Executive Assistant to the President & CEO

Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Direct Report: President and Chief Executive Officer

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid)

About The Africa Center

The Africa Center is transforming the world’s understanding of Africa, its Diaspora and the role of

people of African descent in the world by providing a gateway for engagement with

contemporary Africa. Serving as the hub for the exchange of ideas around culture, business,

and policy related to the continent, and in the spirit of collaboration and engagement with

individuals and institutions who share the Center’s values, The Africa Center inspires

enthusiasm, and advances thought and action around Africa’s global influence and impact on

our collective and shared futures.

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious and dynamic Executive Assistant to support our CEO. This role is a key position in the CEO’s office, requiring a strategic thinker who understands high-level scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and organizational priorities. The ideal candidate will proactively manage the CEO’s schedule, identify opportunities for strategic connections, and collaborate across departments to enhance the impact of the CEO’s engagements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Scheduling & Coordination

• Manage and optimize the CEO’s complex calendar, prioritizing mission-critical and high-impact meetings and engagements.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities for strategic connections, both internally and externally.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure alignment between the CEO’s schedule and organizational priorities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

• Serve as a key liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders, including board members, senior executives, and partners.
• Facilitate communication and follow-ups on behalf of the CEO, ensuring timely responses and execution of key initiatives.
• Represent the CEO’s office with professionalism and confidence in high-level interactions.

Administrative & Project Support

• Prepare briefing materials, meeting notes, and executive summaries to keep the CEO informed and prepared.
• Provide administrative support to the CEO and assist with team-wide operations tasks as needed, including coordinating internal meetings, supporting team logistics, and ensuring smooth day-to-day workflows.
• Support special projects, ensuring deadlines are met and priorities are managed effectively.
• Work with communications and programs teams to highlight and promote CEO engagements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 2-4 years of experience as an Executive Assistant or in a similar role supporting senior leadership.
• Strong ability to manage complex scheduling needs with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to build rapport with stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated confidence and composure in engaging with board members and high-profile individuals.
• Highly proactive and curious about the CEO’s schedule, always seeking ways to optimize engagements.
• Experience or strong interest in Africa and the diaspora, with familiarity in political, cultural, or economic issues related to the region.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience supporting a CEO or senior executive in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with African cultural affairs, international relations, or global development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Professional Commitment & Compensation

The Africa Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. The Africa Center offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, vacation, paid time off, and other benefits.

How to Apply

E-mail your application to careers@theafricacenter.org with the subject line: “TAC Executive Assistant”. Applications should include a resume and answers to the below questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted. Please consider your application received unless it is bounced back.

Application Questions for Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

• Why are you interested in supporting a CEO with a high-profile, externally facing role? (What motivates you about this kind of work, and how does it align with your goals?)
• Can you describe a time when you successfully managed a complex or fast-changing schedule for a leader? (What was your approach, and what was the outcome?)
• This role requires strong stakeholder engagement. How do you approach building rapport and representing leadership in high-stakes interactions (e.g., with board members or external partners)?
• What experience or interest do you have related to Africa and the diaspora (cultural, political, economic, etc.)? (Please be specific — academic, personal, or professional exposure all count.)