Executive Assistant

About Us:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) was founded in 2000 with one clear objective: accelerating meaningful therapeutic advances and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease (PD). The Foundation applies extraordinary scientific, business and media assets to this singular focus—thus creating a unique and dynamic organization. Since inception, MJFF has quickly grown into the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s disease research, having funded over $2 billion in research projects in both academic and industry labs worldwide.

Core to our philosophy is how we think of our capital and its risk profile relative to other stakeholders in the drug development pipeline. We work aggressively to de-risk various therapeutic strategies and tools in the hopes of building a robust pipeline of new treatments for patients. In order to achieve our mission of finding a cure for PD it is critical that we engage with, and bring together, members of the PD community including researchers, physicians, health professionals and most important, people with Parkinson's and their families.

We believe that to find a cure for PD as quickly as possible, our capital needs to push research forward today—we therefore deliberately hold no endowment or excessive reserves. We instead seek to deploy funds raised as quickly and wisely as possible. MJFF raises over $100 million annually. Today, the Foundation has approximately 250 full-time employees. We offer a collegial and collaborative environment where optimistic problem-solvers and entrepreneurial, resourceful individuals can thrive and make a tangible difference for millions of people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Position Summary: 
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (“the Foundation”) is seeking top talent for its Executive Assistant to the Chief Financial Officer. Reporting to the SVP, Head of Business Operations, this position at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research ("the Foundation") manages the email inbox, calendar, travel arrangements (domestic/international, personal/business) for an executive including general administrative & project management support.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Understand and proactively support the strategic priorities of the executive
• Proactively manage all daily scheduling on behalf of an executive, including business meetings, professional meeting attendance and appointments
• Coordinate appointments with key stakeholders, set up and track meetings and prepare materials and appropriate follow-up daily
• Proactively identify and implement solutions to enhance the executive’s daily and ongoing operations and effectiveness
• Manage and prioritize issues to be addressed, strategic initiatives, tasks to close and communicate progress/status
• Gain working knowledge of enterprise finance and budget processes to manage timelines and resource allocation
• Support ad hoc tasks, such as assistance with presentation preparation, organization of teambuilding events and diligence projects
• Plan and coordinate all the executive’s strategic initiatives and events
• Maintain a general understanding of the financial systems to assist the executive in facilitating approvals and performing other various functions
• Partner with the executive in maintaining a culture that is responsive, welcoming and service-oriented.
• Provide ad hoc assistance, including calendar and scheduling support, to other leadership team members at the executive's discretion

Qualifications and Skills:

• Prior experience as an executive assistant supporting C-level executives required
• Prior experience in health care or biomedical research, including non-profit, university, or foundation environment preferred
• Effective verbal and written communication and collaboration skills, including strong proficiency with MS Office 365 Suite tools
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by effectively managing shifting priorities and adjusting to changes in meeting schedules
• Task-oriented with an excellent sense of proactivity, priority, logic and objectivity
• Support the executive in project management by coordinating task completion, track progress and ensure seamless communication
• Maintain discretion and confidentiality in the handling of sensitive issues, with strong problem-solving skills

Salary and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $100,000.  In addition to salary, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15+ options for medical insurance (with the Foundation paying 90 percent of the premiums)
• Competitive dental and vision plans
• 401(k) plan with 6 percent employer contribution
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employer paid life and disability insurance
• 18 Vacation Days; 12 Well-Being (Sick) Days; 2 Personal Days; summer Fridays (office closure at 2pm) and a summer holiday week over July 4
• Two ways of working: hybrid-flex, or remote work. We trust all employees to work closely with their manager and colleagues to determine when, where and how programs and projects get done.

Employees are also eligible for a discretionary bonus on an annual basis. The Foundation provides staff and leadership cultivation through regular training courses and events. 

How to Apply: 
Interested candidates should submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter describing through examples, their specific qualifications and interest in the position. If you think that your skills are transferable and can add value to this role, please apply. Applicants who best match the position’s needs will be contacted.

MJFF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who will contribute to our efforts to build and support a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. Diversity may refer to characteristics including, but not limited to, race, religion, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic circumstance, geographic background, ability and disability, political ideology and age.