What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO position at PathForward?
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Location: Arlington, VA
Job Type: Full-Time, In-Office 5 days a week
Organization: PathForward
Are you a highly organized, proactive professional with exceptional attention to detail? PathForward is seeking a dynamic Executive Assistant to the CEO to provide critical support and help drive the organization’s strategic goals. This is more than just an administrative role—it’s an opportunity to be at the center of a mission-driven organization making a real impact in the community.
This role is ideal for someone who thinks critically, takes initiative, and approaches problem-solving with confidence and tact. Success in this position requires strong communication skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to ask thoughtful questions. If you thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, excel at staying organized and adaptable, and have experience in event planning and logistics, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!
Key Responsibilities:
Executive & Administrative Support:
Serve as the strategic administrative partner to the CEO, managing day-to-day responsibilities such as scheduling, meeting coordination, and prioritization of inquiries. Ensure consistent attention to detail and accuracy when managing the CEO’s schedule and materials, anticipating potential issues before they arise.
Manage all logistics for Board of Directors, Committee and Council meetings, including preparation of materials, agendas, and documentation. Ensure thorough and timely preparation for every meeting, with a focus on planning ahead to prevent last-minute challenges. Maintain Boardable (board management software) to ensure that all governance documents are up-to-date and easily accessible for smooth Board operations.
Oversee the CEO’s complex schedule, coordinating both internal and external engagements. Manage all meeting logistics, ensuring that the CEO is well-prepared, and all materials are organized and proofed as needed. Be prepared to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and schedules.
Support the CEO with internal and external initiatives: employee recognition initiatives, tracking birthdays, anniversaries, and maintaining board and staff administrative tasks. Ensure all relevant projects are completed in a timely and organized manner.
Communication Liaison:
- Act as the primary point of contact for the CEO, ensuring timely communication with internal and external stakeholders, including Board members, staff, donors, and community leaders. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism.
Project Management & Special Assignments:
- Support the CEO with various projects, including staff meetings, event planning, and reporting. Demonstrate initiative and a solutions-oriented approach, identifying and addressing challenges proactively. Manage all projects with high levels of detail and thoroughness, meeting deadlines and organizational standards.
- Use project management tools (PathForward uses ASANA), to organize and carry out various complex projects and workflows.
Senior Leaders Support:
- Support members of the Senior Leadership team with special projects as assigned by the CEO. This may include cross-departmental coordination, project management, and contributing to high-level initiatives.
Mission Engagement:
- Actively engage with PathForward’s mission, helping the CEO to further the organization’s goals through strategic partnerships and interactions with community stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum of 7 years as an Executive Assistant, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
- Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Boardable and ASANA a plus.
- Governance Knowledge: Familiarity with nonprofit governance and Board of Directors support is preferred.
- Detail Orientation: The ability to ensure error-free preparation and coordination of logistics, events, projects, and board materials is essential.
- Organization & Flexibility: Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
- Integrity & Professionalism: Strong commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and discretion.
- Project Management: Experience using project management tools to track and oversee initiatives.
Why Join Us?
At PathForward, we are dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and helping them find stability. This role is an opportunity to work closely with our leadership team and contribute to a mission that makes a lasting difference.
PathForward has a rich benefits package, 403b retirement plan with discretionary company match, and transportation stipend for full-time employees.
Please reach out to our Human Resources department at hr@pfva.org with any questions!