Career Center

Executive Assistant, American Counseling Association

The American Counseling Association (ACA) seeks an Executive Assistant to partner with the CEO and ACA team to ensure timely flow of information to and from the executive office. The Executive Assistant will provide critical support to the ACA’s new CEO, who is coalescing the field’s response to the increased need for counseling support in the wake of today’s mental health crisis. 

ACA is a not-for-profit, educational, scientific, and professional organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession. A membership association, ACA promotes the professional development of counselors, advocates for the profession, and ensures ethical, culturally inclusive practices that protect those using counseling services. Through its work, ACA envisions a country where every person has access to the quality professional counseling they need to thrive. For more information, please visit www.counseling.org. 

Position Overview 

The Executive Assistant is an experienced and diplomatic administrative professional who provides senior-level assistance to the CEO. They will coordinate a wide range of responsibilities associated with the CEO’s calendar, travel, correspondence, reports, and presentations. They will have strong skills in planning and organizing, communication, personal and professional judgment, and a high level of adaptability and flexibility. 

This position will handle details of a highly confidential and critical nature and must function efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced, mission-driven professional environment.

In addition to the responsibilities below, the Executive Assistant will carry out assigned tasks that are consistent with the general responsibilities of this position.

• Provide administrative support and coordination to the CEO, including managing calendars, drafting correspondence, making travel arrangements, preparing expense reports, and drafting reports, presentations, and background materials for the CEO.
• Learn and understand ACA’s structure, priorities, and strategic goals to support the CEO’s advancement of organizational initiatives. 
• Compile and maintain reports, including but not limited to the ACA strategic plan, road map progress, and CEO dashboard. Prepare related internal communications and updates.
• Prepare, produce, and distribute background and briefing materials and itineraries related to CEO’s meetings, presentations, conferences, and travel. Attend annual conference.
• Proactively anticipate the CEO’s needs and act accordingly by bringing together appropriate people and resources to support in addressing issues.
• Represent the CEO in a professional and congenial manner in correspondence and internal meetings. Research, prioritize, and follow up on incoming issues and concerns.
• With the Director of Governance & Leadership Development, support the executive’s relationship with the board leadership. Provide administrative assistance to the CEO during Governing Council, Executive Committee, and other governance meetings.
• Serve as a project team member on assigned projects. Manage projects as assigned by the CEO, including leading design, planning, and execution of activities and tactics. 
• Identify, engage, and oversee relationships with external consultants, as needed.
• Manage assigned budget areas, including reviewing and approving invoices, tracking expenditures, preparing reports, and tracking revenue and expenses.
• Monitor financial information for accuracy, such as invoices for services and materials, hotels, subcontractors, etc. and code for accounting.
• Provide administrative support to other groups as requested.

Qualifications 

• No less than 7 years of experience in a related administrative or project management role.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills. A demonstrated critical thinking ability.
• Outstanding interpersonal and diplomatic skills. A high-energy approach to staff, board, and volunteer management. Shows composure under the stress of deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including assisting in the creation of branded presentation materials. Must be able to communicate and represent information for executive level consideration both internally and with board and volunteer leadership.
• Strong organizational skills and great attention to detail. Proven ability to develop and manage systems and processes, as well as organize and prioritize multiple complex projects and tasks.
• Experience managing budgets, as well as strategic and financial goals.
• Must be capable of exercising the highest level of discretion on both internal and external confidential matters.
• Technological proficiency, including as a power-user of MS Office Suite, document management software (Adobe Acrobat), videoconferencing (Zoom), and project management (Monday.com). 

Location and Travel

ACA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA and operates with a hybrid work schedule. The Executive Assistant will work from the office 2-3 days per week. Travel to annual conference and governance meetings will be 10-15% of time.

Compensation

Starting base salary in the low $90,000s, plus benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, a matched retirement plan, and generous paid leave.

Application Process

ACA has retained the services of Good Insight, a national executive search firm serving small nonprofits. See the full executive profile and application information at www.good-insight.org/careers. Resume reviews begin immediately. For best consideration, apply by late September 2023. Early applications are encouraged due to the pace of the search.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

At ACA, Equal Employment Opportunity is our commitment and goal. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, marital status or any other protected status designated by federal, state or local law. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application by contacting ACA@good-insight.org.

About American Counseling Association

The American Counseling Association (ACA) is the world’s largest organization representing professional counselors in various practice settings. Our vision: Every person has access to quality professional counseling to thrive. Our mission: Promote the professional development of counselors, advocate for the profession, and ensure ethical, culturally-inclusive practice. Our values: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Integrity, Proactive Leadership, Professional Community & Relationships, Scientific Practice & Knowledge, Social Justice & Empowerment. All American Counseling Association team members are encouraged, supported, and expected to demonstrate The Way We Work Values: Be Flexible, Be Creative, Be Empowered, Be Inquisitive, Be Collaborative and Be Respectful.

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