Executive Assistant to the President About MPV Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) is a faith-based, grassroots, international human rights organization that embodies and advocates for the traditional Qur’anic values of social justice and equality for all, for the 21st Century. Our work can be divided into three buckets: 1. U.S. Domestic: as the progressive Muslim voice for human rights and social justice, MPV is often called upon to sign on to various campaigns, contribute to amicus briefs, partner with various coalitions on specific and broad umbrella organizations, serve as advisory board and steering committee members; participate in various inter-faith initiatives; participate as community partners with performing and production companies; organize our annual fundraiser Celebration of Life; liaise and partner with the various Mayor’s offices’ and their city initiatives; raise awareness of issues on gender equality, LGBT rights, freedom of expression and freedom of religion and belief in the context of Islam. 2. Global Project: we work with MPV’s chapters and partner organizations at the grassroots level on initiatives that advances our values, change hearts and minds, and counters extremist ideologies; and we engage with governments and policy makers. 3. United Nations: we work at the U.N. both in New York and at the Human Rights Council in Geneva; we challenge human rights abuses perpetuated in the name of Islam by Muslim majority countries; file shadow reports through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism; host panels and forums in our effort to educate diplomats, policy makers and the fora of NGOs of our progressive Muslim perspectives on human rights. Job Description: This position offers the opportunity to learn, grow and impact individuals and communities as part of a dynamic and influential international human rights organization. Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Assistant provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship. The Executive Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the Office of the President. The Executive Assistant will: assist the President in all aspects of her job implementing the programs of MPV; organize and coordinate executive outreach and external relations efforts local, national, globally and at the United Nations; oversees special projects; serve as a liaison to the board of trustees and MPV teams. The Executive Assistant must be creative and enjoy working within a small, entrepreneurial environment that is mission-driven, results-driven and community oriented. The ideal individual will exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, bring strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills, and excel at managing multiple priorities. The Executive Assistant will have the ability to work independently on projects, from conception to completion, and must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. This job is a new position in the organization; there is the possibility take on additional responsibilities over time.
Roles and Responsibilities Executive Support • Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks for the President: manage an extremely active calendar of appointments; complete expense reports; compose and prepare correspondence that is sometimes confidential; arrange complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; and compile documents for travel-related meetings. • Plan, coordinate and ensure the President's schedule is followed and respected. Provide "gatekeeper" and "gateway" role, creating win-win situations for direct access to the President's time and office. • Communicate directly, and on behalf of the President, with Foundation staff, and others, on matters related to President’s programmatic initiatives. • Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the President, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determine appropriate course of action, referral, or response. • Provide a bridge for smooth communication between the President's office and internal departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust and support with staff. • Work closely and effectively with the President to keep her well informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, following up appropriately. • Act as a "barometer," having a sense for the issues taking place in the environment and keeping the President updated. • Provide leadership to build relationships crucial to the success of the organization, and manage a variety of special projects for the President, some of which may have organizational impact. • Successfully complete critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the President’s ability to effectively lead the organization. • Prioritize conflicting needs; handle matters expeditiously, proactively, and follow-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures. Board Support and Liaison • Serve as the President's administrative liaison to MPV’s board of trustees • Assist board members with travel arrangements, lodging, and meal planning as needed • Maintain discretion and confidentiality in relationships with all board members • Adhere to compliance with applicable rules and regulations set in bylaws regarding board and board committee matters, including advance distribution of materials before meetings in electronic/paper format. Management Liaison • Participate as an adjunct member of the Executive Team including assisting in scheduling meetings and attending all meetings • Assist in coordinating the agenda of team meetings and off-sites, and all staff meetings • Facilitate cross-divisional coordination of travel and outreach plans Communications, Partnerships, and Outreach
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Responds to requests for materials regarding the President and the organization Edit and complete first drafts for written communications to external stakeholders
Strategic Initiatives • Work with the President in coordinating her outreach activities • Follow up on contacts made by the President and support the cultivation of ongoing relationships • Create acknowledgement letters from the President to donors Qualifications • Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail • Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners and donors • Excellent written and verbal communication, and teaching skills • Proficiency in progressive Islamic theology • Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability • Emotional maturity • Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to be extremely effective independently • Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service and response • Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast paced environment • Strategic and forward looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions Education and Experience Requirements • Bachelor's degree required, Master’s program in non-profit management a plus • Strong work tenure: five to 10 years of experience, preferably in a non-profit organization • Experience and interest in internal and external communications, partnership development, and fundraising from foundations and individuals • Experience in media relations a plus • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point), Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms. Comments: • •
Compensation commensurate with experience and benefits Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to info@mpvusa.org with Executive Assistant in the subject line. No phone calls please.