WISPA is looking for a responsible, professional, and experienced Executive Administrator & Board Liaison to perform a variety of administrative and clerical tasks. Reporting to the President & CEO, in a role with frequent interactions with members of the Board of Directors, of the WISPA Entities, the successful candidate will be a capable multitasker with excellent organizational and communication skills and a positive attitude. Duties include being able to:
provide support as directed by the President & CEO,
manage general administrative activities including daily office needs,
provide polite and professional assistance via phone, mail, and email,
handle in-person and online meeting preparation and logistics, including reservations and/or travel arrangements, and
be proactive and create a positive experience for others.
To succeed in this role the candidate must be prepared, attentive and accurate. They should be willing to meet each challenge directly, comfortable with computers and general office tasks, and excel at both verbal and written communication.
Responsibilities
Serve as the primary administrative contact for the President & CEO, and the Officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer) of the Boards of Directors, of the WISPA Entities.
Coordinate with and serve as liaison to: (a) the President & CEO, Board Officers, Board members, and staff; (b) Board Committees (e.g., Executive, Finance, Nominating); and (c) Association Committees, Working Groups and Affinity Groups (e.g., Policy, Government Affairs/Relations, State Coordinators, Rural Expansion, Multi-Dwelling, Women of WISPA).
For requested Board and Board Committee meetings, in Regular (Open) Session and/or Executive (Closed) Session: (a) serve as the lead worker for coordination among all parties and meeting preparation; and (b) serve as the “run of show” organizer, managing all scheduling, notification, videoconferencing (e.g., GoToWebinar, Teams, Zoom), electronic recording and distribution of meeting documentation (agenda, related materials, and meeting Minutes).
To the extent required for any Board-related function, coordinate travel arrangements and accommodations for the President & CEO, Board Officers, Board members, staff and any participating guests or consultants.
Monitor and maintain WISPA Entities website(s) for up-to-date Board and Director information.
As directed by the President & CEO or a Board Officer: (a) conduct research regarding administrative policies, procedures, and manuals; (b) conduct surveys and write reports; and (c) provide research assistance.
Follow-up on work in progress to ensure timely action and delivery by those responsible. Provide reminders of deadlines and meeting dates. Relay information to appropriate parties regarding arrangement of facilities and equipment needed for meetings and events. Notify appropriate parties regarding technology needs for meetings.
Monitor the Board budget, including purchasing.
Manage periodic deposits, with a working proficiency in accounting practices and software applications (e.g., QuickBooks).
Maintain proficiency in the knowledge and use of typical office technology to write correspondence, reports and other documents for dissemination to the President & CEO, Officers and members of the Boards of the WISPA Entities, staff and WISPA Entity members, as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Job Specifications/Requirements
In addition to demonstrating functional proficiencies integral to “Responsibilities” as set forth above, the successful candidate will possess these qualifications:
Education, Experience, and Background Verification: (a) a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field is required, with three-to-five (3-5) years of experience working with a governing board or governing body; and (b) suitability to be underwritten for surety bonding, if required at any time by WISPA (WISPA-paid). Note: employment contingent upon successful completion of WISPA-commissioned third-party background checks with clear findings.
Knowledge. Skills & Abilities: (a) Excellence in organizational, analytical, interpersonal and communication (oral, written and proofreading) skills; (b) Critical thinking skills, to: i) solve problems quickly and to take appropriate action under stress, ii) determine, organize, and manage multiple simultaneous priorities, and iii) meet established deadlines with speed and accuracy; (c) Sound judgment in the performance of assigned tasks, demonstrated by the exercise of discretion, tact, initiative, confidentiality, and decorum; and (d) Knowledge of parliamentary procedure (e.g., Robert’s Rules of Order).
Physical Demands/Work Environment: (a) Handling office tasks, such as: i) filing, generating reports and presentations, setting up for meetings, and ordering supplies, ii) providing real-time scheduling support by booking appointments and preventing/resolving conflicts, iii) making travel arrangements, such as booking flights, cars, and making hotel and restaurant reservations, iv) screening phone calls and routing callers to the appropriate party, and v) greeting and assisting visitors; (b) Using computers to generate reports, transcribe minutes from meetings, create presentations, and conduct research; including proficiency in desktop/laptop/tablet hardware and software applications (Microsoft Office 365 – Word, Excel, PowerPoint – Adobe Acrobat, etc.); (c) Maintaining professional demeanor (polite composure when communicating interpersonally and via phone, e-mail, and mail); anticipating the needs of others to ensure their seamless and positive experience.; and (d) Additional requirements include the ability to: i) travel for scheduled meetings, conferences, and training, ii) work outside of the regularly scheduled workday periodically (e.g., weekend Board meetings and other events), iii) sit and work at a desk/computer for extended periods of time, and iv) be self-motivated. (The work environment is typical of professional office settings, including noise levels. The ability to move items weighing 50 pounds or less, including documents, meeting materials, office technology and other materials for Board meetings and retreats with or without assistance, is required.)
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position neither directly nor indirectly supervises others.
Residency, Compensation, Benefits
This position is based, and open to candidates residing, in the Washington, DC area. No relocation assistance will be provided. Compensation for this exempt position will be commensurate with experience. WISPA offers comprehensive employee benefits including PTO, 401(k) with company match, and group health, dental/vision, and short- and long-term disability insurance plans. WISPA is an equal opportunity employer.
The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work but is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all required duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
To be considered for this Executive Administrator & Board Liaison position, please submit a letter of introduction, including your compensation requirements and c.v./resume, via email, to: resumes@wispa.org.
WISPA - Broadband Without Boundaries represents the interests of the evolving wireless Internet service provider (WISP) ecosystem: innovative entrepreneurs who provide fixed wireless, fiber and other connectivity solutions to consumers, businesses, first responders and community anchor institutions. WISPs bring critical Internet access to millions of Americans in unserved and underserved rural, suburban, urban and Tribal areas of the country, offering reliable, cost-effective and innovative service options where they did not previously exist.
Our Mission
To help small local innovators and entrepreneurs usher in the next wave of evolving connectivity solutions through a strong, vibrant, and participatory WISP community; promote state-of-the-art industry standards, technology and education; and advocate sound public policy which encourages investment, development and deployment of reliable broadband to all Americans, no matter where they live.
Membership
WISPA's members are comprised of WISPs and the industry which supports them, including equipment suppliers, support services, and other components needed to run a successful WISP enterprise.