Job Summary:
Reporting to NDN Collective Founder & CEO Nick Tilsen, the Executive Assistant to the Founder & CEO provides services essential to the mission of the organization and the day-to-day operations of the CEO & Founder’s Office while acting as a trusted partner who manages priorities, time, and information. This position also provides support to the organization’s Board of Directors. This individual will also assist with other special committees and task forces as determined by the Founder & CEO and will also support the activities of the Office of the Founder & CEO in maintaining good relations with partners, colleagues, and other organizational contacts made in the normal course of conducting NDN Collective work.
THE POSITION
Must currently be based in and around the Twin Cities, MN (occasional travel required).
Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Applicant must reside in the US
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Completes a broad variety of administrative tasks for the Founder & CEO including: managing an extremely active calendar of appointments; completing expense reports; composing and preparing correspondence that is confidential; arranging complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas; and compiling documents for meetings.
- Plans, coordinates and ensures the Founder & CEO’s calendar and schedule are updated and well-managed on a daily basis to ensure that their time is followed and respected. Manages the Founder & CEO’s complex calendar and travel logistics while providing assistance and guidance for internal and external requests for the Founder & CEO’s office.
- Attends some meetings with the Founder & CEO to provide support such as briefing, notetaking, and assisting with planning, technology, and other duties.
- Researches, prioritizes, and follows up on incoming and upcoming issues and concerns addressed to the Founder & CEO, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature. Determines the appropriate course of action, referral, or response.
- Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the Founder & CEO and internal departments.
- Works closely and effectively with the Founder & CEO to keep him well-informed of upcoming commitments and responsibilities, and follows up appropriately.
- Provides assistance with networking, maintaining partnerships and fostering/building relationships crucial to the success of the organization.
- Successfully completes critical aspects of deliverables with a hands-on approach, including drafting acknowledgement letters, personal correspondence, and other tasks that facilitate the Founder & CEO’s ability to effectively lead the organization.
- Anticipates executive needs and proactively solves problems. Prioritizes conflicting needs; handles matters expeditiously while tracking deadlines and action items to ensure projects are completed successfully, often under deadline pressures.
- Provides inbox management support for the Founder & CEO’s email.
- Makes and reviews all travel arrangements for the Founder & CEO, prepares the itinerary, confirms lodging and transportation, and processes travel.
- Maintains a direct, point-of-contact with all Board of Directors members for the Founder & CEO. Assists in the preparation and distribution of relevant materials to Board members as requested and provides overall assistance and support to the Founder & CEO, Vice-President, and the Board of Directors.
- Assists with event preparation and planning as directed by the Founder & CEO.
- Talks about and answers general questions regarding the organization.
- Works closely with the Director of Operations.
- Performs other duties, as assigned.
WHO YOU ARE
Education and Experience
- BS/BA or equivalent combination of education and/or experience required. Minimum 5 years’ experience supporting an Executive Director, President, CEO, COO, or other similar senior-level executive required. Baccalaureate degree preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to work with executives and to coordinate a high volume of diverse assignments, effectively handle competing priorities, and maintain attention to detail.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency in the use of Google Workspace including Gmail, Google Docs, Drive, Sheets, and Slides. Proficiency in the use of Adobe applications as well as Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must have the ability to learn NDN Collective databases, content management systems, scheduling systems and other software as needed.
- Meticulous grammar, editing and writing, presentation and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and use good judgment in making independent decisions with a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
- Excellent customer service skills and impeccable organization skills.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
ACTIVATOR: You are a self-reliant person and are strong at making things happen by turning thoughts into Partners.
LEARNER: You have strong learning agility and are able to rapidly understand and analyze new situations. You learn from your successes and failures and improve processes to drive our mission.
COMMUNICATOR: You are an exceptionally strong communicator who can create high-quality materials and deliver compelling messages and presentations.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT: You are ambitious and creative and enjoy the process of building something from the ground up. You are excited by the opportunity to come in and have a heavy hand in shaping our development operations.
SOCIALLY & EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT: You are able to work efficiently and respectfully with others. You understand how individuals, groups, and societies work and you build rapport through being trustworthy and empathetic.
DETAIL-ORIENTED: You strive for perfection and are able to move from the high level of a project to its smallest details.
FLEXIBLE: You thrive in a fast-paced environment and are flexible when it is necessary. You are willing to travel when needed.
This position is salaried, commensurate with experience, ranging from $72,000 – $78,000. A generous benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a matched 401(k) retirement plan, a wellness program, personal leave, professional development, and more.
HOW TO APPLY
Please create a nicely organized PDF document which contains the following components:
- A 1-page cover letter discussing your work background and your interest in NDN Collective
- Your resume
- A 1-page document containing short answers to the following questions:
- How does your experience working in Indigenous communities inform your current work and your interest in this position?
- In previous similar positions, how did you manage the Executive’s demanding schedule and daily challenges including emergent items and shifting priorities? Sharing examples is highly encouraged.
- NDN Collective conducts background checks. Is there anything that you need to share with us about your background?
- If you have personal or social connections to anyone who works at or with NDN Collective, who do you know and what is your relationship/connection?
- Have you ever been an NDN Collective grantee or applied for a grant with us?
Please title the PDF as “Last Name_First Name_ExecAsst” and email your document with a brief introduction in the body of the email to [email protected].
As attention to detail is critical for success in this role, only applicants who follow these specific application guidelines will be considered.
Note: Please apply to one position only.
NDN Collective is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, disability, or sexual orientation, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination. It is NDN Collective’s policy to comply with all federal, state, tribal and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. In keeping with that policy, NDN Collective is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment and will not tolerate unlawful discrimination against or harassment of any of our employees or others present at our facilities by anyone, including any NDN Collective supervisor, co-worker, vendor or client.
