Executive Assistant to Chief Legal Officer

Summary: 

Reporting to the Chief Legal Officer, the Executive Assistant provides executive support to the Chief Legal Officer, Director of Strategic Litigation, and Director of Legal Management.  The Executive Assistant will manage tasks for the team such as creating reports, compiling data, arranging travel and accommodation, organizing meetings and taking minutes, and other administrative tasks.  The Executive Assistant will work with the department’s Program Associate to implement and report on special projects.   

The Executive Assistant must be able to work under pressure at times to handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion while supporting needs of three busy executives. The Executive Assistant must be able to strategically organize department data and communications. 

Primary Job Functions:

• Responsible for administrative duties assigned by the Chief Legal Officer, Director of Strategic Litigation, and the Director of Legal Management;
• Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks including managing calendar of appointments; vetting media and speaking requests; completing expense reports; composing and preparing correspondence that is sometimes confidential; arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; planning meetings and conferences, and compiling documents for travel-related meetings;
• As directed, communicates on behalf of the Chief Legal Officer, Director of Strategic Litigation and the Director of Legal Management, with SPLCs Executive and Leadership Team members and others on matters related to the Legal Department’s programmatic and organizational initiatives;
• Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming issues and concerns addressed to the Chief Legal Officer, Director of Strategic Litigation, and the Director of Legal Management, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature.  Determines appropriate course of action, referral, or response;
• Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the Chief Legal Officer, Director of Strategic Litigation, and the Director of Legal Management and other SPLC departments; demonstrating leadership to maintain credibility, trust, and support with all staff;
• Successfully completes critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting letters, personal correspondence;
• Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously, proactively, and follows-through on projects to successful completion, often with deadline pressures;
• Assists and acts in a confidential capacity to the COS who formulates, determines, and effectuates labor relations policies; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications –

Education and Related Work Experience:

• At least five years of experience supporting C-Level Executives;
• At least two years of legal office or organization experience;
• Experience in preparing internal and external communications;
• Advanced Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) skills; and
• High school diploma or GED.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong organizational skills that reflect ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail;
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build synergistic relationships
• Strong knowledge of civil litigation;
• Strong general research skills and knowledge of legal databases;
• Expert-level written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability;
• Positive and highly resourceful team-player with the ability to also be extremely disciplined and effective working independently;
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion, be adaptable to various competing demands, and demonstrate the highest level of customer service and response;
• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Forward-looking thinker, who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions;
• Commitment to ideals of justice, diversity, equity and inclusion; and
• Commitment to fostering an anti-racist work culture and to anti-racist principles and learning.

Work Designation:

This role has the following work designation options: 

• Local Remote:  Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework:  Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

Other Special Considerations:

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position.  These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally of race, gender, gender identity, color, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability, political affiliation, national origin, or prior record of arrest or conviction.                                                              

Date posted:  8.31.2022