Executive Assistant to the President

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice for all. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve Constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.

As a leading national voice on voting rights, constitutional law, redistricting, campaign finance, criminal justice reform, and the fight for racial justice, we are at the center of great national fight for the future of American democracy.  The Brennan Center is a dynamic, growing, diverse organization with a staff of 140, an annual budget of $41 million, and offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.

We seek a well-organized individual to provide executive administrative support to the President of the Brennan Center, Michael Waldman. Mr. Waldman has led the Center since 2005. He is an author of numerous books and came to the Center after serving as Director of Speechwriting and a senior White House aide to President Bill Clinton.

The Executive Assistant provides executive-level support to the President in the New York office and will work closely with him on all aspects of his role managing the Brennan Center and representing it to the public. Responsibilities include managing email correspondence; scheduling; coordinating travel and expense management; helping prepare for media appearances; managing meeting logistics; producing, proofreading, and formatting documents; and assisting with public events. The Executive Assistant will participate in the management of the organization and will interact with staff colleagues, Board of Directors members, donors, and journalists, among others. The job is fast-paced and at the center of a hard-hitting, ambitious organization.

The ideal candidate is an organized individual with experience working with managers in government, nonprofits, journalism, academia, or the private sector.

Responsibilities:

• Support and work closely with the President on all aspects of his role, including relations with staff, board, donors, allies, public officials and the media
• Screen emails and phone calls, ensuring timely responses and work with Development and Communications teams
• Manage the President’s calendar, schedule internal and external meetings 
• Make travel arrangements
• Assist with fundraising, including donor relations and events, and participate in fundraising team meetings
• Work with others to coordinate organizational projects and meetings, including executive team and Board of Directors meetings
• Organize mailings, maintain contact lists, and other inter-department initiatives
• Ensure President is prepared for meetings (including compiling and printing relevant documents), and helping prepare him for frequent television, radio and media appearances 
• Prepare and proofread correspondence on behalf of the President
• Manage President's expense reports and lobbying disclosures
• Facilitate invoices, contracts, and other documents requiring President's approval
• Collaborate with Chief of Staff, special assistants, and others in the Office of the President   
• Keep informed about major projects; stay abreast of current priorities as they relate to the organization’s goals and strategy; collaborate with Chief of Staff and others in the five-person Office of the President.

Qualifications:

• Experience as an Executive Assistant or special assistant to leadership in government, politics, nonprofit management, law, or business
• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience providing executive level administrative support
• A bachelor’s degree
• Experience in managing fast-changing schedules
• Very well-organized and detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence
• Ability to multi-task, be flexible, stay organized under pressure, and adjust to changing demands and circumstances
• Professional and self-confident interpersonal skills – the job requires frequent interaction with diverse individuals, including board members, staff leaders, and funders
• Ability to professionally handle confidential information, including related to fundraising, management, and personnel issues
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Research-savvy; internet and resource proficient
• Proficiency in MS Office applications required. Salesforce knowledge a plus.
• A willingness to work overtime hours to meet important deadlines or complete urgent projects

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture. 

Salary: The salary is competitive in the field and commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package is available as well.

To Apply: We are using the search firm MichaelPage for this position. Therefore, your cover letter and resume should be submitted to Megan Kelley at MichaelPage - megankelley@michaelpage.us.com.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center

• Welcomes and hires applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities and sexual orientations, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and 

• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.