Description
Position Title: Special Assistant to William Ury
Reports to: William Ury
Hours: 25-30/per week. Flexible work hours.
Commitment: 2-year commitment requested
Type and Fee: Contractor position, $5,000 per month or $60,000 annually
Start Date: December 2024
Location: Remote position, with some preference for candidates based in Colorado in the Denver/ Boulder metro area
Position Overview
William Ury, a best-selling author, consultant, and peace negotiator based in Boulder and southern Colorado, seeks a highly trusted and collaborative individual to support various aspects of his work, including conflict transformation projects, travel, interviews, talks and outreach efforts.
The ideal candidate will work 25-30 hours per week, providing strategic support to ensure William can focus on high-impact contributions toward his mission of international peace and conflict transformation. This proactive, highly organized individual will operate independently across multiple areas with minimal supervision.
As a trusted confidante, the Special Assistant will streamline operations, evaluate opportunities, and help manage and nurture William’s extensive network. With William working 15-20 hours per week, the Special Assistant will play a key role in discerning opportunities to pursue, protecting his time and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
This part-time role offers the opportunity to work with a world-renowned author and peace negotiator on impactful international peace efforts while enjoying the flexibility of part-time remote work.
Position Responsibilities
1. Communications and Relationship Management (50%)
- Lead all communications, responding to emails, website inquiries, and social media messages.
- Manage calendar and scheduling, helping William protect his time and focus on high-priority commitments.
- Evaluate and prioritize incoming requests, providing clear recommendations.
- Prepare meeting agendas and presentation materials.
- Attend key meetings, capture detailed notes, and follow up on action steps.
- Conduct research and share relevant articles or news topics.
2. Media, Speaking Engagements and Teaching Support (15%)
- Coordinate all logistics for podcasts, interviews, and media appearances.
- Prepare briefs for interviews and distribute press kits or required materials.
- Provide background materials and agendas to ensure William is well-prepared.
- Serve as the primary liaison with media organizers and producers.
- Offer technical support for video or podcast recordings.
- Maintain organized talking points, presentations, and resources.
3. Website and Social Media Management (10%)
- Regularly update website content and troubleshoot issues.
- Collaborate with the website designer (Chris Modern) to ensure smooth operations.
- Draft and schedule social media posts (1x per week) using SocialBee.
- Monitor social media platforms and respond to inquiries as needed.
4. Administrative and Operational Support (10%)
- Manage the hiring and oversight of contractors for special projects.
- Maintain office processes, including contact management and record organization (Dropbox, Google Drive, Tresorit).
- Keep passwords updated and secure.
- Oversee the management of book inventories (business and personal).
- Organize and maintain the physical storage unit.
- Provide technical support and assistance with personal matters as needed.
5. Financial Administration (10%)
- Track travel and event expenses and maintain records for the bookkeeper.
- Manage royalty reports and ensure accuracy in financial tracking.
- Prepare and process invoices and payments as requested.
6. Travel Coordination (5%)
- Coordinate domestic and international travel logistics for meetings and peace work.
- Manage sabbatical travel arrangements, ensuring smooth transitions and well-organized itineraries.
Requirements
Criteria, Attributes, and Qualities of the Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate for the Special Assistant role will possess a unique combination of skills, experience, and personal qualities to effectively support William Ury’s work and mission. Key attributes include:
- High Integrity and Professionalism: Demonstrates ethical behavior and reliability in all aspects of work.
- Personal Brand Alignment: Understands the nuances of supporting a high-profile individual and able to act as an extension of William’s personal brand, reflecting his values and professional standards.
- Flexible Availability: The ability to adapt in dynamic environments. Open to responding to important communications, including occasionally during evenings and weekends.
- Global Experience: Lived, worked, or widely traveled internationally, with an ability to navigate diverse cultures and perspectives.
- Sound Judgment and Proactive Approach: Thinks critically, anticipates needs, and takes initiative without requiring extensive guidance or direction.
- Conversational and Engaging: Comfortable engaging with people from all walks of life and building relationships with ease.
- Wisdom, Discernment, and Tact: Exercises insight and thoughtfulness when making decisions and handling delicate situations.
- Kindness and Discretion: Approaches work with compassion and maintains confidentiality.
- Cultivated and Experienced: Possesses a depth of personal and professional experience, offering well-rounded perspectives.
- Technology Savvy: High digital literacy comfort in working with applications in MS Office, Google Apps, Social Media platforms, communication and video conferencing, financial systems, and contact management databases.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter and resume to Liza Hester via apply@williamury.com. Applications will be accepted through November 29, 2024.