Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The primary role of the Executive Assistant II is to provide direct administrative support to the Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy in Illinois and to the Deputy Director, with additional support provided, as available, to the Director of Major Gifts. This is a split role with 50 percent of time for the Executive Director, and 50 percent time for development leadership.

They will be responsible for a variety of administrative support tasks, which include calendar management, scheduling and coordinating logistics of meetings and special events, in-box management, drafting correspondence, processing expenses, and domestic and international travel arrangements, and database updates. The Executive Assistant II will act as the project manager for initiatives led by the Executive Director and the Deputy Director. They will communicate on behalf of the Executive Director with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with donors and partners. They will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They will coordinate and distribute agendas for the All-Staff monthly meetings and leadership team meetings. They will provide guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will implement processes and practices to improve effectiveness. The Executive Assistant II will coordinate activities with multiple variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. They will perform administrative functions for the program, as required. This position may require working long, and flexible hours as needed. The work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in being a part of a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.  

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience providing administrative support to a director or multiple directors. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! 

This is a full-time, salaried position based at our office in Chicago, Illinois with remote work available 2 or 3 days/week.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Familiarity with project management tools as well as with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities and solving problems.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience working with a board of directors, donors, volunteers, the public, and/or all levels of staff.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Excellent communications skills

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!