
OUR CAREERS
Work With Purpose. Lead With Impact.
Join a growing team committed to equity, innovation, and institutional transformation. At HBCU CARES, we don’t just talk about change we build it, together. Every role on our team helps fuel programs, partnerships, and policies that uplift HBCUs, their students, and the communities they serve.
Current Openings
HBCU C.A.R.E.S. (Consortium to Advance Research and Economic Strength) is an Alabama-based nonprofit consortium dedicated to strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities through research, innovation, workforce development, and economic growth. We are a mission-driven organization committed to advancing the legacy and future of HBCUs across the nation.
Executive Assistant / Office Manager
We are seeking a highly organized, proactive Executive Assistant / Office Manager to serve as the operational backbone of our organization. This hybrid role combines high-level executive support with office management, event coordination, travel support, and database oversight.
Position Title:Executive Assistant / Office Manager
Location: Birmingham, Alabama (Hybrid)
Classification: Independent Contractor
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Key Responsibilities
Executive Administrative Support
- Manage and maintain the Executive Director's calendar, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
- Coordinate meeting logistics, prepare agendas, and document and distribute action items and follow-ups
Draft, prioritize, and monitor correspondence and outstanding tasks on behalf of the Executive Director
- Serve as a professional point of contact on behalf of the Executive Director as directed
Office Management
- Oversee day-to-day administrative operations to ensure the organization runs efficiently and professionally
- Maintain an organized, functional office environment — both physical (on in-office days) and digital
Establish and enforce office procedures, filing systems, and administrative standards
- Manage vendor relationships, track office supplies, and coordinate purchases with prior approval
National HBCU Database Management
- Maintain, update, and manage the HBCU C.A.R.E.S. National HBCU Database — a centralized resource for institutional contacts, partner HBCUs, and stakeholders
- Conduct quarterly audits to remove duplicates, update records, and verify contact information
- Add new institutions, contacts, and partner organizations as directed
Handle all database content with the highest level of accuracy and confidentiality
Mailing and Email List Management
- Maintain and manage HBCU C.A.R.E.S. mailing lists and email distribution lists, ensuring all contacts are properly segmented and current
- Update lists following events, outreach campaigns, and stakeholder changes
- Coordinate with the Executive Director on newsletters, mass communications, and email campaigns
- Process unsubscribe requests promptly and in compliance with applicable regulations (CAN-SPAM)
Event Support and Coordination
- Attend and actively support HBCU C.A.R.E.S. events — local and out-of-area — including setup, execution, and breakdown
- Assist in planning and coordinating event logistics including vendor coordination, venue communications, and materials preparation
- Manage RSVP lists, attendee communications, registration processes, and technology needs (AV, Zoom, live streaming)
- Attend pre-event planning meetings and distribute follow-up communications and action items
- Prepare and submit post-event summary reports to the Executive Director within five (5) business days
Travel Coordination
- Travel on behalf of HBCU C.A.R.E.S. for events, conferences, pre-event planning meetings, and partnership activities as directed
- Assist in coordinating travel logistics for the Executive Director and other team members
- Manage all travel arrangements in accordance with HBCU C.A.R.E.S. procedures, with prior written approval from the Executive Director
- Submit travel expense reports within five (5) business days of returning from any trip
Financial Records and Receipt Management
- Collect, organize, and maintain all receipts, invoices, and financial documentation in a secure system
- Ensure receipts are submitted within five (5) business days of any purchase or transaction
- Maintain a running expense log to support bookkeeping and audit readiness
- Coordinate with the Executive Director on purchase approvals, vendor payments, and reimbursements
Reporting
- Submit daily check-ins confirming task status, priorities, and availability
Prepare and submit weekly status updates, bi-weekly progress reports, and monthly performance reports per the established schedule
- Update the centralized contact log and Google Drive organization on an ongoing basis
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field — or equivalent professional experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an executive assistant, office manager, or operations coordinator role
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a high level of professionalism
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, Docs, Sheets)
- Experience managing databases, contact lists, or CRM systems
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously with excellent attention to detail
- Comfort with travel and flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as required
- Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and organizational integrity
Preferred
- Experience working in a nonprofit, education, or mission-driven organization
- Familiarity with HBCU culture, history, or higher education landscape
- Experience supporting a C-suite executive or organizational leader
- Knowledge of event coordination, vendor management, or logistics planning
- Experience with email marketing platforms and CAN-SPAM compliance
