Special Assistant to the President

Job Description

Special Assistant to the President

Devex is pleased to announce a unique opportunity to join our social enterprise as the Special Assistant to the President. This entry-level role is ideal for an ambitious, bright, outgoing recent graduate with an interest in international development and new media, and a strong sense of personal initiative. When this position was last open two-years ago, we received 400 applications and we expect a similar response now. So successful candidates should be able to demonstrate a combination of strong analytical and interpersonal skills that would make them ideal for this important position.

The Special Assistant to the President is a role that combines administrative duties with representational duties. He/she will attend meetings with and on behalf of the President as well as be involved in all aspects of the operations of Devex. This role will require close coordination with the entire executive leadership of Devex and team members in all of our international offices.

You don’t have to know everything about international development – think names like the World Bank, United Nations, USAID, CARE, and The Gates Foundation – but a passion to learn is an absolute must. What matters more is your ability to handle a wide range of time-sensitive administrative responsibilities while positively representing Devex and the president’s office internally and externally.

Devex offers competitive salaries and benefits as well as creative spaces, snack-filled fridges and all the espresso you can drink. If you’d like to join this progressive group of global development game changers, we welcome your application.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Wants a high-profile entry-level role as a key stepping stone in his/her career
• Wants to be a part of a global team working directly with the world’s largest community of development agencies, organizations, and professionals
• Is ready to shine as part of a young and exciting social enterprise
• Is an ambitious recent graduate who can juggle multiple administrative tasks with enthusiasm and positive energy
• Possesses a keen interest in building a business-oriented career in international development and new media

If this sounds like you then read on…

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Be a relentless perfectionist with a positive attitude who is ready and willing to take on anything with a battle cry of "no task is too large and no task is too small"
• Act as office manager of the Washington, DC office, including procuring supplies and computers, directing maintenance and janitorial staff, bookkeeping, and filing
• Act as liaison to Devex accountants, lawyers, insurance companies and internal corporate accounting and member support teams
• Address miscellaneous administrative needs and member requests as they arise
• Manage correspondence, mailings, and printing
• Arrange travel for the President
• Act as research assistant to the President
• Keep the espresso flowing and the kitchen stocked with late-night snacks

Representational Responsibilities:

• Internally, take on the role of head cheerleader for a fun office culture
• Externally, represent Devex and the president’s office with poise and professionalism
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to arrange company-wide events
• Work in close coordination with the entire executive leadership of Devex and team members in all of our international offices
• Assist with on-boarding new staff in coordination with other teams
• Answer the phone at reception and greet incoming visitors
• Schedule appointments, interviews, and trips for the president

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree from a highly-ranked university program
• 1-3 years relevant internship or work experience
• Attention to detail, organizational skills, and a sense of urgency
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong sense of personal initiative
• Highly capable with web research, Excel, and Powerpoint
• Talent for writing high-quality professional correspondence
• US work authorization

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience interning or working in a highly regarded institution in the media or international affairs sectors
• Experience with customer service and/or sales
• Experience working in a fast paced working environment
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Facility with web technologies including social media and strong interest in learning more
• High grade point average from a well-regarded university program
• International travel or experience abroad

This is a full-time employment position based in our Washington, DC headquarters.

Devex is the media platform for the global development community. A social enterprise, we connect and inform development, health, humanitarian, and sustainability professionals through news, business intelligence, and funding & career opportunities so you can do more good for more people.

Based in Washington DC, and with offices in Barcelona, Manila and Tokyo, our social enterprise consists of 100 accomplished, über-smart, energetic, fun-loving staff who believe to the bone that what we do makes a difference. If that describes you, we welcome your application.

Application Instructions: Click on the “Apply Now” button to send your application.

About the Organization

Devex is the media platform for the global development community. A social enterprise, we connect and inform development, health, humanitarian, and sustainability professionals through news, business intelligence, and funding & career opportunities so you can do more good for more people.

Based in Washington DC, and with offices in Barcelona, Manila and Tokyo, our social enterprise consists of 100 accomplished, über-smart, energetic, fun-loving staff who believe to the bone that what we do makes a difference. If that describes you, we welcome your application.