Executive Assistant

ABOUT DJDS

DJDS is a non profit architecture and real estate development firm that innovates in and around the built environment to address the root causes of mass incarceration with a focus on restorative justice and restorative economics. To achieve this mission the team is comprised of architects, designers, real estate developers, operations/events production  and community organizers within which the production designs and administrative lead is an integrated part of a multidisciplinary team.  The unique position supports the Executive Director of the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Manager level, 7-10 years experience)

• Obtain requested information from the appropriate DJDS internal and external parties.
• Communicate and manage necessary deadlines for the Executive Director.
• Act as the manager of Executive Director’s calendar.
• Organize Executive Director materials and files
• Act as point of escalation for Executive Director requests.
• Act as point of contact among clients, partners and other external constituents.
• Collect and organize Executive Director receipts for accounting submission.
• Run errands as requested by the Executive Director.
• Ensure timely responses of Executive Director emails and other communications, and other flows of information
• Advise Executive Director on meeting times to ensure proper breaks are allowed between meetings.
• Take meeting minutes and other records as requested.
• Work as acting Office Manager and establish office procedures.
• Familiarity with personality type assessments such as Enneagram, Myer’s-Briggs, Clifton’s Strengths or similar assessments.

POSITION SUMMARY

(Expected duties of a Manager level position)

• Advise on progress and budget of assigned projects.
• Communicate necessary deadlines to stakeholders including outlines of solutions for delayed or missed deadlines.
• Lead project meetings and discussions
• Act as key decision maker for progress of assigned projects
• Review and approve expenses for assigned projects.
• Monitor compliance of each project’s contractual obligations.
• Initiate, build and manage relationships with project partners and community stakeholders. 
• Report regular updates to DJDS Leadership team.
• Mentor and guide other members of the team.
• Educate colleagues to elevate the team’s knowledge and skills.
• Coordinate efforts with all departments of the organization: design, real estate, advocacy, and community engagement.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high level of discretion.
• Exceptional skills in cross-disciplinary collaborative team work
• Facilitation skills and conflict management
• Commitment to DJDS’ mission and goals
• Attend and participate in thought leadership of DJDS’s organizational model and financial opportunities to include attending and speaking at relevant conferences and convenings
• Cultural competency for a diverse range of cultures, communities, and lived experiences
• High level of emotional intelligence and ability to apply it
• Commitment to learning and understanding robust community-led processes and practices
• Adaptability to emergent project processes and problem-solving
• Acute understanding of systemic racism and social inequities and its impacts on a range of individuals from systems impacted individuals and their communities of care to elected officials.
• Thoughtful, empathetic negotiation skills 
• The ability to balance the mindset to abundance with the realities of a business needs and flows. 
• Appreciation for aesthetic design

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

• Healthcare benefits with options for medical insurance under the company group plan. Employer contributes 100% of employee healthcare offered under the group healthcare offerings.
• Compensation for this role will not exceed $85,000

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter using the instructions listed below.

Email: resumes@designingjustice.org

Subject Line: Executive Assistant

Attachment: One multipage PDF not to exceed 3MB

The PDF should include:

• Cover letter (in your cover letter please include (please limit to 400 words max):
  • Your definition of Restorative Justice 
  • Your definition of Trauma-Informed Practice
  • An example where you have observed or participated in Non Violent Communication
  • Your understanding of Emotional Intelligence and it’s relation to personal accountability
• Resume

Please, no phone calls or recruiters. All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.