Part-time Office Assistant for the Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Project (Bemidji) of the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota

The ACLU-MN is hiring for the Greater Minnesota Racial Justice Project that is located in Bemidji, Minnesota and is seeking applicants for the position of Office Assistant. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to defending and expanding individual rights and personal freedom, the ACLU is the nation’s foremost guardian of liberty. The ACLU-MN fights to protect civil liberties of Minnesotans through litigation, public education, and lobbying related to legislation that impacts civil liberties and civil rights.

The Office Assistant will report to the Coordinator of the Bemidji Greater MN Racial Justice Project, and will have the primary responsibility for the management of the court monitoring recruitment and training of volunteers/interns, office facilities and logistics, and responsible for intake correspondence.

Job Responsibilities

Will be responsible for the general day to day maintenance of the ACLU’s office in Bemidji, duties will include:

• Staffing of the office reception

• Recruitment and training of court monitoring volunteers/interns

• Manage files, store and archiving procedures

• Mange incoming and outgoing mail

• Maintain a central calendar of events and meetings

• Manage a court monitoring program for Bemidji and the seven surrounding counties

• Assist in the managing and recruitment of volunteers

• Maintains a positive, respectful, welcoming and professional work environment for employees, volunteers and visitors

• Manage all information technology systems for the Bemidji office including day to day maintenance of network, internet connections and database. Will coordinate with the St. Paul for troubleshooting and purchasing of equipment

• Manage communication systems including phones, copiers, fax and printers including maintenance (will coordinate with St. Paul for procurement of any communication systems)

• Maintain overall professional appearance of office, and coordinate with building management and janitorial staff

• Will coordinate with St. Paul for purchase of office supplies and equipment

• Train and assist staff and volunteers/interns in use of office equipment

• In coordination with the rest of the staff review and route all intake correspondence

• Monitor press and maintain hard copy or electronic clipping file

• Assist in drafting of communications when possible, to use as content of for ACLU website, newsletters and press releases

• Work with organizer to ensure all events are well-planned, publicized and executed. Assist in event management and logistics, data capturing and necessary follow-up.

• Assist the staff/interns in any tasks at hand

Qualifications

• Ability to read, and write public education documents

• Sophisticated computer and clerical skills, including word processing, spreadsheet preparation, internet research and filing. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook; proficiency with other MS software such as Publisher and Access is a plus.

• Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines on concurrent projects in a fast-paced occasionally stressful environment. A confident and professional work style, superior problem solving skills and an ability to work creatively and independently.

• Excellent oral and written skills. The ability to communicate and work effectively with volunteers, staff and the general public. Attention to detail and superior proofreading skills are a must

• Ability to communicate effectively the Bemidji office needs to St. Paul office to ensure office is run efficiently

• Understanding of, and passion for, ACLU mission.

• The ability to develop effective organizational systems

• Minimum two years of professional experience in an office setting, and minimally an AA or undergraduate degree.

• Must be attentive to detail, able to take direction and work well with others

Compensation

The position will be 32 hours a week. Pay will be hourly based on experience. There are no benefits currently available for this position.

Application Process

We will be accepting applications until the position is filled. Please send letter of interest, resume, a writing sample and contact information for three reference to Audrey Thayer at athayer@aclu-mn.org or

Audrey Thayer

Coordinator

ACLU-MN

PO Box 133

Bemidji, MN 56601

The ACLU-MN is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is committed to developing a diverse pool of candidates. Women, people of color, persons with disabilities, lesbians and gay men are encouraged to apply.