Description

Leader Dogs for the Blind , based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, has been making people unstoppable for 80 years, empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. To learn more about our mission and campus follow the link to our website here.

Why work at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance after 30 days of employment
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid disability insurance
• 401k with employer match
• Flexible spending account
• Paid time off front loaded on first day of employment
• Annual merit pay increases
• Workout room access
• Dog friendly office

SUMMARY

The Executive Assistant provides a broad range of administrative support to the President & CEO in the highest professional manner, handling details of a confidential and critical nature and exercising judgment and discretion on a daily basis. This position is regularly required to resolve complex administrative problems independently, perform diverse and advanced tasks, and effectively manage all aspects of the CEO’s office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategically manages the CEO’s time and daily schedule, exercising judgment to screen requests and make proactive suggestions; schedules a high volume of appointments and meetings and coordinates the calendars of others in the organization with that of the CEO.
• Ensures that the CEO is prepared for all meetings; collects, researches, and/or prepares all briefing materials, and follows up afterward, as appropriate.
• Assists in the planning and organizing of meetings, events, conferences, etc., coordinating arrangements for participants, handling logistics and preparing and disseminating materials.
• Administers functions of the Board of Trustees and all Board committees, including planning and scheduling of all board and all committee meetings and tracking attendance, sending materials out in advance of meetings, attending all meetings, taking and preparing minutes of all meetings, and preparing and sending all correspondence to the Board for the CEO and all others within the organization.
• Handles administration of governance responsibilities for the organization, including tracking personal information and lists, appointments and resignations of all Trustees, Honorary Trustees, Volunteer non-Trustees and Foundation Directors, planning and tracking Trustee orientations and orientation activities, and administering and completing Board member summaries of engagement.
• Assists CEO with philanthropic responsibilities, including inputting solicitation information for donors in Raiser’s Edge, setting up solicitation meetings, scheduling calls, etc.
• Responsible for developing and preparing solid and professional written correspondence including emails, reports, correspondence, speeches, presentations, etc. on the CEO’s behalf.
• Handles the general financial duties of the Executive Office, including preparing expense reports for the CEO and reviewing monthly financial statements for the Executive Office.
• Handles confidential information which would have immediate, potentially negative impact on the organization if shared beyond its intended audience.
• Makes travel arrangements for the CEO on a regular basis and provides thorough details on logistics as well as appropriate briefing materials.
• Handles and screens incoming calls for the CEO in an appropriate manner, exercising discretion and using independent judgment to determine those requiring priority attention, and those that can be channeled to other areas in the organization.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Associates degree plus three to five years of progressively responsible experience supporting high level administrator/executive; bachelor’s degree preferred. Additional years of experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Must have demonstrated experience in roles requiring the ability to work independently, anticipate next steps, take initiative, exercise discretion and sound judgment, and work collaboratively as a member of the team.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Outstanding interpersonal skills and professional integrity to handle sensitive and confidential situations; position continually requires demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with a diverse set of people, including Board members, all levels of staff, students, donors, volunteers, visitors and guests.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills, a positive and enthusiastic attitude, and strong research and analytical skills.
• Possess basic understanding of finance and accounting methods.
• Position requires extreme and continual attention to detail, and strong writing ability.
• This position may be required to be on campus when deemed necessary at the direction of management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and competing tasks and demands, and work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Possess leadership skills, talent to take on many projects, have a very professional demeanor with a positive, “can do” attitude.
• Sound business judgment, exercise professional conduct, understand and follow business ethics and standards, and maintain a high level of confidentiality in all duties.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of the CEO.
• Proficient in latest version of Microsoft Office products.
• Must be comfortable with and willing to work around large dogs.
• Willing to perform general public relations duties on behalf of Leader Dog (perform tours, answer general questions, be a professional and courteous representative of Leader Dog, etc.).
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, productive and courteous interactions with employees that promote positive teamwork, as well as with volunteers, donors, clients and all constituents of Leader Dog. This encompasses going beyond giving and receiving instructions and includes but is not limited to (a) performing work activities requiring interacting or speaking with others; and (b) responding appropriately to constructive feedback or suggestions for improvement from a supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Upon receiving notice, reasonable accommodations may be made, if possible, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange accurate information using various methods including in-person, telephone and email. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Leader Dogs for the Blind reserves the right to change, amend, add, delete, and otherwise assign any and all duties, responsibilities and position title as it deems necessary to meet the needs of its business.

Leader Dogs for the Blind is an at-will employer. This means that the employment relationship may be ended at any time without notice by the employer or employee for any reason. Neither this document, nor any manual issued by Leader Dogs for the Blind, is a contract of employment.