Executive Assistant

The Opportunity: The Rural Development Network is seeking an Executive Assistant (EA) to handle administrative responsibilities for the entire Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The EA will coordinate RDN meetings, assignments and requests; review, assess and respond to correspondence; make decisions and take appropriate actions; review processes and make recommendations; and brief the SLT on administrative issues that may impact the RDN. 

The successful candidate will be committed to developing a strong understanding of the work, goals and objectives of the RDN, and its policies, processes and practices.

Location: The RDN office is located in Edmonton. Although we are working remotely at the moment, the ideal candidate should live in the Edmonton area as in person tasks may often be required. Please indicate in your cover letter where you are located.

Salary Range: $50,000 to $56,000 per year based on a 35 hour work week. Salary will vary depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

Benefits:

• RDN has a 35 hour work week. 
• Staff have the option of working compressed work weeks.
• Flexible hours (daily start/end times), within RDN’s core hours.
• Opportunity to work remotely - work permitting.
• Comprehensive health benefits package. 
• RRSP matching after 1 year of employment.
• Generous annual vacation, paid holiday and sick/personal leave entitlements.

Anticipated Start Date: As soon as an appropriate candidate is found.

Responsibilities:

This position reports to the Human Resources Manager, and provides executive administrative support to RDN’s senior leadership team. This includes:

• Manage multiple calendars
• Complete expense claims
• Schedule meetings - both internal and external
• Manage approval processes
• Make travel arrangements
• Assist with managing emails
• Manage filing and digital records
• Respond to correspondence
• Take meeting minutes
• Assist with creating action items and timelines and perform follow ups to ensure actions are completed
• In person tasks as required (shipping, organizing in-person meetings, etc.)

Knowledge:

This position requires excellent communication skills and a substantial working knowledge of not-for-profit administrative systems and processes. It requires general administrative knowledge of policies and procedures, including office related computer software (Outlook, Excel, Word, Adobe) in order to ensure the overall coordination and facilitation of the SLT. 

Creativity/Problem Solving:

Guided by policies, processes and organizational culture, the EA is expected to respond to inquiries where no precedent exists and will be encouraged to recommend solutions and implement new administrative procedures where necessary, while operating within the given framework. The diversity of work and the independence of the position to plan day-to-day work require a self-motivated, highly organized and confident individual. 

Desired skills and experience:

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities
• Flexibility; able to adapt to frequently changing priorities, and to handle frequent interruptions
• Digital filing management strategies
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) and Adobe
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Superior time management ability
• Excellent organization skills
• Sound problem solving skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Fluent written and spoken English is essential. Familiarity with written and/or spoken French would be an asset.

Position Requirements:

• College diploma or above in administration, executive support or related field is preferred; related experience may be considered in lieu of formal training.
• Minimum of 2 years of related experience as an executive or administrative assistant.
• Able to handle sensitive matters and confidential information with discretion and integrity.

COVID-19 & Vaccinations:

RDN is committed to the safety and health of our team and the people we work with. Accordingly, it is our responsibility to promote the health and safety of all employees, contractors, clients, and communities we serve by reducing the risks of COVID-19 through vaccination as per AHS guidance. All RDN staff are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, if they are able to.

How to Apply: 

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@ruraldevelopment.ca and indicate which position you are applying for. We recommend applying as soon as possible as this position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

About Us

About the Rural Development Network:

RDN is a non-profit organization that supports the sustainability of rural communities. We collaborate to identify and bring focus to rural issues, build local capacity, and find innovative, rural-based solutions to unique issues. Some of the key things RDN does are: managing and delivering projects and initiatives,  helping to identify and access funding to support projects, performing services on a cost-recovery basis, identifying, creating, and sharing tools, information and expertise, and partnering with other organizations on projects to compliment their skills & expertise, and boost their capacity. 

RDN is a very entrepreneurial organization with a diverse team of over 35 staff, and a unique work environment. We have a team-oriented and inclusive culture, we strive to help our staff grow, and encourage team members to explore their interests and develop new opportunities. This position can offer the right candidate an excellent opportunity to take initiative and create something unique, enhance their profile, meet many amazing people and apply their skills to positive social change throughout Canada.

RDN is committed to and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. RDN is committed to ensuring an equitable workplace that welcomes and respects diversity amongst our staff, board members and volunteers. RDN works to ensure and promote inclusivity, recognizing and actively supporting the different needs of our diverse staff, clients, and stakeholders. RDN recognizes that diversity is and will always be a key component of rural Canada’s future success, and we strive to ensure that our staff is diverse. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but do not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover​​ letters. 

To learn more about RDN, visit www.ruraldevelopment.ca.