A Northwest leader in protecting animals since 1967, the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) shelters homeless animals, rehabilitates injured and orphaned wildlife, and empowers people to demonstrate compassion and respect for animals in their daily lives.
Position Title: Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Wage: $77,969/annually
Purpose Summary:
The Executive Assistant to the CEO at PAWS is a high-energy, proactive, and experienced professional who plays a critical role in supporting the organization’s leadership. This position serves as a strategic and detail-oriented partner to the CEO, helping to manage priorities, drive efficiency, and foster effective communication with internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate demonstrates exceptional judgment, discretion, organizational skills, and a commitment to PAWS’ mission.
This is a hybrid role based at the PAWS campus in Lynnwood, WA, with occasional opportunities to work remotely and the flexibility to attend meetings or events throughout the Greater Seattle area as needed.
VALUES
All employees and volunteers exemplify the values of PAWS and exhibit mindful demonstration of:
Commitment – A champion for animals no matter the difficulty.
Compassion – Acting to ease pain and distress.
Kindness – Demonstrating caring toward all living beings.
Respect – Welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities.
Trust – Believing in the ability and positive intention of others.
Essential Responsibilities:
In accordance with organizational policies, duties include but are not limited to:
- Manage the CEO’s calendar with a high level of accuracy and foresight, proactively prioritizing and balancing shifting demands while preventing scheduling conflicts.
- Serve as the primary liaison between the CEO and internal/external stakeholders, handling communications with professionalism, discretion, and efficiency.
- Coordinate and manage all aspects of meeting logistics, including preparing Outlook calendar invitations, compiling agendas, assembling meeting materials, and recording detailed minutes.
- Support planning and execution of regular and special meetings of the PAWS Board of Directors, including logistics, documentation, audiovisual needs, and communication with board members.
- Assist board committees by organizing meetings, distributing materials, recording minutes, and maintaining records.
- Maintain and update all board-related administrative documents, including contact rosters, biographies, terms of service, and signed agreements (e.g., NDAs, Conflict of Interest).
- Manage onboarding of new board members, ensuring a smooth transition by coordinating documentation, briefings, and access to relevant systems.
- Oversee and maintain the board’s electronic document repository; manage permissions and troubleshoot access issues.
- Identify and recommend process improvements to board administration and implement approved enhancements.
- Plan and organize organization-wide meetings and staff events; record and distribute minutes for All Staff meetings.
Other responsibilities Include:
- Draft and prepare high-quality reports, presentations, and communications as requested.
- Collaborate with the Administrative Team to provide backup and cross-functional support as needed.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO.
Work Environment & Reporting Structure: This position reports directly to the CEO and operates with a high level of autonomy. The Executive Assistant is expected to independently manage tasks while aligning with the CEO’s goals and organizational priorities.
Physical Demands & Location: Duties are primarily performed in a standard office setting, requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use. This is a hybrid position with regular work at the PAWS Lynnwood campus and occasional travel to other locations in the Greater Seattle area.
Benefits:
Generous benefits available including health/vision/dental/long-term disability/life insurance for employees and their families, enrollment in 403(b) plan with employer contribution and match, paid time off (PTO) starting with accrual of up to 15 days annually, sick leave accrued on all hours worked, 10 paid holidays per year, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet supply discounts, and discounts for veterinary services at select veterinary clinics. PAWS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
PAWS is an equal opportunity employer. PAWS employment decisions are made based on merit and business needs. PAWS is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate the diversity of individual unique identity, perspectives, and experiences and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
We encourage ALL to apply.
All PAWS positions receive written performance evaluations after the first 90 days and annually thereafter.
Application process:
Upload your Cover Letter stating your qualifications and why you are interested in this position, your Resume, and complete the online Application.
Only Complete Application Packets will receive consideration.
Applications received through September 16, 2025, will receive priority consideration.
Position Open Until Filled but may be closed at any time a qualified candidate is selected.
Note: Under the provisions of the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the successful candidate will be required to provide both evidence of identity and eligibility for employment.
All Offers of Employment are Conditional, based on successful completion of reference and background checks.
