Special Assistant to Chief of Staf (62065)

Position Type:                                                                      Full-Time, Exempt
Schedule:                                                                             35 Hours/Week
Location:                                                                              One Pierrepont Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Work Arrangement:                                                             Hybrid
Department:                                                                         Executive Office
Reports To:                                                                          Chief of Staff & General Counsel

Graham Windham equips children, young adults, and families with life-changing tools to overcome systemic barriers driven by poverty, racial inequity, and unequal access to opportunity.

Through deep community partnerships and innovative, data-informed strategies, we advance our Vision 2029 ambition to ensure every individual we serve has a real pathway to a healthy, joyful, and successful life.

Role Overview

The Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff & General Counsel provides high project, governance, research, and administrative support to advance Graham Windham's strategic priorities. This role serves as a key partner in coordinating cross-functional initiatives, supporting Board governance activities, managing critical information and documentation, and monitoring policy and legislative developments that impact the organization and the communities it serves.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining discretion and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Project Management

• Coordinate and manage cross-departmental projects that support organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings, prepare agendas and supporting materials, document key decisions, and track action items.
• Monitor project timelines and deliverables, following up with stakeholders to drive towards timely completion.
• Develop, maintain, and update policies, procedures, and other organizational documentation to foster operational consistency and institutional knowledge.

Research, Policy & Advocacy Support

• Monitor political, legislative, and policy developments that may impact Graham Windham, its programs, and the communities it serves.
• Conduct research and prepare concise summaries, recommendations, and briefing materials for leadership.
• Prepare statements, presentations, comments, and advocacy materials in furtherance of Vision 2029 goals.
• Review sign-on letters, policy proposals, and news alerts and action requests from coalition partners for leadership consideration.

With Advocacy team, cultivate productive working relationships with elected and appointed officials.

Board Governance & Executive Support

• Assist in implementing strong governance practices and Board operations.
• Prepare, compile, and distribute Board and committee materials.
• Help plan Board meetings, orientations, and events.
• Maintain Board records, compliance documentation, and governance files.
• Support communication between leadership, Board members, and key stakeholders.

Crisis Response & Risk Management

• Support the Chief of Staff & General Counsel in responding to urgent organizational matters and crisis situations.
• Coordinate with staff across departments to ensure that clear, accurate, and timely information is shared and that support is provided where needed.

Compliance & Records Management

• Assist with responses to audits, subpoenas, investigations, inquiries, complaints, and other information requests.
• Collaborate with departments across the organization to gather and organize required documentation.
• Ensure records are maintained in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements.

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in a fast-paced environment with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Strong administrative, project management, and organizational skills.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information for diverse audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information with discretion and sensitivity.
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational abilities.
• Collaborative and relationship-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and levels of the organization.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Ability to adapt quickly and manage shifting priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other business applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting executive leadership, governance functions, public policy initiatives, or legal operations.
• Familiarity with nonprofit organizations, government relations, or human services environments.

Core Competencies

• Project Coordination & Execution
• Executive Support
• Policy Research & Analysis
• Board Governance
• Written Communication
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Stakeholder Management
• Relationship Building
• Information Management
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment
• Time Management & Prioritization

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 annually

Graham Windham offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Generous paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and coaching opportunities through Bravely
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Performance-based merit increases

Graham Windham is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability.

We foster an inclusive, respectful workplace where all individuals are empowered to contribute and thrive.