The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a community where people who care about global affairs can connect — in person or virtually — with each other and with global leaders, influencers, and experts to explore ideas that will shape our future.
If you are passionate about our work, bringing people together and our mission that drives our work, apply today.
THE CHICAGO COUNCIL ON GLOBAL AFFAIRS MISSION
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Serving as the principal support to the Vice President, Studies and the Managing Director, Center on Global Food & Agriculture, the Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative and project support, ensuring the executives are organized and prepared for all Council activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Serve as the gatekeeper and principal support to the Vice President and the Managing Director, handling the information flow in/out of the office and proactively researching, prioritizing, and following up on inquires and determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response; preemptively prepare the executives by advising on any pertinent information
Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks including: managing active calendars of meetings, conference calls, speaking engagements, and travel; composing/preparing and proofing/editing correspondence for executive signatures; arranging detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas for domestic and international travel; completing expense reports and other accounting/budgeting reconciliation
Support and execute varying projects and tasks, including creating PowerPoint presentations with complex graphs, Excel spreadsheets, and other documents, and conducting research
Handle meeting logistics and prepare required materials; research and acquire relevant information about people and organizations with whom the executives are scheduled to meet; reserve/set up/break down conference rooms for meetings and arrange for technology needs and refreshments
Attend/prepare for weekly team meetings, take notes, and track action items
Provide support at Council events approximately 3 – 4 times monthly (registration, ushering, etc.), requiring some evening and early morning hours
Occasionally assist at the front desk to relieve Reception and Database Services Assistant in meeting/greeting Council constituents and handling incoming calls
Perform other projects as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and 3+ years of experience as an assistant to a senior corporate, nonprofit, or think tank executive, demonstrated interest and/or background in international affairs, public policy, agriculture/international development, and research a plus
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including superb attention to details; superb interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with people at all levels using courtesy and discretion
Ability to multitask and work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced, demanding environment with conflicting and changing priorities
Superior computer skills, including extensive knowledge of and experience using MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (Microsoft Office 365 version preferred), and various databases (Salesforce preferred)
Great initiative and a proactive spirit (e.g. the ability to anticipate executives’ needs)
Collaborative team player
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is an independent, nonpartisan organization that provides insight on crucial global issues, advances policy solutions, and fosters dialogue about what is happening in the world and why it matters to the people in Chicago, the United States and around the globe. As the premier, nonpartisan global affairs organization in America's heartland, we believe an informed, engaged public with access to fact-based and balanced views on global issues helps to ensure effective US engagement and supports a more inclusive, equitable, and secure world.
We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, handicap or disability, marital status, military service or veteran status, genetic information, or for any other reason prohibited by applicable law.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
We are committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the fabric of the Council, and we believe people — their identities, experiences, beliefs, knowledge, and ideas — are critical to our success and to global affairs. We will elevate diverse voices and identities and a full range of perspectives, advance equitable and inclusive access to exploring and shaping ideas, and ensure our organization reflects the diversity of Chicago, our nation, and the world.
To learn more, visit: https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/about-us/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-council
Vaccination Statement
For the safety and well-being of our staff, the Council requires that all prospective employees submit proof of an up-to-date COVID vaccination and booster record or seek a reasonable accommodation for a religious or medical reason prior to their first day of employment.