Senior Administrative Assistant at Perenchio Foundation

Description

About the Perenchio Foundation 

The Perenchio Foundation is a private foundation established by the late A. Jerrold "Jerry" Perenchio to support visual and performing arts organizations in Los Angeles County. Guided by values of quality, accessibility, and permanence, we work to create impactful arts experiences for current and future generations. 

We are a small, thoughtful team committed to excellence in both our grantmaking and our operations. We value discretion, follow-through, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine commitment to service.

About the Position 

The Perenchio Foundation is seeking a Senior Administrative Assistant to support a small, high-performing team dedicated to arts philanthropy in Los Angeles County. This role is the operational backbone of the Foundation—the person who ensures that everything runs with precision, nothing falls through the cracks, and every communication reflects the professionalism and warmth of our organization. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will manage scheduling, correspondence, office systems, grantmaking support, and the Foundation’s social media presence. 

This is not an entry-level administrative role. We are seeking a seasoned professional who takes ownership, exercises sound judgment, and thrives in a small-office environment where reliability and initiative are essential. We are looking for someone who writes with clarity and care, builds systems that keep others organized, and takes genuine pride in the craft of exceptional administrative work.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage calendaring, meeting coordination, and travel arrangements for Foundation leadership and staff.
• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, meeting agendas, minutes, and internal communications with a high standard of written quality.
• Track action items and follow-ups to ensure leadership commitments and deadlines are met.
• Maintain organized digital filing systems and provide accurate data entry in support of grantmaking operations.
• Process expense reports and reimbursement requests with accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee daily office operations, including supplies, vendors, mail, and equipment support, while maintaining organized systems and a clean, professional environment across common areas, kitchen spaces, and offices.
• Serve as a warm, professional first point of contact for Foundation guests and visitors.
• Create and manage the Foundation’s social media presence, ensuring content reflects the organization’s voice and mission. Draft posts and coordinate light design work (e.g., Canva) as needed.
• Maintain mailing lists and support the production and distribution of quarterly newsletters.
• Support planning and logistics for Foundation events (approximately three per year), both virtual and in-person.
• Take on additional projects and tasks as the needs of a small, evolving team require.

Requirements

Who You Are 

You find deep satisfaction in keeping work organized, on time, and executed to a high standard. You write with precision and care. You anticipate needs before they are voiced and create systems that make others more effective. You are equally comfortable drafting a polished email to a board member and resolving an office logistics issue. You bring discretion, warmth, and steady confidence to every interaction, and you respect the craft and responsibility of strong administrative work. You are practical, dependable, and solution-oriented. Colleagues trust you because you follow through and pay attention to details that others might miss.

You likely enjoy:

• Creating structure in ambiguous situations
• Improving processes and workflows
• Supporting strategic, mission-driven leaders
• Writing and editing for clarity and tone
• Being accountable for work that others depend on

Qualifications 

Required: 

• Minimum four (4) years of administrative experience, ideally supporting senior leadership or in a mission-driven environment. 
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences (board members, grantees, public communications).
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities with grace and follow-through. 
• Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 
• Valid driver’s license and current automobile insurance. 

Highly Valued: 

• Fluency in a second language. 
• Experience with Canva, CRM software, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), or grants management systems. 
• Social media management experience, particularly for mission-driven or nonprofit organizations. 
• Event planning or public programming experience. 
• Connection to or passion for the Los Angeles arts and nonprofit community. 

Physical Requirements: 

This position regularly requires sitting, standing, bending, and stooping, with occasional lifting or carrying of up to 15 pounds. Work may occasionally take place in busy or louder environments during events. 

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position based in Pasadena, California, with a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days remote.  We value sustainability and respect for personal time. While occasional flexibility is required, this is not a role that demands routine overtime.

• $28.85 – $33.65 per hour ($60,000 – $70,000 annually), commensurate with experience 
• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and national holidays
• 401(k) plan with significant employer match
• Office closure during winter holidays
• Stocked kitchen with snacks in the office 

Application Deadline: March 20 

Please submit your application with the following: 

• Cover letter: Please explain your interest in the Foundation, how your background prepares you for this role, and your desired salary. A cover letter is required for consideration.
• Residency confirmation: Are you a current resident of Los Angeles County? (Y/N)

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a brief writing and editing exercise.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is strongly encouraged. Please note that meeting the deadline does not guarantee an interview, and we ask that applicants refrain from contacting staff directly regarding their application status.