Program Assistant – Friends Relations Office
Posted June 13th, 2008 by fgc admin
Application Instructions
Qualifications
1. A minimum of three years professional experience required, preferably with a faith-based, mission-driven organization in the area of peace and justice or social responsibility. Undergraduate college degree or equivalent educational experience desirable.
2. Advanced skill in use of PC applications, including exceptional database skills (Raiser’s Edge desirable); PowerPoint, comfort with using emerging technologies for building and managing relationships and distributing targeted communications.
3. Member of Religious Society of Friends, or significant experience with Friends strongly desired; compatibility and familiarity with Quaker values and testimonies defining the work of AFSC and the ability to represent them to others required; sensitivity to the concerns and considerations of the larger Society of Friends.
4. Creativity, flexibility, tact, and the capacity to exercise sound judgment in representation of AFSC policy and programming in a professional manner.
5. Strong service orientation.
6. Demonstrated high level of oral, written and interpersonal communication skills; ability to distill information and communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including Quakers.
7. Proven organizational skills, managing and completing complex tasks in a highly fluid environment; detail oriented without losing sight of larger context.
8. Initiative and ability to manage and prioritize work and time; with the judgment to accept and request guidance as needed.
9. Availability to attend some evening and weekend meetings, and occasional travel.
10. Commitment to Quaker values and testimonies. Understanding of and compatibility with the
principles and philosophies of the American Friends Service Committee including nonviolence and
the belief in the intrinsic worth of every individual.
11. Understanding of and commitment to the principles, concerns and considerations of AFSC in
regard to issues of race, class, nationality, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation, and
disabilities. Demonstrated ability to work and communicate with diverse staff.
Compensation: Salary Range 13, Non-Exempt – Comprehensive medical and hospitalization plan; term life, accident and salary continuation insurances, defined benefit pension plan, plus fringe benefits; participation in unemployment and worker’s compensation and social security.
The American Friends Service Committee is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of their religious affiliation, race, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.
The AFSC National Office is a unionized workplace, represented by District Council 47 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO. This is a Bargaining Unit I position.
AFSC is a smoke-free workplace.
Description
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer
The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization which includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the Quaker belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.
Job Description
Job Title: Program Assistant – Friends Relations Office
Region/Unit: Advancement
Supervisor: Director of Friends Relations
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Program Description: As part of the Advancement unit, the Friends Relations Office (FRO) provides a coordinating and amplifying function for the work of AFSC within the wider Quaker community. In collaboration with the AFSC regions and units, the FRO helps interpret the work of AFSC to various Quaker audiences as well as listen to concerns, questions and suggestions to bring them back to the AFSC, to enrich our work and advance partnership with the community of Friends. Additionally, the FRO serves as an internal facilitative resource on Quaker concerns and process
Summary of Responsibilities: Provide administrative and programmatic support for the Friends Relations Office to connect with, inform and engage Quakers to join in and support AFSC’s work. Work collaboratively across the organization to provide timely responses to inquiries and requests for support.
Responsibilities:
1. Serve as the office’s initial interface with Quaker constituencies; track all inquiries, follow up with involved AFSC and other staff, maintain files, and route feedback to relevant departments and staff.
2. Keep track of contact people and resources available for outreach on AFSC programs.
3. Coordinate provision of literature and materials to Quaker constituencies, including the loan of banners and displays.
4. Provide administrative support for the AFSC- Friends Relations Committee, including recording meeting highlights and action items and coordinating with General Secretary’s Office staff on Corporation business.
5. Organize meetings and events, including invitations, publicity, room scheduling and set up, and catering.
6. Monitor newsletters and other Friendly literature for opportunities for outreach and linkages; keep abreast of AFSC program initiatives around the country of particular interest to Friends.
7. Assist in monitoring program expenses. Prepare vouchers, check transmittals, travel expense reports for staff and committee members, and other administrative tasks as assigned.
8. Assist with annual planning and prioritizing of opportunities and initiatives for outreach.
9. Support AFSC as a learning organization through internal and external networking and information sharing with respect to Quaker roots and engagement with the Friends community; conduct research and interpret materials as requested by supervisor.
10. In conjunction with other Advancement units, national units and regional offices, assist with development of resource materials for Quaker constituencies; interpreting work of AFSC in meaningful and appropriate ways for age/context; involve Friends as much as practicable.
11. Serve as liaison for internship and volunteer opportunities; outreach to young/adult Friends on available opportunities.
12. Assist with orientation of new staff and occasional in-house discussions on Quaker faith and practice; along with Director, serve as resource on Quaker process and ethos.
13. Other duties as assigned.
