transparency, integrity, and accountability of institutions vital to open society;
  • build an inclusive society that increases opportunity for all while addressing the unique struggles faced by women, people of color, immigrants, poor people, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans;
  • promote civic participation and develop new leaders, especially among communities that have been historically underrepresented.
Purpose of Position

Provide general administrative support to the Director. Work is carried out under general supervision.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following; OSI may add, change, or remove essential and other duties at any time.

Administrative

  • Screen incoming calls and correspondence; direct to appropriate department staff;
  • Draft routine project correspondence;
  • Maintain calendar for the Director, including scheduling and confirming meetings, reserving meeting rooms, and organizing materials;
  • Maintain departmental filing system, contact list and files; oversees electronic mail distribution lists;
  • Assist with administrative and logistical issues for meetings, including travel arrangements and briefing materials;
  • Arrange for approval of payments for staff, consultants and grantees.

Research

  • Gather and organize briefing materials in advance of meetings;
  • As directed, conduct internet research for materials, provided to Director.

Financial/Legal

  • Advise staff of OSF financial and legal procedures and implementation;
  • Review consultant proposals for content in keeping with OSF project descriptions;
  • Maintain a list of contracts both pending and approved;
  • Assist with preparation of the administrative annual budget.

Other

  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Education / Experience

Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and three to five years of relevant experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Office management and executive assistant experience required.
  • Basic financial expertise and budgeting background helpful.
Skills Required
  • Excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical and interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office;
  • Skilled to conduct basic internet research;
  • Exercise good listening skills and communicates clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds;
  • Works as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation;
  • Proven ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment; troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, consistently on schedule, without loss of attention to detail and budget;
  • Pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with senior management, co-workers and the general public.
Work Environment and Physical Demands

Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application Instructions

Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements. Include job code in subject line: EA-USP.

Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Deadline:
July 20, 2012
Include job code in subject line: EA-USP
Mail:

Open Society Foundations
Human Resources – Code EA-USP
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

Fax:
1.646.557.2672