Special Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

Special Assistant to Chief Executive Officer

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Company Description

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), established in 1975, is one of the largest student-governed organizations in the United States. NSBE is committed to empowering collegiate, pre-collegiate, and technical professionals in the fields of engineering and technology. With a global presence of over 600 chapters and 24,000 active members, NSBE strives to increase the number of culturally responsible Black engineers who excel academically, thrive professionally, and positively impact their communities.

Position Summary

The Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) by ensuring the CEO’s time and energy are focused on the highest-impact priorities. This position serves as a trusted advisor, partner, and operational anchor to the CEO—managing complex schedules, projects, communications, and organizational priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

The Special Assistant acts as a key liaison between the CEO and internal and external stakeholders, including students, alumni, corporate partners, donors, and the Board of Directors. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and experienced in executive-level support, with exceptional judgment, discretion, and interpersonal skills. This role requires the ability to work independently while maintaining a deep commitment to NSBE’s values of representation, integrity, and excellence.

Duties and Responsibilities

Executive Operations & Administration

Manage the CEO’s complex calendar, prioritizing meetings and commitments in alignment with organizational goals.

Coordinate all aspects of meetings, including agendas, materials, logistics, and follow‑up actions.

Arrange domestic and international travel; prepare itineraries, briefing materials, and coordinate logistics.

Complete expense reports and process invoices accurately and timely.

Handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

Ensure the CEO is well‑informed and prepared for all meetings and events.

Strategic Support & Leadership

Serve as a trusted partner to the CEO on organizational priorities, stakeholder relationships, and strategic initiatives.

Independently assess and triage issues, determining which require the CEO’s attention and which can be delegated.

Represent the CEO in meetings with key stakeholders when appropriate.

Provide organizational insights and recommendations to inform CEO decision‑making.

Project & Initiative Management

Manage special projects from inception through completion, tracking progress, timelines, and outcomes.

Coordinate complex initiatives across departments, the Executive Leadership Team, and external partners.

Anticipate obstacles, identify solutions, and ensure follow‑through on CEO priorities.

Assist with coordination and preparation for NSBE’s Annual National Convention (February / March), Fall Regional Conferences (FRCs), and approximately 35 additional events each year, which may include up to 50% travel to both NSBE and partner‑related events.

Communications & Stakeholder Relations

Serve as liaison between the CEO and NSBE’s internal and external audiences, including students, alumni, corporate partners, and donors.

Draft and edit high‑quality correspondence, presentations, and reports on behalf of the CEO.

Partner with Marketing and Communications to align messaging and coordinate external engagements.

Maintain and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and board members.

Research & Analysis

Conduct research and analysis on diverse topics to support CEO decision‑making and strategic initiatives.

Prepare talking points, background briefs, and summary documents for meetings and events.

Monitor industry trends, peer organizations, and policy developments relevant to NSBE’s mission.

Strategic Thinking :

Aligns activities with organizational goals; anticipates opportunities and challenges.

Executive Judgment :

Exercises sound decision‑making on sensitive matters; knows when to elevate.

Adaptability :

Thrives in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.

Leadership Without Authority :

Influences and drives results across departments.

Discretion & Integrity :

Handles confidential information with the highest level of professionalism.

Mission Alignment :

Passionate about advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering and STEM.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

This position is based at NSBE World Headquarters in Alexandria, VA. The role requires occasional evening and weekend work, as well as frequent travel to NSBE and partner events. Other duties may be assigned to meet organizational needs.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Organizational Development, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field.

7–10 years of progressively responsible experience supporting C‑suite executives or equivalent senior leaders.

Demonstrated success in managing multiple complex priorities with minimal supervision.

Exceptional organizational, analytical, and written communication skills.

Proven experience managing executive calendars, projects, and confidential information.

Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build trust and credibility at all levels.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, and virtual collaboration platforms.

Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including evenings and weekends, with required participation in the Annual National Convention (February / March) and other key NSBE events.

Job Description Disclaimer

NSBE is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity in the workplace. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must regularly lift and / or move up to 10 pounds.

BENEFITS

Full‑time employees are eligible for company benefits, including a hybrid working model, vacation and personal time off, 100% company‑paid medical, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance benefits, twelve paid holidays, a 401(k) plan that matches up to 4%, and much more.

TRAVEL

Travel is required for the Annual National Convention, Fall Regional Conferences, National Transition and Leadership Conferences. Occasional travel to other conferences, chapters, and other industry‑related events may be required and assigned by management.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above position description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job‑related instructions and to perform other job‑related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and / or abilities. To perform this position successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Other

Industries

Non‑profit Organizations

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