Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Company Description

CAWST is a Canadian charity and licensed engineering firm. We address the global need for safe drinking water and sanitation by building local knowledge and skills on household solutions people can implement themselves.

At the heart of everything we do is our belief that when people have their basic water and sanitation needs met, they have the opportunity to succeed. This is what drives our dedicated team to work with a global network of more than 1,500 clients and partners. Together, we have reached over 50 million people since our inception in 2001.

Collectively, we are making a difference at a scale beyond what any of us could do individually. But our job isn’t done yet and we need you to help us expand our reach.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced executive support professional to join CAWST as our Executive Assistant & Office Manager. This is a rewarding role for someone who brings sound judgment, excellent organizational skills, and a calm, confident presence in supporting senior leaders. If you are actively building a career as an executive assistant or office administrator, and you're looking to apply your expertise in a purpose-driven role, this opportunity offers a meaningful and lasting fit.

This is a dual-role position that supports our CEO while ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of our Calgary office. You’ll be at the center of internal operations, managing scheduling, communications, board meetings, and confidential information, while also maintaining a welcoming, organized, and well-functioning workspace for our small 50 person team.

This is not a typical support role - it’s a central position that contributes directly to CAWST’s impact. You’ll be a key partner to leadership and an anchor for team operations, working at the intersection of our charitable programs and our licensed engineering practice. Your work will support our ambitious goal: 100 million people with better water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) by 2030. If you're looking for a meaningful, long-term role at a Calgary charity making a global impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note, this is a full-time, in-office role, based in Calgary, Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support

• Manage calendars, meetings, and travel arrangements for the CAWST executive team
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports, and correspondence
• Monitor and triage CEO emails and requests, ensuring timely and appropriate follow-up
• Provide administrative support for the CEO
• Coordinate board and leadership meetings, including agendas, minutes, and logistics
• Handle confidential information with professionalism and integrity
  
  

Office Management

• Oversee office supplies, equipment, and vendor relationships
• Manage office budget, invoices, and expense reporting
• Support HR coordination (onboarding/offboarding logistics, team communications, etc.)
• Plan and execute team meetings and events
• Ensure a positive and productive work environment (in-office and hybrid)
• Liaise and support the volunteer program in partnership with our volunteer coordinators
• Lead the CAWST OHS committee
  
  

Qualifications

Skills And Experience Required

• 5+ years of experience in executive support and/or office administration
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience supporting C-level executives
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• High and consistent attention to detail
• Solutions-oriented with proven problem solving skills
• A “can do” attitude and proactive work style
• Discretion and good judgment in handling sensitive information
• Proficiency in both Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
• Experience with task/project tools (e.g., Slack, Monday.com)
• Experience in any of the following areas will be an asset, but not required:
• Basic HR or finance processes and systems
• Internal communications
• Event planning
  

Additional Information

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment: In-office (Monday - Wednesday) & Remote (Thursday - Friday, when possible), with flexibility for in-person meetings and events. Please note that this role may require more than three days per week in-office on a regular basis, so remote days are not guaranteed.
  
  

Benefits Of Working At CAWST

• A meaningful role, making a difference every day for people living without basic water and sanitation.
• A workplace culture where collaboration and innovation are fostered.
• Rich on-the-job experiences and professional development opportunities.
• Strong promotion of work-life balance and flexible work environment.
  
  

When applying, please include:

• A cover letter that tells us more about you past what we can see on your resume, and why you are excited to work with CAWST.
• Please note: We would rather read a short note from YOU than a formal letter from ChatGPT!
• Your resume.
  
  

CAWST values equitable opportunities, sustainable solutions, and collaborative and inclusive processes. CAWST recognizes and accepts differences in cultural, religious, and political processes and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.