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Executive Assistant, MPC, Chicago

The Metropolitan Planning Council is seeking an Executive Assistant to MPC President MarySue Barrett. 

Executive Assistant


The Opportunity
MPC seeks a detail-minded Executive Assistant who possesses enthusiasm for MPC's agenda and an eagerness to assist our leadership in furthering our mission. The Executive Assistant provides administrative, programmatic and organizational  support and reports directly to the President.
The Position
The Executive Assistant is responsible for:
  •  scheduling, coordinating, and handling meeting preparation and follow-up and occasional travel arrangements  for the President;
  • coordinating Board and Executive Committee meetings, including drafting agendas and correspondence, communicating needs and deadlines to relevant staff member  and preparing  meeting  minutes;
  • managing logistics for board meetings, committee meetings, roundtables  and other events;
  • daily monitoring of and handling responses to emails directed to the President and initiating social media posts;
  • assisting the President and  the  Vice President of  Philanthropy with development and  fundraising responsibilities;
  • researching, drafting and producing memos. correspondence and blog posts for a diverse set of audiences and partners;
  • fielding phone calls and emails, managing  mass mailings, assisting with  hospitality needs in common  office spaces and other general administrative  tasks;
  • providing program  support  to the transportation and regional investments team;
  • facilitating smooth internal communication between program, research, communications and development staff; and
  • updating MPC's Raiser's Edge constituent database and Outlook.
MPC is looking  for an intelligent, highly organized, personable individual who  thrives in a collegial work  environment and can juggle multiple  deadlines at once. The preferred candidate will have a bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of work experience. Prior administrative experience and policy interest/experience is strongly preferred. The last two individuals in this position were promoted, demonstrating our commitment to advancement. The ideal candidate  will have the following core competencies of highly successful MPC employees:
  • Entrepreneurial: a self-starter, able to proactively identify, prioritize and complete tasks, handle multiple projects and deadlines and work in a fast-paced environment, able to chart a course and map out the path to a problem solution, and extremely detail-oriented
  • Relationship Builder: able to develop sincere connections and establish rapport with diverse groups and individuals, able to maintain and cultivate relationships even during conflict
  •  Passionate, Eager and Positive: passionate about the issues that MPC addresses and committed to supporting the organization's mission, able to contribute positively to group problem solving, always seeking solutions, volunteering and taking initiative
  • Curious: demonstrates desire for lifelong learning and self-improvement, engaged in the news and current  events, not afraid to ask why and seek to understand context
  • Team Player: capable and willing to work collaboratively with  staff and volunteers, consult the team for guidance, value positive contributions, tap strengths of all staff and ask for help when  needed
  • Strong Communicator: an excellent writer and communicator who can competently represent the organization and its work  to the public, board members, donors and audiences of all kinds
  • Analytical Thinker: able to identify root causes and causal relationships, challenge assumptions and identify pros and cons of possible paths forward
  • Socially and Emotionally Intelligent: able to read people and situations, anticipate reactions, read between the lines, and be aware of emotional  reactions
Since 1934, the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) has been dedicated to shaping a more sustainable and prosperous greater Chicago region.  As an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, MPC serves communities and residents by developing, promoting and implementing solutions for sound regional  growth.
How to Apply
Please send the following materials by e-mail or mail:
  1. A letter detailing how your experience relates to the job description;
  2. Your resume and salary history;
  3. A brief writing sample; and
  4. Three references.
Skyler Larrimore
Metropolitan Planning Council
140 S. Dearborn, Suite 1400
Chicago, Ill. 60603
slarrimore@metroplanning.org
No phone calls please. MPC is an equal opportunity employer. 
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