Executive Assistant to the CEO

Bring initiative, curiosity, and joy to work that strengthens communities.

Intentional Philanthropy is seeking an Executive Assistant to the CEO to help advance bold ideas, support strategic engagement, and ensure that leadership priorities translate into meaningful action.

Intentional Philanthropy is a growing leader in philanthropic advisory and management services partnering with private foundations and individual donors to deepen understanding, inspire hope, and spark creative, collaborative solutions that drive courageous action.

After more than 15 years of high-impact work with foundations and communities across the United States, Intentional Philanthropy is entering its next phase of growth - partnering with philanthropic leaders across sectors to share knowledge, strengthen institutions, and build solutions that help communities thrive beyond political cycles. We believe we achieve more when we work together!

Grounded in the values of courage, excellence, integrity, humility, collaboration, and innovation, IP delivers right-sized solutions - from strategic planning and grantmaking to family engagement and transition support - with a practical, client-centered approach.

Position Overview

The Executive Assistant to the CEO is a dynamic and trusted partner who helps translate vision into action. This role combines high-level executive support with coordination across communications, marketing, and strategic initiatives/partnerships that extend the CEO's reach and effectiveness.

Working closely with the CEO, the Executive Assistant will support a wide range of operational and administrative initiatives in support of the firm's ten-year strategic plan serving as a key partner to the CEO in executing this vision - supporting convenings, website and media communications, CEO speaking engagements, strategic collaboration, and cross-sector engagement. The role supports the CEO's external engagement with philanthropic leaders, partners, and sector peers, helping ensure that ideas, relationships, and initiatives move forward with clarity and momentum.

This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys learning from executive leadership, and takes pride in enabling meaningful work. The Executive Assistant plays an essential role in ensuring that priorities stay organized, opportunities are pursued, and the CEO's time and energy are focused where they can have the greatest impact.

For individuals motivated by growth, this role offers unique exposure to executive leadership, client engagement, philanthropic strategy, and the operations of a growing advisory firm.

This is a hybrid role based in the Washington, DC/Bethesda area. The Executive Assistant to the CEO must be locally available to provide in-person support at the Bethesda office or other nearby locations, as needed to effectively support the CEO. This position may require occasional evening or weekend meetings and travel, executive travel support, and board-related coordination.

Scope & Accountability

An established contributor responsible for leading multiple projects or workstreams with limited guidance. Coordinates across teams, anticipates challenges, and improves processes for efficiency and consistency. Exercises growing judgment and escalates decisions with broader risk or strategic impact.

Accountable for managing the CEO's time, priorities, and executive workflows to maximize leadership effectiveness. Serves as a key liaison on behalf of the CEO, ensuring clarity, coordination, and follow-through across the organization. Operates independently within established parameters while escalating complex, strategic, or ambiguous matters appropriately.

Roles & Responsibilities

CEO Support

• Calendar & Prioritization Management
• Communication Facilitation
• Travel & Logistics Coordination
• Executive Communications Support
• Speaking Engagement Support
• Meeting Management & Follow-Through
• Research & Briefing Preparation
• Information & Records Management
• CEO Representation

Executive Team Support

While the primary focus of this role is direct support to the CEO, the Executive Assistant may provide coordination support for select executive-level initiatives requiring cross-functional alignment.

• Administrative Coordination
• Action Item Tracking
• Internal Communication Drafting

Marketing & Project Support

• Marketing Coordination
• External Engagement Coordination
• Executive Messaging & Brand Alignment
• Workflow & Deadline Tracking
• Process Improvement
• Project Execution

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible executive-level administrative support experience.
• Experience supporting a CEO or senior leadership team preferred.
• Experience in a nonprofit, professional services, or philanthropic environment preferred.
• Experience managing communications with donors, board members, or private foundation clients, a plus.
• Experience supporting proposal development, CRM systems, or business development coordination preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Executive Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to draft clear, professional correspondence and materials on behalf of leadership.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Discretion & Judgment: Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with sound judgment and high emotional intelligence.
• Organization & Prioritization: Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipates next steps, identifies potential obstacles, and proposes practical solutions within scope.
• Technology Proficiency: Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 and collaboration tools; experience with CRM systems preferred.
• Accountability & Escalation Awareness: Ability to operate independently within established priorities while recognizing when to escalate complex, strategic, or ambiguous matters.

Core Competencies

• Job Knowledge & Skills: Executes assignments using sound judgment and knowledge of IP's work. Applies themselves to learning, seeking out information independently and asking questions of the appropriate person. Fluent in their business area. Able to identify problems and help develop customized solutions.
• Business Growth Mindset: Demonstrates excellence in service and delivery that strengthens trust and long-term relationships. Contributes accurate information and insights to proposals, initiatives, or internal planning efforts.
• Communication: Summarizes and organizes data and thoughts clearly and adapts the message for the audience.
• Creativity: Challenges assumptions and reframes problems to uncover new opportunities.
• Critical Thinking: Asks questions that clarify key issues and seek alignment with values and priorities. Is aware of a variety of resources and able to see bias in resources.
• Dependability: Manages timelines and responsibilities to coordinate self across teams.
• Engagement: Proactively communicates additional information or changes with team members.
• Initiative: Proactively advances client/project goals. Anticipates challenges and improves processes for efficiency and consistency.

EEO Statement

At Intentional Philanthropy we believe that every person brings a unique perspective and experience to our team. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to thrive. As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression), sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

At Intentional Philanthropy, we believe people do their best work when they feel supported and valued. Our benefits package is designed to promote well-being, flexibility, and long-term stability for our team members and their families. Our benefits include: • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts • Short-term and long-term disability insurance • Retirement savings plan with employer contribution • Employee discount programs Team members also receive a generous paid leave program, including vacation, sick & safe leave, personal leave, and holidays to support rest, renewal, and balance.