Special Assistant to C-Suite

Hawthorne Lane; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid role with one day remote per wk

Free on-site parking

PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Hawthorne Lane, a mission-focused nonprofit in Washington, DC, seeks a Special Assistant to support the C-suite. You will manage complex calendars, create presentations and briefing materials, coordinate Board activities, and drive meetings, events, and special projects from planning through completion.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of executive support experience, with strong Microsoft Office skills, diplomacy, and proactive judgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of experience supporting executives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional tone.
• Proven ability to manage complex calendars and scheduling logistics with discretion.
• Experience drafting polished presentations, briefing materials, and executive correspondence.
• Demonstrated diplomacy and relationship management with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Own multiple C-suite calendars, balance priorities, and flag conflicts.
• Serve as a trusted liaison with senior leaders, Board members, donors, and stakeholders.
• Prepare meetings with agendas, presentations, and briefing documents.
• Coordinate scheduling and meeting logistics with responsiveness and discretion.
• Track action items, deadlines, and follow-up to keep priorities moving forward.
• Draft and polish executive communications for clarity and tone.
• Provide board coordination including scheduling, materials, and records.
• Ensure a seamless Board experience with meeting tech and logistics.
• Coordinate C-suite meetings and multi-day events from invitations to follow-up.
• Assist with special projects and research for the C-suite.
• Identify ways to improve executive office processes and efficiency.
• Handle confidential information with maturity and sound judgment.

Skills

Executive support

Calendar management

Presentations

Briefing materials

Communication

Relationship management

Discretion

Diplomacy

Proactive

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Special Assistant to several C-suite executives offers the chance to support highly visible leaders at a mission-focused nonprofit making a meaningful impact across the region. This role is ideal for a polished, highly organized professional who enjoys being at the center of a busy executive office, balancing strategic priorities with the details that keep an organization moving forward. As the Special Assistant, you will manage complex C-suite executive calendars, develop polished presentations and briefing materials, coordinate Board activities, and help drive meetings, events, and special projects from planning through completion. If you are energized by work that combines executive support, relationship management, and meaningful organizational impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own several C-suite dynamic calendars, thoughtfully balancing competing priorities and proactively flagging conflicts, and important follow-up.
• Serve as a trusted liaison with internal and external contacts, including senior leaders, Board members, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare the C-suite for meetings by developing agendas, presentations, briefing documents, talking points, and other materials that provide the necessary context.
• Coordinate select scheduling needs while maintaining a high level of responsiveness and discretion.
• Be a master of tracking action items, deadlines, and follow-up to ensure priorities continue moving forward.
• Draft, edit, and polish executive correspondence and other communications with an eye toward clarity, professionalism, and tone.
• Provide administrative coordination for the Board of Directors, including meeting scheduling, communications, materials, records, and day-of logistics.
• Foster a seamless Board experience by anticipating needs, coordinating meeting technology, and serving as a responsive resource for Board members.
• Coordinate C-suite meetings, and multi-day events, managing logistics from invitations and venues through materials, technology, and follow-up.
• Assist with special projects and research on behalf of the C-suite.
• Identify ways to strengthen executive office processes, improve organization, and create greater efficiency.
• Handle confidential information and sensitive relationships with maturity, diplomacy, and sound judgment.

Why You’ll Love Working Here:

• Join a mission-driven nonprofit directly supporting communities throughout the region and improve qualities of life.
• Work closely with an engaged CEO and senior leadership team in a role that provides meaningful visibility across the organization.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, 401(k), and more!
• Hybrid role with one day remote per week and free on-site parking.

What We’re Looking For:

• Experienced. You bring a bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of experience supporting executives.
• Polished. You communicate exceptionally well and have a strong track record of producing thoughtful, professional executive correspondence, presentations, and other materials.
• Technically Strong. You are highly proficient in Microsoft Office, and are comfortable adopting new tools.
• Proactive. You naturally look ahead, recognize what an executive or team will need, and take action without waiting for direction.
• Diplomatic. You interact comfortably with others, bringing warmth, professionalism, and sound judgment to every interaction.
• Composed. You remain steady when priorities shift, deadlines converge, or unexpected challenges arise, while maintaining a high standard of execution.
• Mission-minded. You are genuinely motivated by the opportunity to contribute your skills to an organization addressing significant needs in the broader community.

The salary listed reflects the anticipated compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, location, business considerations, and internal equity. Final offer amounts are determined at the employer’s discretion.

Essential to Hawthorne Lane’s successis our ability to attract talent from a range of backgrounds. Our network reflects the diverse community around us, and we believein a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed. Applicants will not be discriminated againston the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.