Department: Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership and Practice

Reports to: Vice President, Programs and Practice

Job Purpose: The Associate provides research and administrative support to the Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership & Practice (NPLP) team as it identifies and assesses how emerging trends and issues impact the nonprofit and philanthropic community and implements programs to address the sector’s highest priorities.  Currently the programmatic focus includes leadership and human capital development, impact and effectiveness, ethics and accountability, international civil society and identifying key trends affecting the charitable and philanthropic community.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the department’s work by researching and analyzing current trends in leadership, impact, good governance, and assisting in the program planning and session development for the IS Annual Conference.
• Prepare for committee meetings and other convenings by drafting invitations, tracking responses, assembling materials, organizing food and other room needs, and assisting with post-meeting follow up.
• Participate in annual conference program team and manage the design and development of conference sessions, including outreach to potential speakers, drafting session descriptions and plans, and scheduling and preparing for meetings of internal and external partners.
• Assist with NGen pre-conference and annual conference program development.  This will require close coordination among the team at IS, the NGen Advisory Group and members of the NGen community..
• Support the NGen Fellows and Award recruitment and selection processes, as well as ongoing communications with these groups.
• Assist the NPLP team in developing new curriculum and other materials to support program areas of focus and disseminate tools and resources to the charitable and philanthropic community. 
  
• Monitor use of IS’s “Principles for Good Governance and Ethical Practice” and identify new opportunities to track and communicate outcomes and impact on our Ethics and Accountability portfolio.
• Support the assessment and development of new areas of IS activity by researching and analyzing trends, funding models and potential funders, innovations and best practices of interest to the nonprofit community.
• Draft emails and other correspondence on behalf of the Vice President other members of the NPLP team and take the lead staff for scheduling a range of internal and external meetings.
• Provide support on all NPLP sponsored webinars and conference calls, including reserving time, preparation, set up using ReadyTalk system, managing reminders, and managing system during webinars.
  
• Assist in establishing and maintaining information management systems, such as databases of funding contacts, program files, and web updates using the organization’s CRM system. 
  
• Track and document department expenses.
• Coordinate weekly staff team meetings and agendas.
• Recommend ways to make departmental operations and processes more efficient.
• Provide periodic administrative support for departmental projects, as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (concentration in nonprofit or public management or other relevant discipline preferred); 3-5 years of full-time or internship experience working on issues related to the nonprofit community desirable but not required.
• Superb written communication skills, including attention to detail and deadlines when composing reports and proofreading materials; ability to quickly draft letters, memos, meeting summaries, email, and talking points, and other documentation, as needed.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to draft summaries of research; to provide written input for reports and other materials that are prepared for both internal and external audiences; and to prepare draft emails and other materials for departmental and organizational leadership.
• Excellent anticipatory and organizational skills, including the ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and prioritize demands while contributing toward progress on issues impacting the nonprofit community.
• Outstanding project management skills and the ability to respond to internal and external requests.  This requires the use of good judgment in knowing when to respond and when to seek additional guidance on how to proceed.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, including excellent oral communication, customer-orientation, and sound judgment exemplified by an ability to consistently demonstrate a professional manner in dealing with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally
• Motivation to learn and contribute balanced with a flexible approach and comfort with ambiguity.
• Deep interest in learning about and supporting the work of the nonprofit and philanthropic community.
  
• General excitement, enthusiasm, and discipline necessary to contribute and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in the use of technology with emphasis on Microsoft Office, Google Docs and database applications.
• Knowledge of and interest in the engagement of technological solutions and social networking.

Personal Characteristics

• Self-reflective, possessing a lifelong curiosity and voracious appetite for learning, and flexibility dealing with change or ambiguity.
• Ability to recognize new opportunities as they arise and the “intrapreneurial” and entrepreneurial spirit to take advantage of those opportunities.
• Sensitivity to the needs of diverse populations.
• A sense of humor, integrity, honesty and kindness.
• The ability to give and receive feedback graciously.

Independent Sector is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace

To Apply:
Submit cover letter, resume, salary history, and writing sample:
Human Resources - [IS Position Title]
Independent Sector
1602 L St. NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
resumes@independentsector.org
Fax: 202-467-6101

No phone calls, please.