What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Executive Assistant to the CEO position at THE CYPRESS INITIATIVE INC?
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Home office stipend
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
Role Summary:
The SPARK Initiative is seeking a highly organized, proactive Strategic Executive Assistant to work directly with our CEO. This is a hands-on, high-impact role combining executive support, strategic project coordination, operational execution, and administrative leadership. You’ll become the CEO’s trusted right-hand partner—anticipating needs, managing priorities, and helping move SPARK’s mission forward.
This is a unique opportunity to gain front-row exposure to nonprofit leadership, while supporting initiatives that impact youth, survivors, veterans, and at-risk adults locally and globally.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Support
- Manage the CEO’s calendar, appointments, and priorities
- Screen emails, respond when appropriate, and flag critical communications
- Coordinate phone calls, meetings, and speaking engagements
- Prepare materials, briefing documents, and presentations
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion
Strategic & Operational Support
- Research grants, funders, investors, and strategic partnership opportunities
- Track deadlines, timelines, and follow-ups for grants and initiatives
- Assist with preparing grant applications, proposals, and supporting materials
- Organize and execute priority projects led by the CEO
- Compile department reports and financial summaries
- Support other strategic initiatives to advance SPARK’s mission
Administrative & Logistical Support
- Book travel, hotels, and manage itineraries
- Coordinate conference and event logistics
- Compile receipts, reimbursements, invoices, and other project paperwork
- Print, assemble, and organize materials for meetings, proposals, or events
- Order materials or supplies needed directly by the CEO
- Pack, organize, and prepare folders, materials, or resources for programs, meetings, speaking engagements, or funders
Communication & Coordination
- Schedule and track meetings with potential funders, investors, and partners
- Maintain organized records and files for the CEO’s work and projects
- Support follow-ups and communications with home assistant, team, donors, board members, and collaborators
Qualifications
Required
- Highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Flexible and agile, able to adapt to new challenges and priorities daily
- Able to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and projects simultaneously
- Experience supporting leadership, executives, or managing complex projects
- Proficient with Slack, OneDrive, Microsoft Office Suite and calendars
- High level of discretion, professionalism, and ability to handle confidentiality
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Strong interpersonal skills with a positive, supportive attitude
- Curious and open-minded, eager to learn and grow
- Must be able to pass a level 2 background and credit check
- Reliable transportation;
Preferred
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- Experience in nonprofit, education, social services, or grant-funded organizations
- Familiarity with grant research, proposal writing, and donor relations
- Project management experience or training
- Knowledge of CRMs or donor databases (Salesforce experience a plus)
- Prior experience coordinating travel, meetings, or events
- Interest in growing into nonprofit leadership or strategic operations
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Paid holidays
- Health stipend
- Work phone or monthly stipend provided
- Mileage reimbursement
- 401(k)
About The SPARK Initiative
The SPARK Initiative is a Tampa-based nonprofit dedicated to cultivating human potential and resilience through education, mentoring, professional development and programming. Our programs serve youth, survivors of trafficking, incarcerated individuals, veterans, and business communities seeking to strengthen wellbeing and connection.
Flexible work from home options available.