"Executive Assistant to the Secretary/Administrative Assistant"

Job Details

Are you a highly organized, polished professional energized by supporting senior leaders and complex operations? Phi Beta Kappa is seeking an Executive Assistant to the Secretary / Administrative Assistant to provide top-level support to the Secretary (CEO) while also assisting the Development, Events, and Awards teams.

In this dual-support role, you will manage a sophisticated range of administrative and operational responsibilities—ensuring smooth workflows, high-quality communications, and seamless coordination across departments. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced environments, exercises discretion and judgment, and anticipates needs before they arise.

This position requires a proactive, highly professional individual who can maintain confidentiality, balance multiple priorities, and represent the Society with professionalism and warmth.

Position Title:Executive Assistant to the Secretary/Administrative Assistant

Department: Development, Events, & Awards

Reports To:Director / Assistant Director of Development, Events, & Awards

Status:Full-time, Exempt

Location:Dupont Circle, Washington DC- in person required

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive-level administrative support to the Secretary, including calendar management, meeting preparation, correspondence, travel arrangements, and follow-up.
• Assist Development, Events, and Awards teams with scheduling, logistics, and administrative coordination to ensure smooth execution of initiatives and events.
• Draft and edit communications, reports, and materials with precision, clarity, and professionalism.
• Manage and prioritize incoming inquiries and requests, ensuring appropriate delegation or response in a timely manner.
• Coordinate cross-departmental projects, supporting collaboration and efficient workflows.
• Maintain accurate records, data, and documentation while supporting reporting and operational needs.
• Serve as a discreet, trusted point of contact both internally and externally, representing the Secretary and the Society with professionalism and care.
• The position requires occasional out-of-state travel to support organizational events, donor engagements, and conferences

Who You Are

• A polished, sophisticated professional with experience supporting C-suite or senior leaders in fast-paced environments.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple competing priorities with impeccable attention to detail.
• Exercises discretion, judgment, and confidentiality at all times.
• Communicates clearly, professionally, and diplomatically, both in writing and verbally.
• Proactive and resourceful, anticipating needs and identifying solutions independently.
• Collaborative, positive, and committed to supporting a high-performing, mission-driven team.
• Passionate about advancing Phi Beta Kappa's nonpartisan mission championing the liberal arts and sciences, combined with a keen interest in news, books, culture, and politics.

Why It Matters

This position is critical to the efficient operation of the Secretary’s office and the Society’s broader initiatives. By providing executive-level support and coordinating across Development, Events, and Awards functions, this role ensures that Phi Beta Kappa operates with professionalism, responsiveness, and excellence—reflecting the Society’s enduring commitment to integrity, service, and impact.

The anticipated salary is in the range of $50,000-60,000 depending upon experience.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. The national office of Phi Beta Kappa is in the heart of Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C.

About The Phi Beta Kappa Society

The Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation's most prestigious academic honor society, champions education in the liberal arts and sciences, fosters freedom of thought, and recognizes academic excellence.

The invitation to join Phi Beta Kappa is widely recognized as a mark of distinguished accomplishment. Every year, working with dedicated volunteer leaders at chapters at over 290 U.S. colleges and universities, we welcome over 20,000 new students to membership. With well over 700,000 members worldwide, we engage this member network through innovative national and virtual programming as well as local activity with more than 40 alumni associations.

Through the work of a dedicated team in the national office in Washington, D.C., we create diverse opportunities for volunteer-led programs, networking, and lifelong learning, as well as champion the arts and sciences in higher education and in communities across the country.

For more information about The Phi Beta Kappa Society, visit www.pbk.org.

The Phi Beta Kappa Society is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to HRHiring@pbk.org.

All materials should be in a single pdf file titled “EA, applicant’s last name” (e.g., EA, Jones)

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until a successful applicant is found.