Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Assistant to the Executive Director

Location: Remote (but able to travel within the Santa Cruz region weekly)

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $65k - $75k

About Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT)

Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded by the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band to protect Tribal sacred sites and promote Indigenous land stewardship within the traditional territory of the Amah Mutsun and the adjacent Awaswas area. Rooted in cultural revitalization, environmental conservation, and historic healing, AMLT is guided by the Tribe’s sacred obligation to care for Mother Earth and all living beings.

Our programs encompass land restoration, cultural burning, youth education, native plant propagation, sacred site protection, and community-based conservation—all designed to reestablish Indigenous practices of stewardship while fostering understanding and partnerships with non-Indigenous allies.

Position Overview

The Executive Assistant is a key member of AMLT’s administrative team, providing high-level, mission-aligned support to the Executive Director (ED). This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, emotionally intelligent, and committed to supporting Indigenous-led efforts for land justice and cultural healing. The Executive Assistant ensures the Executive Director can lead effectively by managing schedules, facilitating communications, preparing materials, and coordinating with staff, partners, and Board members.

This is more than a traditional support role—it is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a movement rooted in justice, healing, and stewardship.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative and Executive Support (50%)

• Manage and maintain the ED’s calendar, appointments, and meeting logistics.
• Serve as a gatekeeper and liaison for internal and external communications, ensuring alignment with organizational values.
• Draft, proofread, and manage correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials.
• Prepare agendas, take notes, and track follow-ups for meetings, including Board meetings and leadership team meetings.
• Support travel arrangements and reimbursement processes for the ED.
• Monitor and sort incoming physical and electronic mail, along with the general voicemail for the organization.
• Conduct routine banking tasks and support light financial errands or deposits, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in all interactions.

Organizational Coordination (35%)

• Help ensure seamless communication and workflow between the ED and staff, board, Tribal members, and partners.
• Support interdepartmental planning and coordination, especially during high-capacity moments.
• Track and support project deadlines and deliverables involving the ED.
• Assist in preparing for organizational events (e.g., logistics, materials, outreach, and follow-up coordination).
• Contribute to internal systems development as AMLT grows.
• Support fundraising through the processing of gifts and acknowledgement letters as needed.

Board and Governance Support (15%)

• Coordinate Board of Directors meeting logistics, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and minute-taking.
• Support ED in maintaining records and documentation related to Board activities
• Assist with governance calendar tracking and compliance.

Qualifications

Required:

• 3+ years of experience as an executive assistant or in a similar administrative support role.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity, especially when working with Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity.

Preferred:

• Experience working in nonprofit, Tribal, or Indigenous-led organizations.
• Familiarity with land conservation, Indigenous cultural practices, or environmental justice.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, especially in Spanish or Indigenous languages relevant to California.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequent: bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, twisting, and walking.
• Intermittent lifting, pushing, and pulling. Frequent repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and extensive reading.

Work Environment and Culture

AMLT is committed to creating a workplace that honors Indigenous knowledge systems, fosters collaboration, and supports professional and personal growth. We value humility, curiosity, reciprocity, and a deep respect for the land and each other. As part of our team, you’ll be joining a dynamic and growing organization that prioritizes healing, equity, and cultural renewal.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent, non-exempt position that includes the following benefits:

• Option to enroll in employer-supported medical, dental, and vision insurance,
• 15 days of personal time off (PTO)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Reimbursement for work-related travel using a personal vehicle at the federal rate.

The salary range is $65,000 to $75,000 a year, depending on experience.

Work Location and Travel

This is a remote position, but you must be able to travel weekly throughout Amah Mutsun Land Trust’s stewardship area, encompassing southern Santa Clara County, northern San Benito County, southern San Mateo County, Santa Cruz County, and northern Monterey County.

To Apply

Please complete the application, submit a resume, and a cover letter. AMLT actively seeks those with strong tribal connections, preferably with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band (AMTB) or another indigenous organization to fill this role. Please share your experience with the AMTB or other indigenous organizations, how this connection will help you succeed in this role, and why you are drawn to the mission of AMLT.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Tribal members and Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.