Special Assistant to the Executive Director

Sowega Rising Inc; Albany (GA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discounts

Paid time off

Wellness resources

Job summary

Sowega Rising Inc based in Albany, Georgia is looking for a Special Assistant to the Executive Director. This full-time role involves providing high-level administrative and operational support, managing communications, coordinating projects, and conducting research. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, along with strong organizational and communication skills. The position includes employee benefits such as discounts and paid time off, while requiring occasional travel for community events.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of administrative, executive support, or project coordination experience required; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Executive Director’s calendar and logistics.
• Serve as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support planning and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Conduct research on policies and community issues.
• Assist with organizing meetings and events.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time-management

Verbal and written communication

Problem-solving

Working with diverse communities

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Digital collaboration tools (Zoom, Slack)

Job description

Benefits

• Employee discounts
• Paid time off
• Wellness resources

Position Summary

The Special Assistant to the Executive Director provides high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to ensure the Executive Director (ED) can effectively lead the organization. This role manages daily workflows, stakeholder communications, scheduling, project coordination, and documentation in alignment with SOWEGA Rising’s mission to mobilize people and resources to improve the quality of life for marginalized Southwest Georgians.

This position is full-time, exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and requires a high degree of professionalism, confidentiality, and independent judgment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Administrative Support

Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, schedule, travel arrangements, and meeting logistics.

Ensure all meeting materials, agendas, briefing documents, and follow-up items are prepared accurately and on time.

Prioritize and triage incoming requests to maximize the ED’s effectiveness.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as a key point of contact for internal staff, board members, community partners, and external stakeholders.

Draft, proofread, and edit correspondence, reports, announcements, and presentations on behalf of the ED.

Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive information.

Project & Initiative Coordination

Support planning, execution, and monitoring of strategic initiatives, programs, and organizational priorities.

Track project timelines, deliverables, and accountabilities; coordinate cross-departmental collaboration.

Support board-related processes when needed (scheduling, materials preparation, documentation).

Research & Analysis

Conduct research on policies, best practices, community issues, and strategic topics to support decision-making.

Compile findings into summaries, briefing documents, and recommendations.

Event & Meeting Coordination

Assist with organizing meetings, workshops, community events, and outreach activities, including logistics, registration, communications, and post-event follow-up.

Documentation & Record Management

Prepare professional reports, presentations, minutes, and organizational documents with high attention to detail.

Maintain digital files in accordance with internal documentation standards.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field.

2+ years of administrative, executive support, or project coordination experience required; nonprofit experience preferred.

Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple competing priorities.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities and maintain positive working relationships.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital collaboration tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, project management tools).

Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Strong problem-solving abilities and resourcefulness.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in rural communities and/or health equity initiatives.

Familiarity with food systems, community health resources, and local service networks. Experience supporting grant-funded programming and reporting requirements.

Experience facilitating workshops, community meetings, or coalition convenings.

Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and reliable transportation.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

This role operates primarily in a professional office environment with standard office equipment.

Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while performing computer-based work.

Ability to lift up to 35 lbs occasionally (event materials, supplies).

Occasional local travel for community events, meetings, or outreach activities.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on organizational needs.