Executive Assistant/Trustee Liaison
The Nature Conservancy
Administration
Chester, NJ, USA
USD 91k-96k / year
What We Can Achieve Together:
The NJ Executive Assistant/Trustee Liaison will be responsible for providing direct administrative support to a senior manager or a high-level business unit director.
This role supports the New Jersey Chapter’s Board of Trustees and Conservancy Council and works closely with leadership to enhance Trustee engagement. Additionally, they also serve as a key contact for Trustees, donors, and partners.
This key team member serves as Trustee Liaison to the chapter's Board of Trustees and liaison to the chapter’s conservancy council responsible for all aspects of planning and organizing trustee and council and council meetings and events. They will Serve as a key contact for Trustees, donors, and partners; work closely with the Executive Director and Director of Development to design and implement a highly engaging board member experience.
The NJ Executive Assistant/Trustee Liaison will assist the State Director and Director of Development on various other projects as the need arises, providing input for the establishment and implementation of new development initiatives or the improvement of existing programs. Such duties may include, but are not limited to, a more significant role in donor stewardship activities and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team.
The NJ Executive Assistant/Trustee Liaison will also provide high- level administrative support to the State Director and Director of Development including domestic and international travel arrangements, meeting and special events logistics, calendar management, drafting correspondence, and processing expenses. They will communicate on behalf of their supervisor and will have substantial contact with stakeholders, including members of the board of directors, all levels of staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations.
We’re Looking for You:
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE:
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems; work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines;
- Work within scope of program’s strategic goals;
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;
- Conduct purchasing, processing invoices and transfers, negotiating and contracting with vendors; participate in budget preparation;
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally-charged information;
- Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
- May supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development;
- Work closely with leadership to plan strategic and engaging meeting agendas and manage all meeting and retreat logistics, documentation and presentations.
- Take minutes and handle any follow-up duties, maintain appropriate administrative and board files.
- Propose and implement changes in process and goals as needed.
- Coordinate the onboarding and orientation of new trustees and other trustee-related administrative duties.
- Work directly with chapter leads for board committee work, including scheduling meetings, taking minutes and followup activities
- Seek out and pursue best practices for board management to achieve a high level of engagement.
- Enter interaction data on behalf of State Director and Director of Development into Blackbaud CRM software
- Support Development team as needed, including meeting scheduling and logistics, solicitation and stewardship activities, annual report preparation assistance, mailings, and event support
- May take on additional responsibilities to enhance the work of the philanthropy team.
- Travel and work flexible hours, as needed
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination;
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data;
- Experience managing the schedule and contacts of a senior leader;
- Experience with database management; and
- Experience working across departments.
Desired Qualifications:
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results;
- Ability to implement complex processes;
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;
- Experience coordinating projects;
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results;
- Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers;
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks; and/or
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $91,000 - 96,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
What We Bring:
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

