World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Special Assistant, Chief Operating Officer.
Provides executive-level administrative and project support to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). This position will organize and execute daily activities to support the smooth functioning of the COO’s office, which includes administrative, financial, operational, and project-based responsibilities. The role will also support the prioritization of activities of the COO’s Office to increase productivity and overall effectiveness.
Salary Range: $78,400 - $98,000
NOTE: This is a Hybrid Role in the DC office for a minimum of 2-3 days a week with flexibility to be onsite more frequently, as needed.
**This position is likely to start in October.**
Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Key Competencies:
Adaptability & Flexibility - Priorities and workload may change each day and it’s important to have the ability to implement flexible, organized, and detail-oriented systems and pivot when needed. There may also be times when the role is involved in high-pressure situations that require a calm demeaner and ability to think clearly through solutions.
Big Picture Thinking - The COO interacts with many teams across the organization who might also have different working styles. It’s essential that this role be able to adapt and build strong relationships with others to schedule meetings quickly and move projects forward effectively.
Interpersonal Communication & Collaboration - There may be times when the role needs to take initiative and make smart, informed decisions to drive priorities forward independently.
Initiative & Reliability - There may be times when the role needs to take initiative and make smart, informed decisions to drive priorities forward independently.
Intellectual Curiosity & Growth Mindset -This role is unique in that there is increased exposure to and visibility into all areas of the organization, and the COO’s Office is looking for an individual who has the determination and willingness to put in the time and effort and build the right connections to grow as an individual.
Demonstrated experience managing complex executive calendars, including meeting, travel, and event coordination.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to create and maintain systems, track operational priorities, and ensure follow-through on tasks and deadlines.
Proven ability to prepare meeting agendas, assemble materials, and support senior leaders in preparation for internal and external engagements.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including drafting and editing presentations, talking points, memos, and correspondence.
Proficiency with budget tracking, expense processing, invoice payment, and contract management.
Ability to attend meetings and document critical action items, ensuring prompt follow-up and accountability.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working directly with senior executives, preferably in a COO or C-suite office.
Background in nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organizations.
Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, project management software).
Familiarity with budget reconciliation and financial reporting.
Demonstrated ability to proactively identify process improvements and recommend solutions for increased efficiency.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt to different working styles and foster a collaborative environment.
Experience supporting board or council meetings, including agenda development and logistics coordination.
Comfort operating in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and high-pressure situations.Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Power Point.Able to build strong project management systems using platforms like Airtable and Monday.com or other similar project management software.Has superb organizational skills, is detail-oriented, and is able to effectively prioritize and execute a large number of activities at once.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Energetic and passionate about conservation.Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.To Apply:
Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #26010 Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.