Special Assistant to the CEO

We’re hiring a sharp, trusted right hand to help our CEO move boldly and lead well—every day. 

About Taproot

Taproot is building the future of pro bono. We connect nonprofits with skilled volunteers—so that vital organizations can grow, adapt, and lead.

For over 20 years, we’ve delivered more than $300 million in pro bono support to over 25,000 social sector organizations. Now, we’re evolving to meet dynamic new needs and opportunities in the social sector—expanding access to nonprofits; embracing AI in our operations, strategy, and programming; and catalyzing a broader marketplace to support the next generation of pro bono service.

Our goal: unlock the full power of professional talent for social good.

About This Role

Taproot is at an exciting inflection point. With a new CEO at the helm and a bold vision for the future, we’re reimagining how we deliver on our mission—modernizing our internal infrastructure, deepening our equity commitments, and strengthening our external influence. It’s a moment of strategic transformation, and we’re building a team that’s ready to lead it.

The Special Assistant to the CEO is a trusted extension of Taproot’s CEO, ensuring she has maximum clarity, focus, efficiency, and impact. This role goes far beyond logistics. It’s about helping a fast-paced, visionary executive move through each day with precision and purpose.

You’ll manage time, prep materials, juggle priorities, and anticipate needs before they arise. You’ll support both internal operations and external engagements with professionalism, calm, and care. You’ll communicate clearly, maintain momentum, and navigate confidential matters with maturity and judgment.

This is a high-trust, high-exposure position at the center of a dynamic organization. It’s an incredible opportunity for a detail-oriented, emotionally intelligent professional who takes pride in staying five steps ahead. The ideal candidate will be fluent in the tools of modern productivity (think: Google Suite, Asana; and Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and other AI tools) and comfortable framing up audience-ready decks, agendas, and presentations with minimal direction.

You’ll report directly to the CEO and engage regularly with board members, funders, and other leaders across the organization. This is a full-time, remote role with occasional travel to Washington, DC (~10%).

What You’ll Do

Keep the CEO one step ahead.

You’ll manage her calendar and priorities with precision—navigating shifting demands, resolving conflicts, and ensuring she’s prepped and focused for what’s next.

Make meetings matter.

You’ll develop clear agendas, prep materials and talking points, and ensure smooth follow-up—so every meeting has purpose and momentum.

Create clear, compelling materials.

You’ll frame up slide decks, talking points, and communications that reflect the CEO’s voice and the organization’s goals—professional, on point, and polished.

Support with thoughtfulness and discretion.

You’ll handle information—internal and external, professional and logistical—with care, sound judgment, and a deep sense of trust.

Surface what matters.

You’ll conduct research and synthesize insights to help the CEO prepare for conversations, make decisions, and stay grounded in the big picture.

Manage logistics with care.

You’ll coordinate complex travel, events, and speaking engagements—making sure every detail supports the CEO’s goals and time.

Drive progress on cross-functional projects.

You’ll help keep important initiatives on track—maintaining timelines, tracking deliverables, and nudging things forward with tact and persistence.

Work smarter with modern tools.

You’ll use tech (Google Suite, Asana, Zoom, ChatGPT, and others) to streamline workflows, manage information, and enhance productivity across the board.

Disclaimer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Furthermore, this job description is not an employment contract.

What You Bring

• 3+ years in a fast-paced, senior-facing role (e.g., executive support, strategic operations, or executive communications)

• Impeccable attention to detail and ability to juggle complex priorities without dropping the ball

• Sharp, clear communication—both written and verbal; can distill and polish messaging with minimal direction

• High emotional intelligence and cultural competence; able to read a room, build trust, and handle delicate dynamics with maturity

• Excellent judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive matters

• Strong proficiency in Google Suite, Zoom, CRM tools, and digital collaboration platforms; comfort framing up decks in Google Slides or PowerPoint

• Proactive and anticipatory mindset—you notice what’s missing, think a few steps ahead, and fill in the gaps without prompting

• AI-forward mindset: willingness to experiment and use generative tools to improve speed, clarity, and productivity

• Motivation, reliability, and a “no task too small” spirit grounded in a deep belief in service

• Passion for Taproot’s mission and interest in the social sector

How To Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and thoughtful cover letter telling us why this role resonates with you and how your experience is a strong match. Apply through the Taproot Careers Page, not through a third party website. We will review applications and interview promising candidates on a rolling basis, through the application deadline of August 17th at 9pm ET.

We know great candidates may not meet every qualification. If this role excites you, we hope you’ll apply.

Taproot is deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do—from the work we lead to the culture we’re building. We believe that diverse teams and inclusive partnerships are essential to driving innovation, equity, and meaningful impact in the social sector. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to apply.