CMAA: Special Assistant to the Executive Director

Job Title: Reports To: Status:

Special Assistant to the Executive Director (August 2025) Executive Director
Full-Time, EXEMPT

Position Summary:

The Special Assistant to the Executive Director is a key member of the CMAA senior management team. This role provides high-level executive and administrative support to the Executive Director (ED) while also contributing to organizational coordination, document review, and language access. The Special Assistant provides coordination support to help ensure smooth internal operations, alignment across departments, and effective communication with external partners, supporters, and the broader community.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Support

• ●  Manage the Executive Director’s calendar, schedule, travel arrangements, and correspondence.
• ●  Prepare meeting agendas, talking points, presentations, and follow-up items for internal and

  external meetings.

• ●  Handle confidential and sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• ●  Track and manage tasks and communications on behalf of the ED to ensure timely follow-up and

  accountability.

  Document Review and Coordination

• ●  Review, draft, and edit internal and external documents for accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with CMAA’s mission and messaging.
• ●  Brief and coordinate cross-department information to ED, partners, and other program managers.
• ●  Draft or edit memos, letters, talking points, and briefings on behalf of the Executive Director.
• ●  Assist with preparing proposals, reports, board materials, and public statements.

  Translation and Language Access

• ●  Translate written materials (Khmer ↔ English) for the Executive Director and senior management team.
• ●  Provide interpretation during meetings and engagements when needed.
• ●  Ensure that the ED is informed of culturally relevant language, context, and tone in translated

  documents.

  Strategic and Operational Coordination

• ●  Attend senior management team meetings and contribute to cross-departmental planning, decision-making, and coordination.
• ●  Support coordination and tracking of organizational priorities, timelines, and special initiatives led by the ED.
• ●  Join the internal planning meeting on behalf of the ED, and report back.
• ●  Participate in or accompany the ED to external meetings as assigned.

External Communications

• ●  Support the development and review of public communications, including statements, press releases, website content, newsletters, and social media.
• ●  Assist the ED in preparing for media interviews, public speaking engagements, and community events.
• ●  Coordinate with communications staff and consultants to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
• ●  Monitor external communications to ensure timely and effective responses to stakeholders and partners.

  Qualifications:

• ●  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field.
• ●  Minimum 3 years of experience in executive-level support or nonprofit administration.
• ●  Fluency in Khmer and English is preferred.
• ●  Familiarity with social media, website platforms, or public relations is a plus.
• ●  Experience with community-based organizations and/or immigrant or refugee communities is

  strongly preferred.

• ●  Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• ●  Professional judgement, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
• ●  Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
• ●  Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• ●  A deep understanding of or connection to the Cambodian/Khmer community is a preferred
• ●  Driver’s license required

  Compensation and Benefits:

  Salary: $55K to $65K. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K, LTD & STD insurance, paid vacations, summer hours, and paid holidays. We are also closed from Christmas Day to New Year’s Day.

  How to Apply:

  Please send a cover letter and resume to the Executive Director, Sothea Chiemruom, SChiemruom@cmaalowell.org with the subject line “Special Assistant to the Executive Director”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

  About CMAA:

  The Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association of Greater Lowell, Inc. (CMAA) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1984 to improve the quality of life for Cambodian Americans and other underserved communities in Lowell through economic development, social services, education, youth development, and cultural preservation.