Job Description

Fahrenheit Advisors has been retained to assist our client, Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia, in their search for a Senior Executive Assistant supporting their Chief Executive Officer in Richmond, VA.

About Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia

Goodwill of Central and Coastal Virginia has served 44 cities and counties for over 100 years, spanning from north of Richmond to the North Carolina border and Virginia Beach. As a financially resilient 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it employs over 1,300 people and generates $95 million annually through donated goods and business services.

A top 25 performing Goodwill in the nation, the organization operates 36 retail stores, 3 outlets, 2 auctions, and eCommerce via ShopGoodwill.com, handling more than 4.5 million transactions each year and diverting 55 million pounds of material from landfills. Operations are supported from three major centers in Richmond, Hampton, and Virginia Beach. The organization’s strategic plan is to continue its pattern of growth to expand delivery of its mission.

Committed to helping individuals with barriers to employment—such as disabilities, incarceration, or homelessness—Goodwill directly supports Goodwill Academy™ of Virginia, putting over 85% of revenue into its mission of changing lives through the power of work.

The organization lives its core values of Innovation, Respect, Integrity, Learning, Teamwork, and Commitment.

The Senior Executive Assistant provides high-level administrative support, project coordination, and executive support to the CEO and serves as a key partner in ensuring the CEO’s time, priorities, and communications are well managed. This role requires strong judgment, discretion, professionalism, and a service-oriented mindset.

The ideal candidate excels in supporting others, anticipating executive needs, preparing and coordinating meetings—particularly Board meetings—and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. While the role offers opportunities for professional growth, its primary focus is on providing exceptional support, taking direction effectively, and navigating change with composure and adaptability.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Perform comprehensive administrative duties including calendar management, scheduling internal and external meetings, coordinating logistics, and handling professional correspondence, emails, and phone calls.
• Prepare, review, and prioritize correspondence and materials requiring the CEO’s attention; assist in determining proper next steps.
• Maintain highly confidential business and personal information with discretion.
• Utilize Microsoft Office, Apple technology, SharePoint, and social media platforms; create high-quality presentations, reports, and communication materials.
• Support the CEO’s work with appointed Boards, Committees, and community partners.

Board & Meeting Preparation

• Develop agendas, slide decks, scripts, briefing packets, and meeting materials using established templates and direction from the CEO.
• Coordinate all meeting logistics including room setup, AV needs, meals, materials, attendance tracking, and visitor logistics.
• Take clear and accurate meeting minutes and ensure timely distribution.
• File and maintain all Board and Committee documents in accordance with governance protocols.
• Coordinate meeting follow-up including action item tracking, document storage, and preparation for next steps.

Calendar & Event Coordination

• Manage the executive’s calendar to align with priorities, prevent conflicts, and ensure adequate preparation time.
• Coordinate and support retreats, events, and executive meetings, ensuring seamless operations.
• When appropriate, act on behalf of the executive to maintain momentum and positive engagement with stakeholders.

Relationship Management & Communication

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with internal teams, Board members, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a polished representative of the CEO, communicating on their behalf when needed.
• Support a collaborative, values-based work environment, modeling professionalism and service.

Project Coordination

• Coordinate and monitor multiple tasks and initiatives to ensure timelines remain on track.
• Conduct research and gather data to support decision-making when requested.
• Identify potential barriers and present practical solutions, maintaining communication with the CEO and other stakeholders.
• Support projects by managing details, documentation, deadlines, and follow-through—not by directing or owning project outcomes.

Desired Competencies & Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience supporting C-suite executives or comparable senior leaders.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Exceptional organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail; ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
• Strong skills in event and meeting coordination, presentation development, and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Apple technology, SharePoint, and social media platforms; expert-level proficiency in Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Superior communication and relationship-building skills; maintains calm and professionalism under pressure.
• High degree of discretion, emotional intelligence, and maturity in handling sensitive information.
• Service-oriented mindset with strong supportive instincts; thrives in a role centered on enabling others’ success.
• Ability to take direction, adjust quickly to shifting priorities, and navigate change with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Action-oriented, dependable, curious, and committed to ongoing learning and improvement.