Since the opening of Brookfield Zoo in 1934, the Society has had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. The Society is an active partner in wildlife protection programs around the world, including the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running study of bottlenose dolphins. We have pioneered the field of conservation psychology, the study of how people connect with animals and nature. We are able to reach so many audiences each year, including 2 million zoo guests engaged by unique exhibits and programs; some 250,000 schoolchildren, campers, and families who participate in award-winning science education programs; nearly 24,000 teachers who take part in our professional development workshops; and, diverse communities across Chicagoland. The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation, this venerable institution also serves as a potent economic engine, top tourism attraction and award-winning educational institution.

As Board Liaison - Executive Assistant, President's Office, you will serve as liaison with Trustees, Governing Member Ambassadors, and Women's Board Members in implementing governance functions assigned by the President and CEO. You will ensure effective communications with the Board, Chief Advancement Officer, and Senior Vice President of Development regarding Board matters of significance and coordinate the scheduling of all Board of Trustee (BOT) and Executive Committee meetings with calendar of Board Chair and President/CEO and all BOT committee meetings with calendar of President/CEO and appropriate CZS support staff. As Board Liaison, you will develop quarterly Board and Executive Committee meeting agendas for approval by the President/CEO and distributes accordingly; review all Board Committee minutes and coordinate the minute approval process through to approval by the Board Secretary; manage Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings, including recording and finalizing board and Executive Committee meeting minutes; and, be responsible for communication of newsworthy information to Trustees and governing bodies through the Director's Report of Trustee Highlights and communicating with staff through the Director's Report of the Staff Bulletin. You will work with the President and CEO, Board Chairman, and Executive Management Team, as necessary, to execute Board priorities in accordance with Society By-Laws. As Board Liaison, you will handle a myriad of contacts/requests from Trustees related to the President's Office and areas of responsibility. This will also include the handling of high-level VIPs, executives, and other contacts with great tact, professionalism, resourcefulness and knowledge of the institution's practices and operations. As Board Liaison, you will work with appropriate Society departments to coordinate, handle and respond to inquiries and requests; follows through to ensure requests are handled promptly, properly and to the requestor's satisfaction; keep the President and Executive Assistant informed; review and funnel appropriate inquiries to the Management Team or other staff members for handling as appropriate; and, assist with the coordination of Executive Management Team meetings. The Board Liaison will also provide back-up to the Executive Assistant, President's Office and manages projects or assists with special projects; participates as President's Office team member in performing special projects, represent President's Office at Society events as needed, participate in CZS teams, committees, and working groups as assigned and as schedule allows. This position reports to the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO.

Position Requirements and Specifications
This position includes the following requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications, or other directly relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experience highly preferred.
• Minimum five plus directly related administrative, management or executive assistant experience providing high-level support for a senior executive or equivalent required.
• Must have an eye for detail, completeness and accuracy and error-free work product.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills required.
• Effective problem-solving abilities; sound, logical decision-making skills.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills, ability to establish and maintain strong rapport, positive relationships and deal effectively and tactfully with all levels of people within and outside the organization.
• Strong writing/composition skills, strong verbal communication skills, excellent telephone etiquette, and effective listening skills required.
• Solid communications skills essential. Must be clear, articulate, and concise.
• Strategic thinker; ability to see the big picture/think institutionally.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple, competing priorities and deadlines.
• Must be proactive, take initiative, and be able to identify tasks to be completed and initiate without prompting.
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality of highly privileged information.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Outlook, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint required.
• Experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
• Valid driver's license required. Illinois residents must possess a valid Illinois license within 90 days of hire. Valid out-of-state license required for out-of-state residents.
• Must be highly tactful and represent the Society in a professional manner at all times both in appearance and demeanor.
• Incumbent is required to attend meetings on and off site, some occurring before and/or after normal business hours. Some local travel may be required.

This position includes the following desirable/preferred qualifications:

• Experience working in a non-profit organization desirable.
• Experience working with Board members/governance strongly preferred.
• Prior experience working for a CEO desirable.
• Multilingual ability, Spanish fluency a plus.

Additional Information
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer - Minorities / Women / Veterans / Disabled.