Executive Assistant

Agency

Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources

Division

Zoological Park

Job Classification Title

Executive Assistant I (S)

Position Number

60033245

Grade

NC11

About Us

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state's natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina. Everyone is welcome. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov. We encourage you to apply to become a part of our team!

Description of Work

Have you ever wanted to work at a zoo? Want to be part of a dynamic and unique organization that saves wildlife and wild places? The North Carolina Zoo is looking to hire an Executive Assistant. The Executive Assistant serves as the sole administrative support to the Zoo Director, the Division’s highest-ranking official, and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Director's Office. This position provides high-level executive support by managing the Director's schedule, coordinating executive communications, preparing correspondence and meeting materials, organizing travel and special events, and serving as a liaison with Zoo leadership, the NC Zoo Council, DNCR, government officials, and external partners. The Executive Assistant exercises sound judgment, maintains strict confidentiality, and supports strategic initiatives that contribute to the effective operation of the Director's Office.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide executive-level administrative support to the Zoo Director by managing a complex calendar, coordinating meetings, arranging travel, anticipating competing priorities, and ensuring the Director is prepared for meetings, events, and official engagements.
• Prepare, edit, and coordinate executive correspondence, reports, presentations, agendas, meeting materials, and other documents supporting the Director's Office.
• Coordinate Zoo Council meetings, Executive Team meetings, leadership meetings, VIP visits, and other official functions, including logistics, meeting materials, travel arrangements, and follow-up activities.
• Serve as the primary liaison for the Director's Office by coordinating communications with Zoo senior leaders and staff, DNCR leadership, NC Zoo Council members, government officials, external organizations, and the public.
• Maintain confidential personnel, operational, financial, and organizational information while exercising sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Coordinate and support special projects, strategic initiatives, accreditation activities, and executive priorities as assigned by the Zoo Director.
• Develop and maintain organized administrative systems, records, and office procedures that support the efficient operation of the Director's Office.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Please note: Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. 

Recruitment Range:   $47,300 - $56,400

To receive credit for your work history and credentials, you must provide the information on the application form. Any information omitted from the application form, listed as general statements, listed under the text resume section, or on an attachment will not be considered for qualifying credit.

Candidates meet the minimum qualifications of this position if they meet the minimum education and experience listed on the vacancy announcement. Vacancy specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and/or management preferences are not required. Applicants who possess the following are preferred:

• Experience providing executive or administrative support to senior leadership.

• Experience coordinating meetings, events, travel, or other complex administrative activities.

• Experience preparing and editing professional correspondence, reports, presentations, or meeting materials.

• Experience coordinating multiple assignments and establishing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.

• Experience exercising sound judgment and maintaining confidentiality while handling sensitive information.

Position/Physical Requirements

• Work schedule: Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm (hours may vary based on operational needs)

• Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be required to support Zoo Council meetings, executive meetings, special events, or other business needs.

• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by telephone, email, and other written correspondence.

This position is deemed eligible for hybrid telework under DNCR’s Telework Policy.

This position is located at:

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration or a related discipline from an appropriately accredited institution;

OR

Associate's degree in secretarial science, business administration, or a related discipline from an appropriately accredited institution AND two years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience;

OR

High school or General Educational Development (GED) diploma AND four years of progressively responsible administrative/office management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Section/Unit Description 

The North Carolina Zoo is dedicated to protecting wildlife and wild places while inspiring people to conserve the natural world through exceptional animal care, conservation, sustainability, education, research, and guest experiences. The North Carolina Zoo provides leadership and oversight of diverse programs and operations, including animal care, education, conservation, guest services, horticulture, marketing, planning and construction, maintenance, public safety, business operations, and finance. Through collaboration with the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the North Carolina Zoological Society, and community partners, the Zoo advances its mission and serves as one of North Carolina's premier cultural and conservation institutions.

Division Description

The North Carolina Zoo exists for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all our citizens and guests.  The North Carolina Zoo mission is to protect wildlife and wild places and inspire people to join in conserving the natural world.  This mission encompasses both domestic and international efforts, focusing on wildlife conservation, habitat preservation and promoting environmental stewardship.

Learn more about the North Carolina Zoo: https://nczoo.org

Click here to learn about employee perks and benefits.

Click here to see the Total Compensation Calculator.

Supplemental and Contact Information.

The Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) selects applicants for employment based on required education and experience and job-related knowledge, skills, and abilities without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age (40 or older), disability, National Guard or veteran status, genetic information, political affiliation, or political influence. 

We are an Employment First state, ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed in the state government workplace. DNCR supports pay equity for women, establish paid parental leave for birth, adoption, and foster care, and implement fair chance policies. Join a team that welcomes, values, respects and supports all members of our work community. 

Application Process

Be sure to complete the application in its entirety.   Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing this application.

• Information should be provided in the appropriate areas, to include the following: Education, including high school and all degrees obtained, Work Experience, and Certificates & Licenses. It is critical to our screening and salary determination process that applications contain comprehensive candidate information.

• Answers to Supplemental Questions are not a substitute for providing all relevant information within the body of your application. To receive credit for the supplemental questions, you must provide supporting information within the "Work Experience" section of the application, to support your answers.

• Due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to provide information regarding the status of your application. The hiring process may take several weeks.

• Applicants are unable to submit more than one application to an individual posting.  Only one application received prior to the closing date will be accepted.  Applications must be submitted by 11:59:59 PM on the night prior to the closing date.  

Degree/College Credit Verification

Degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Transcripts, and degree evaluations may be uploaded with your application. If you have student loans, becoming a state employee includes eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Visit www.studentaid.gov to learn more. 

Veteran’s and National Guard Preference 

Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, along with the state application. 

Applicants seeking National Guard Preference must attach an NGB 23A (RPAS), along with the state application if they are a current member of the NC National Guard in good standing. 

Applicants who are former member of either the NC Army National Guard or the NC Air National Guard, with honorable discharge and six years of creditable service must attach a copy of the DD 256 or NGB 22, along with the state application. 

ADA Accommodations 

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), DNCR is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, DNCR will ensure that persons with disabilities, or known limitations covered by the PWFA, are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the person indicated below. 

Employment Eligibility 

It is the policy of the State of North Carolina and DNCR that all employees provide proof of employment eligibility (immigration and naturalization) on the first day of employment. We participate in E-Verify (Employment Eligibility Verification System). 

CONTACT INFORMATION

N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

North Carolina Zoo

4401 Zoo Parkway

Asheboro, NC 27205

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

Recruiter:

Kimberly West

Email:

[email protected]