Benefits:
Competitive salary
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
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.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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.
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.
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).
Conduct research on policies, best practices, community issues, and strategic topics to support decision-making.
Compile findings into summaries, briefing documents, and recommendations.
Assist with organizing meetings, workshops, community events, and outreach activities, including logistics, registration, communications, and post-event follow-up.
Prepare professional reports, presentations, minutes, and organizational documents with high attention to detail.
Maintain digital files in accordance with internal documentation standards.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
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.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements (ADA-Aligned)
The physical and environmental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:
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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
SOWEGA Rising is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, bilingual or bicultural individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others from historically marginalized communities.
Applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, medical condition (including cancer-related conditions), or HIV/AIDS status.
Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment process.
Job Description Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.