Program Assistant - Government & Community Affairs

Job Location: Hybrid/Remote *preference for qualified individuals located in the SBC service territory (Sierra Nevada) or adjacent counties

About Sierra Business Council

Sierra Business Council (SBC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization catalyzing and demonstrating innovative approaches and solutions to increase community vitality, economic prosperity, environmental quality, and social fairness in the Sierra Nevada region. Our goal is a diverse, inventive, and sustainable region where the economy is vibrant, the land is thriving, and the communities offer opportunities for all.

Our company culture supports a passion for the environment, small businesses, advocacy, recreation, and the close‐knit communities that characterize the region. We provide meaningful work in an environment that nurtures our team and supports a healthy work-life balance. While we are currently based out of Truckee, CA, our team members are located in communities throughout the Sierra region.

Position Summary

The Program Assistant will provide administrative assistance to SBC’s President and Director of Government and Community Affairs and will assist with advancing and executing the Organization’s full range of policy and advocacy initiatives in issue areas such as natural resources, climate and energy, housing, economic development, and rural issues. This position requires an organized, reliable, and motivated individual with excellent communication and critical thinking skills who will be responsible for a wide range of tasks including coordinating events; legislative and policy tracking, research, and analysis; supporting policy working groups; drafting written products and materials; assisting with project management; and various administrative functions supporting SBC’s President, the Government and Community Affairs team, and the Organization.

We are looking for a mission/values-driven team member to support SBC’s mission and who has an understanding of the Sierra Nevada region as well as experience and/or interest in public policy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative

• Plan and coordinate various SBC events, including SBC Board meetings and community outreach events
• Take meeting minutes and notes at various meetings, including SBC Board meetings
• Provide administrative support to SBC’s President including maintaining schedule, travel planning, timesheet activity entry, collecting and submitting receipts, etc.; and Board related functions, including preparing quarterly Board packets, resolutions, member and tenure tracking, etc.
• Provide general administrative support to the Government Affairs team, including scheduling meetings and responding to email and phone calls

Government & Community Affairs

• Track legislative bills, actions, and committee hearings and other relevant state policy initiatives
• Support coordination of policy working groups and project partner meetings, including scheduling, correspondence, note-taking, and assistance with project management
• Schedule meetings with and draft correspondence to legislative staff, project and advocacy partners, etc.
• Read, analyze, and summarize legislative bills, bill analyses, reports, and other policy documents
• Research, develop, and draft comment letters, policy analyses, reports, presentations, and other outreach and communications materials
• Attend and represent SBC at meetings and events, including travel for in-person attendance on a regular basis (minimum monthly)
• Coordinate Government Affairs events, including lobby days and community outreach events.
• Track and bill project expenditures accurately
• Perform other duties and execute special projects as assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Interest in public policy, the Sierra Nevada region, and issue areas that SBC works in, including natural resources, climate and energy, housing, economic development, and rural issues
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including polite and professional communication by email and phone
• Excellent time management skills, including the ability to handle and prioritize multiple assignments and work well under pressure
• Excellent organization and attention to detail
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills
• Strong personal initiative and the ability to independently identify and execute tasks
• Proficiency in being collegial and collaborative
• Ability to work independently as well as with a team, to learn on the job, and to be flexible and adaptable
• Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Must be able to follow internal control and organizational policies and procedures.

PREFERRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2-3 years of relevant experience
• Experience in and understanding of the Sierra Nevada region
• Education and/or experience in issue areas that SBC works in, including climate, natural resources, housing, economic development, and rural issues
• Education and/or experience in public policy and policy analysis
• Experience with project coordination and management, including project management software tools
• Experience communicating about the Sierra Nevada region and/or issue areas that SBC works in
• Experience planning and/or coordinating events

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• A pre‐employment background screening will be performed
• Must possess a valid driver’s license; clean DMV record; a reliable, properly registered personal vehicle; and liability insurance with the state required insurance minimums
• Willingness to travel, including overnight

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily

TO APPLY:

Please email your cover letter and resume to careers@sierrabusiness.org with the position title, “Program Assistant-Government & Community Affairs” in the subject line.

Sierra Business Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.