Executive Assistant

Cave Canem is a nonprofit organization committed to cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. Founded by artists for artists, Cave Canem fosters community across the diaspora to enrich the field by facilitating a nurturing space in which to learn, experiment, create, and present. Cave Canem develops audiences for Black voices that have worked and are working in the craft of poetry.

Over the years, Cave Canem has grown from a gathering of 26 to become an influential movement with a renowned faculty, a high-achieving global fellowship of 500 poets, and a workshop community of over 1,000. Core programs include community-based workshops; cross-cultural talks and readings by acclaimed poets and scholars; book prizes publishing new voices; and our flagship annual writing retreat for today’s most promising poets of African descent.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Executive Assistant to support the Executive Director and contribute to our mission of cultivating the artistic and professional growth of Black poets. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented individual who can efficiently manage administrative tasks, facilitate smooth communication, and support the Executive Director in their day-to-day activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Executive Support

• Efficiently manage the Executive Director’s calendar.
• Prepare and edit documents, reports, and presentations as requested.
• Act as a liaison between the Executive Director and external stakeholders.
• Organize meetings, including setting up conference calls, arranging meeting spaces, and preparing necessary materials.
• Provide on-site assistance at events, retreats, and meetings to the Executive Director.
• Assist with administrative tasks related to key organizational initiatives as directed by the Executive Director.

Board Liaison

• Schedule and provide logistical support for meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
• At the direction of the Executive Director, generate agendas and other materials for meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
• Take and generate minutes for Board Meetings and its committees.
• Maintain and organize the Board shared drive to ensure all information is up-to-date.
• Assist in the preparation of Annual Meeting invitations, schedule meetings, prepare materials, and record minutes.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years of providing administrative and operational support at the senior executive level, including booking travel and maintaining calendars
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Asana
• Strong problem-solving abilities and impeccable attention to detail.
• Discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment.
• Availability to work in person as needed at the SoHo office and Cave Canem events.
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends for events, retreats, and board meetings. Some travel required

Cave Canem Foundation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will

receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cave Canem Foundation, Inc. is committed to building a culturally diverse community, and strongly encourages applications from female-identified candidates and candidates of color.