Operations Associate

ILSR is seeking an energetic, self-motivated Operations Associate who will work closely with and report to the Operations Director to manage day-to-day functions of the organization and support building a productive and efficient work environment.

The Operations Associate (OA) will assist in a role that is essential to the day-to-day functioning of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR). The person in this position will perform administrative tasks to implement policies and procedures that align with the organization’s workplace culture and values. As a key point of contact, the OA will ensure operation-related inquiries from staff are responded to in a reasonable timely manner.

This is a full-time position that can be done remotely within the U.S., with a preference in the Washington, D.C. region where the Operations Director is based.

Who We Are:

Celebrating 50 years as a national nonprofit, the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) continues its work to reverse today’s extreme levels of corporate concentration and advance policies to rebuild the economic capacity of local communities.

ILSR is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that recognizes diversity and cultural competence as integral components of professional excellence. Candidates who can contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives are encouraged to apply. If you’re excited about this position, but feel you don’t meet all of the preferred qualifications, we invite you to apply — we are looking for exceptional candidates, not candidates that check boxes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Organizational Support (90%)
  • General Operations (70%)
    • Assist the Operations Director in managing day-to-day functions for the organization by responding to and serving as the primary contact for staff.
    • Support internal communications such as updating and implementing new policies and procedures to support ILSR’s growing staff.
    • Primary contact for the organization’s information technology (IT) and telephone system. Duties include general IT support and inventory management for ILSR’s computer and software licenses, subscriptions, and renewals.
    • Update and manage staff meeting calendar and schedule quarterly management team meetings.
    • Support the planning and execution of staff retreats and board meetings, including booking locations and/or coordinating staff travel, room setup, audio/visual, and food and beverage selection.
    • Other position-related tasks and projects as assigned by the Operations Director.
    • Work closely with the Operations Director to ensure insurance policies are current and in compliance with the organization’s requirements.
  • Human Resources (20%)
    • Primary point person for onboarding new hires.
    • Collaborate with the Operations Director to assess employee benefits, conduct industry research, and make recommendations based on best practices.
    • Assist with the annual performance review process including scheduling and communicating timelines to staff, sending follow-up reminders, and acknowledgments of submission.
    • Identify and coordinate scheduling for organization-led trainings and maintain employee training log.
• Self-Motivated Organizational Support (10%)
  • Participate in planning logistics for team building and engagement activities.
  • Research and recommend trainings to advance ILSR’s efforts to stay current with best practices.
  • Survey current org-wide systems and project management platforms and recommend upgrades to support staff and organizational needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in a nonprofit providing administrative support to management-level staff.
• Experience in operations support, including drafting standard operating procedures, and updating and implementing policies.
• General knowledge of planning, organizing, and supporting staff events and retreats.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, senior leadership team, ILSR board of directors, vendors, consultants, and contractors.
• Comfortable navigating through various apps and platforms our organization relies on including but not limited to: Google Workspace, Dropbox, Office 365, Asana, and Zoom.

COMPENSATION:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $58,000 to $63,000 depending on years of relevant experience and includes 100% employer-paid health plan (you pay no premiums); generous vacation, holiday and parental leave; and a retirement plan available immediately with a matching contribution after two years of employment. We are a dynamic and friendly team dedicated to making the world a better place. ILSR takes professional growth seriously.

This is a full-time, exempt bargaining unit position with salary and benefits subject to collective bargaining, represented by OPEIU Local 12.

HOW TO APPLY:

Submit your résumé, a cover letter addressed to India Gorden, and an engaging writing sample in 400 words or less highlighting why you’re the right fit for this role. Be sure to include in the cover letter how you learned about the position. All materials should be submitted in a single PDF.

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled.