Job Summary

The official economic development organization of St. Bernard Parish, the St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation (SBEDF), is seeking a detail-oriented, self-motivated candidate to help carry out the organization’s mission of creating and retaining jobs, building prosperity, and improving quality of life in St. Bernard Parish. The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and is responsible for the planning and execution of all operational, organizational, and some communications tasks of SBEDF. This position supports the implementation of programs and projects that further the mission and vision of SBEDF. This individual works in concert with the Chief Executive Officer to develop strategies for organizational growth while ensuring the optimization of resources.

Roles and Responsibilities

The role of the Executive Assistant will include the following. Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. These roles are not distinct, and will overlap as appropriate:

Office Management & Executive Assistance

o Serve as the first point of contact for the organization – welcome guests, offer beverages, etc. while providing excellent customer service to all visitors and maintaining professionalism and confidentiality

o Answer phones, take messages, respond to general inquiries, direct calls, and field calls to Chief Executive Officer

o Preparation for Board and Executive Committee meetings including creating agendas, sending invites, taking meeting minutes, printing/emailing board packets, setting up phone/video conference

o Assist with preparation of CEO expense reports, travel arrangements, and other items

o Coordinate the maintenance of offices and shared workspaces, order supplies, and handle day-to-day operations including tech issue resolution

o Ensure all office files are appropriately categorized in OneDrive, updated, and follow the proper naming convention

Programs & Operations Management

o Assist in the planning, promotion, and execution of core SBEDF programs and special projects as determined by the Chief Executive Officer

o Oversee planning and logistics for on-site and off-site organization meetings, programs, and events

o Develop and maintain database for SBEDF’s business retention and expansion activities

o Assist with special projects as necessary

Communications

o Coordinate the design, printing, and distribution of marketing materials (with help of graphic designer and print vendor) for print and digital applications in line with SBEDF’s brand identity and messaging

o Update and monitor all social media channels posting at least once/week

o Develop SBEDF e-blasts in MailChimp to disseminate news to stakeholders

o Create PowerPoint presentations for City Council in line with SBEDF branding

o Draft content and manage the SBEDF website to ensure consistency and up-to-date information across the site

o Draft press releases/media advisories and serve as first media contact for organization

o Assist Chief Executive Officer with community relations activities including meeting with businesses and community supporters on a continual basis

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university not required 

• A minimum of 1 year of office management, executive assistance, event planning, or related experience in economic development, private industry, trade associations, and/or public sector or not-for-profit organizations is preferred but not required

• Ability to work independently and on multiple projects simultaneously

• Excellent communications skills; ability to write appropriately for different channels and to individuals at all levels

• Experience managing social media channels, website content in SquareSpace, and email communications; MailChimp proficiency is a plus

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work well under deadlines

• Proficiency in all Microsoft Office suite applications

• Graphic design experience with working knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or InDesign preferred

• Work comfortably in highly collaborative environment; manage competing interests and strong personalities

• Demonstrate proactive nature with the ability to prioritize

• Experience in a CRM system is a plus

• Professional demeanor at all times

Compensation/Requirements/Other Notes

• While performing elements of job, candidate is commonly required to travel within the Chalmette and New Orleans area and occasionally required to travel regionally – must have reliable transportation

• Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer

• This position can be part or full-time

• As a full-time position, applicant will be required to work Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, as well as evening and weekend work as the job duties demand

• Salary is commensurate with experience

• If interested in a part-time position, applicant must note that in cover letter

• Part-time wages are commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, salary/wage expectations, references and/or letters of recommendation, and a resume via e-mail to contact@sbedf.org no later than Friday, May 9th. Cover letters must answer the following questions. Why is economic development important to you? What makes St. Bernard a great place for investment? What gives you the most energy in your current work? What about your current work drains you the most? What are your long-term career goals and how does this role help you get there? Please include “Executive Assistant Application” in the email subject line. Once your materials have been received, you will receive email confirmation.