Job Title: Special Projects Assistant

Department: Special Initiatives

Reports to: Program Officer

Location: NY

Status: Full Time

FLSA Status (OT eligibility): Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Special Projects Assistant (SPA) reports to and takes assignments from the Program Officer for Special Projects. In this role, the SPA performs and coordinates administrative and programmatic tasks with a flexible level of direct supervision. The SPA is expected to conduct research on relevant issues and organizations, and help with communications and individual projects with agency-wide implications.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programmatic responsibilities

Assist in the due-diligence process for grant applications and facilitate the grants-management process for Special Initiatives.
Prepare, proofread and edit written work, summaries of proposals and presentations as requested.
Produce and synthesize new research, reports and data relevant to Wellspring’s Special Initiatives.
Create spreadsheets, track spending, draft correspondence and prepare contracts.
Attend meetings and conferences as requested and prepare notes as needed.
Schedule and coordinate logistics for meetings, calls and site visits.
Maintain relationships with grantees and funder colleagues.
Participate with other staff on internal committees or working groups outside of the program’s scope.
Provide administrative and editorial support for the development of communication documents (annual report, newsletter, etc.)
Collect, curate and edit programmatic and field-related news for in-house communications.
Support with the PO’s role in overseeing compliance of the Anonymity Protocols and travel security policies.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as requested.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree with some study and/or work experience demonstrating a familiarity with, and/or commitment to international human-rights and social-justice issues.
Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a professional office environment coordinating basic projects, performing complex scheduling and writing correspondence.
Excellent English language writing, synthesizing, editing and proofreading skills.
Experience with newsroom/editorial and/or newswriting and/or publishing skills.
Exceptional judgment and ability to handle confidential information with complete discretion.
Comfortable working at a fast pace, on many different tasks through a single day, as well as being able to focus on repetitive tasks for long periods of time.
Ability to meet deadlines, and to adjust to unexpected changes in assignments and priorities.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, and as part of a team.
Comfort with quantitative data, budgets and financial information.
Advanced knowledge of MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of Adobe InDesign.
Experience in a nonprofit grantmaking, advocacy or social-justice environment.
Knowledge of online email-marketing software (i.e., MailChimp), Prezi and SharePoint.
Experience working in a developing country.
Proficiency in Spanish a plus.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The team member may be required to perform duties outside of his or her normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

ABOUT WELLSPRING

Established in 2001, Wellspring is a private philanthropic consulting firm that coordinates grantmaking programs that advance the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. Wellspring has offices in New York, NY, and Washington, DC.

Wellspring’s work is rooted in respect for the dignity and worth of every human being and is informed by the following beliefs:

— Social institutions and structures should promote the full realization of human rights and human potential, and should be accountable to these ends. — The rights of all people are advanced when the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples are protected.

— Social justice movements should employ means that are consistent with their ideals, and should give agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.

— As responsible stewards, we must strive to maximize the impact of our charitable investments.

The firm’s services include: working with donors to develop, implement and administer giving programs that meet their philanthropic goals; conducting research and education tailored to the interests of our donors; managing programs, administering grants and monitoring grantee performance; and working to promote the effectiveness of programs that receive donor funding.

Wellspring Advisors, LLC, hires, promotes and retains employees based on their professional qualifications, demonstrated abilities and work performance, as well as on the degree to which these qualities are required in the employment positions made available by the firm’s service needs and business requirements.

All personnel decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital, status, domestic partner status, military status, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all our activities, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline and discharge. This policy also bans discriminatory harassment.

Wellspring offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package including 24 days of paid time off during the first year of employment, 100% of employee health coverage (and 80% for spouses/domestic partners and family members), and a contribution/match to a 401(k) plan.

How to apply

For employment consideration, please submit application to jobs@wellspringadvisors.com. Subject Line: “[Your name]—Special Projects Assistant.” All applications must include:

a résumé;
a thoughtful cover letter, including how you became aware of this opportunity (i.e., job portal, referral, etc.);
salary requirements (must specify actual amount or range); and
one writing sample (no less than 3 and no more than 5 pages, attached in PDF format).

The application deadline is: Monday, September 7, 2015.