For administrative professionals with a passion for the planet, the Executive Assistant, Oceans position at the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is more than a job—it is a chance to be the logistical backbone of a team saving the world’s marine ecosystems. With a competitive 2026 salary range of $78,400 to $98,000, this role elevates the standard for non-profit administrative support, offering corporate-level compensation with a mission-driven purpose.
This position places you at the heart of WWF’s “Oceans Practice,” a global initiative dedicated to sustainable fisheries, coral reef protection, and the blue economy. Unlike typical administrative roles that can feel detached from the core business, this Executive Assistant acts as a strategic partner to Senior Leadership. You will navigate complex international time zones, manage high-stakes donor relations, and ensure that the team fighting for our oceans has the operational stability to succeed.
If you are a master organizer who thrives in a fast-paced, international environment, this opportunity offers a rare blend of stability, competitive pay, and the “Panda” brand prestige that defines a career in conservation.
Also check World Vision Project Manager 2026: Lead Impactful Programs with a Top-Tier Benefits Package
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Background & Job Description
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is the world’s leading independent conservation organization. Its Oceans Practice is one of its most critical pillars, working to double the world’s sustainable fisheries and restore ocean health by 2030.
The Executive Assistant (Oceans) serves as the primary administrative anchor for the Senior Vice President (SVP) and the broader Oceans leadership team. This role is situated in the Washington, D.C. headquarters (with hybrid flexibility), serving as the bridge between the US office and WWF’s global network of marine biologists, policy experts, and field staff.
This position fits into broader organizational goals by removing friction. The Oceans team deals with urgent environmental crises and high-level diplomatic summits. The Executive Assistant ensures that the leadership’s time is focused on strategy, not logistics, by acting as a proactive gatekeeper and problem solver.
Key Responsibilities
The selected candidate will move beyond basic secretarial duties to handle complex operational workflows:
- Strategic Calendar Management:
- Manage the SVP’s constantly shifting calendar, resolving conflicts across multiple time zones (e.g., coordinating calls between DC, Nairobi, and Fiji).
- Prioritize inquiries and requests, acting as a gatekeeper to ensure the SVP’s time is allocated to high-impact activities.
- Global Travel & Logistics:
- Orchestrate complex international travel itineraries, including visa processing, flight logistics, and accommodation for remote field visits.
- Calculate and track carbon footprints for team travel to ensure alignment with WWF’s sustainability commitments.
- Financial & Expense Administration:
- Process expense reports, credit card reconciliations, and invoice payments in compliance with WWF’s strict financial guidelines.
- Assist in monitoring the departmental budget, tracking vendor contracts, and ensuring timely payments to field partners.
- Stakeholder Liaison & Communications:
- Draft and edit high-level correspondence for donors, government officials, and board members.
- Prepare briefing materials and “day-of” packets for the SVP prior to major conferences (e.g., UN Ocean Conferences).
- Serve as the first point of contact for the Oceans department, handling inquiries with diplomacy and discretion.
WWF Executive Assistant, Oceans 2026: Secure a High-Impact Role in Global Conservation ($78k-$98k)
Qualifications
To justify the senior-level salary band, WWF seeks candidates who combine administrative precision with emotional intelligence.
Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in Business Administration, Liberal Arts, or a related field is typically required.
- Certification: Certification in administrative excellence (e.g., CAP) or project management is considered an asset.
Experience
- 5+ Years of Experience: Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success in an executive support role, preferably supporting C-suite or SVP-level leadership.
- International Exposure: Prior experience working in a global organization, managing logistics across different cultures and time zones, is highly preferred.
- Technical Skills: Expert proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel) and expense management software (e.g., Concur, Oracle).
Core Competencies
- Proactive Problem Solving: The ability to anticipate needs (e.g., “The flight is delayed, so I’ve already moved the meeting”) rather than just reacting.
- Discretion: Proven ability to handle confidential information regarding donors, personnel, and strategic partnerships.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Competitive Non-Profit Salary A salary range of $78,400 – $98,000 is exceptional for the non-profit sector. It reflects WWF’s philosophy that top-tier administrative talent deserves top-tier compensation. This role offers the financial comfort of the corporate world with the moral fulfillment of the NGO world.
2. Work-Life Balance Culture WWF is famous for its “Panda Fridays” (a bi-weekly day off policy often piloted in various offices) and generous leave policies. They prioritize staff well-being, understanding that saving the planet requires a rested workforce. You will likely have access to hybrid work arrangements (e.g., 2-3 days in the DC office).
3. The “Panda” Brand Having WWF on your resume is a gold standard. It signals to future employers that you have worked in a complex, matrixed global organization. You will be part of a network that includes scientists, celebrities, and world leaders.
4. Tangible Impact While you may not be diving into the coral reefs yourself, your work directly enables those who do. By ensuring the SVP makes it to the climate summit on time with the right briefing papers, you play a part in securing the treaties that protect our oceans.
Application Tips & Insights
1. Highlight “Gatekeeper” Skills In your cover letter, focus on your ability to protect an executive’s time. Use examples where you streamlined a schedule or implemented a new system that saved the executive hours of work per week.
2. Demonstrate Global Fluency WWF is a global network. Mention your experience with Visas, Time Zone Math, and Cross-Cultural Communication. If you speak a second language (Spanish or French is often a plus in conservation), highlight it prominently.
3. Show Passion, But Be Professional While WWF loves passion, they are hiring an administrator, not a marine biologist. Avoid writing a cover letter that focuses entirely on “saving the whales.” Instead, focus on how your administrative skills will help the team save the whales.
4. Tech-Savviness is Key The Oceans team likely uses hybrid meeting tools and digital collaboration platforms. Mention your proficiency with Zoom Rooms, SharePoint, or Asana. Showing you can manage the “digital office” is a major plus for 2026 roles.
Additional Information
- Salary Range: $78,400 – $98,000 (Annual Gross).
- Benefits:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with generous employer matching.
- 15-20 days of annual vacation plus “floating holidays.”
- Public transit subsidies (for DC commuters).
- Location: Washington, D.C. (WWF US Headquarters). Hybrid work schedule is standard.
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
- Closing Date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early application is advised.
How to Apply
- Visit the Careers Page: Go to the official World Wildlife Fund Careers portal.
- Search: Locate the listing for “Executive Assistant, Oceans” (Job ID typically starts with ’26-‘).
- Prepare Documents:
- Resume: Tailored to highlight executive support and logistics.
- Cover Letter: Address it to the “Hiring Manager, Oceans Practice.”
- Submit: Upload your documents as PDFs to ensure formatting remains intact.
- Follow Up: WWF receives thousands of applications. If you haven’t heard back in 3-4 weeks, the position may have been filled, but keeping your profile active in their system is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply if I live outside the US? A: Generally, no. For this specific DC-based role, candidates usually must have existing work authorization in the United States. WWF US typically does not sponsor visas for administrative positions.
Q: Is this a remote position? A: It is likely Hybrid. Most EA roles at WWF require some in-office presence (e.g., 2-3 days a week) to handle physical tasks, greet visitors, and support the executive in person, though they offer flexibility.
Q: Do I need a background in environmental science? A: No. This is an operational role. While an interest in conservation is required for cultural fit, your administrative expertise (calendaring, travel, expense reporting) is the primary qualification.
Q: What is the interview process like? A: Expect a screening call with HR, followed by a virtual interview with the hiring manager (likely the Chief of Staff or the Executive themselves). You may be asked to complete a short practical exercise (e.g., “Draft a response to this donor email” or “Organize this complex travel itinerary”).
