Executive Assistant

Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit providing food and social services for anyone in need. Founded in 1970, we’re one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago. We also provide free, trauma‑informed mental health counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. We strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice‑based distribution model and access to life‑changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs;
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities;
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, Nourishing Hope will provide about 200,000 food and social services to our Chicago neighbors.

The Executive Assistant’s (EA) primary function is to support the work of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by performing complex duties in a highly responsible and confidential manner. The role requires the use of independent judgment, discretion, and a high degree of professionalism to prioritize work, support organizational operations, and facilitate effective decision‑making.

The EA will also provide administrative support for the senior leadership team and Board of Directors as needed, including, but not limited to, managing schedules, coordinating meetings and events, preparing materials, supporting organizational operations, and assisting with special projects and culture initiatives.

This position primarily works out of Nourishing Hope Headquarters, 1716 W. Hubbard St in Chicago. The work schedule is Monday-Friday 8:00AM‑5:00PM with hybrid opportunity to work remote 1 day per week (after 90‑days)

• Ensure effective execution of the CEO’s schedule including appointments, conference calls, meetings and travel.
• Schedule meetings and events, effectively prioritizing and coordinating the CEO’s calendar.
• Prepare information and materials – ensuring that all pertinent information is gathered and readily available – prior to CEO’s meetings, donor meetings and other internal and external events.
• Monitor and prioritize correspondence for the CEO including follow up communication with partners and donors.
• Conduct interactions with staff and other stakeholders in a positive, professional manner.
• Attend and provide administrative support for Senior Leadership Team meetings and retreats.
• Exercise judgment in determining priorities, organizing work, and appropriate follow‑up.

• Serve as the administrative liaison to the Board of Directors including:
• Manage the scheduling of board meetings, committee meetings, and individual board member meetings.
• Coordinate the preparation and distribution of agendas and meeting packets for board of director meetings.
• Attend all board meetings and maintain records of proceedings, votes, etc.
• Manage all meeting logistics including Zoom and/or in person meeting logistics.
• Apply discretion when handling confidential board materials and communications.

• Support day‑to‑day organizational operations through effective coordination, communication, and administrative judgment.
• Coordinate and manage all meeting logistics for the CEO, Senior Leadership & Leadership Team meetings, and All‑Staff meetings, including scheduling, preparing agendas, and facilitating conference calls and presentation technology.
• Take and distribute meeting minutes and action items, arrange meeting rooms and space set‑up/tear‑down, and order and manage meals for on‑ and off‑site meetings.
• Carry out…