Special Assistant & Project Administrator – Urban Institute (DC)

Who: Urban Institute, Research to Action Lab

What: The special assistant and project administrator will support the Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) and Vice President of the Research to Action Lab. S/he is responsible for ensuring the seamless execution of all the CIOs activities and daily schedule with a high degree of professionalism, sensitivity to important relationships, and attentiveness to issues requiring the CIO's attention. S/he will also manage special projects as needed. Ideally, this individual will have an interest in better understanding the Washington policy landscape, the broad range of social and economic issues addressed by Urban Institute researchers, and nonprofit organizational management, as well as be motivated to pursue a career in policy or a related field.
The ideal candidate will be well equipped to function in a fast-paced office under dynamic conditions. S/he will be entrepreneurial, solutions-oriented and experienced in envisioning, implementing and managing organizational systems that accommodate large influxes of information and utilize the full range of modern office software and communications technology. The special assistant will be able to work independently on projects, from conception to completion. Responsibilities include:
• Anticipate and manage needs related to scheduling, meetings, events and conferences, travel, and correspondence
• Prepare briefing memos and background research to prepare the Chief Innovation Officer for internal meetings and external engagements
• Manage an extremely active calendar of appointments and arrange complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries and agendas
• Compose and monitor email correspondence.
• Support the CIOs social media activity
• Represent the CIO in drafting correspondence, answering questions, and responding to requests directed to the CIO
• Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the CIO, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Use judgment to determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response
• Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, and follow-through on projects to successful completion
• Manage an organizational system for the CIO's contacts, including coordination with a new customer relationship management system
• Manage logistics for some internal meetings and events
• Manage special projects on behalf of the CIO
• Other duties as assigned by the CIO

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree required. Degree in Politics, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology or related fields preferred
• One to two years of work experience working in a fast-paced office environment.
• Ability to communicate with diplomacy, professionalism, and tact; excellent relationship management skills
• Experience working with federal, state, local policymakers, philanthropic and/or non-profits leaders is a plus
• Experience managing an active chief executive’s calendar is preferred.
• Ability to work with functional groups, internal stakeholders, and different levels of employees to effectively and professionally achieve results and promote a collaborative and supportive environment
• Proven ability to consistently manage and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and relationships
• A core understanding of the public policy environment, its constituents and relationships.
• Ability to develop solutions to challenges that require the regular use of creativity, initiative, and excellent communications skills to ensure solutions are consistent with organizational objectives
• Solid experience envisioning, implementing and managing comprehensive information management systems that handle large amounts of email, requests, and other office demands
• A core understanding of the public policy environment, its constituents and relationships.
• Ability to suggest improvements or innovations of broadly accepted tasks, methods, or processes
• Strong communication and project management skills with experience managing multiple tasks and assignments while maintaining attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to compose formal business correspondence and replicate personal tone and style
• Sound judgment and discretion and a track record demonstrating an ability to make difficult decisions
• Ability to make effective decisions within boundaries of roles, responsibilities, and authorities
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building and teamwork skills.
• Strong sense of initiative and acute foresight
• Familiarity with Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, and other web-based applications and communications hardware such as, iPad and iPhone, is required
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM software is a plus
• Unfaltering personal integrity, work ethic and dependability
• Ability to clearly and consistently demonstrate respect, professionalism, and good judgement with all people

Read the full posting and apply here.