Program Assistant, Roots & Shoots USA (In-Office) - Jane Goodall Institute

Department: Roots & Shoots

Job Category: Full Time, Exempt

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Travel: Less than 25% (primarily domestic travel)

Location: Washington, DC

Position Summary

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute USA (JGI-USA) is an international non-governmental organization that continues Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering animal research and global conservation mission. The breadth of the Jane Goodall Institute’s work reflects Dr. Goodall’s personal philosophy that the survival of all species depends upon collaboration, community, and valuing individuals’ contributions. Roots & Shoots USA is the youth action and empowerment program of JGI-USA.

The Jane Goodall Institute seeks a collaborative team member to serve as Program Assistant, Roots & Shoots USA. The Program Assistant will report to the Program Director, Roots & Shoots USA and work closely with other JGI teams. This position is based at the JGI-USA headquarters in Washington, DC.

Core Responsibilities

Member Management & Service (45%)

• Function as first line of communications with Roots & Shoots (R&S) members and general public via email and phone.
• Maintain lists of current members and group activities, tracking stories for highlighting via R&S channels.
• Manage member registrations using Mailchimp and monitor web traffic for spam.
• Create and distribute digital certificates and badges of recognition.

Event Support (30%)

• Help plan and provide support for internal and external meetings.
• Assist with event logistics for Roots & Shoots Youth Council meetings and Roots & Shoots youth celebration events.
• Handle requests for swag and materials for Roots & Shoots events.

Grant Support (15%)

• Provide support to Roots & Shoots Project Grants, working with online grant management system (Submittable) and tracking applications, awards, and reports.

Administrative Support (10%)

• Schedule meetings, process invoices, e-file documents, manage mailings, order and manage program supplies and materials.
• Retrieve and assemble data for presentations and reports.
• Other responsibilities as needed.

Qualifications

• At least one year of professional experience in youth programming or education. Formal training or an undergraduate degree preferred.

• Excellent communication skills via telephone, email, and in-person.

• Excellent time management skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving.

• Proficiency with major software programs including Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with Salesforce, Submittable, and Mailchimp preferred, or a readiness/willingness to be trained.

• Knowledge of and experience with the Roots & Shoots program and/or service-learning preferred.

Additional Characteristics and Attributes

• An unwavering belief in the power of young people to make a positive difference in their lives, their communities, and the world.
• Collaborative working style as well as a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Willingness to seek feedback, adapt practices, and continuously learn.
• Commitment to JGI values of inclusion, adaptability, and the growth mindset.
• Commitment to collaboration and the core Roots & Shoots mantra: “Together we can, together we will!”

Why JGI?

We are a global network of scientists, conservationists, animal behavior and welfare experts, educators, and nonprofit professionals dedicated to building a better world for all. We focus on science-driven and compassionate solutions that have a far-reaching impact on people, other animals, and the environment. Our staff members are both personally and professionally committed to making the world a better place and work hard at doing so. In return, we offer competitive salaries and benefits, a warm and supportive working environment, and the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are directly contributing to advancing the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at JGI

At the Jane Goodall Institute we believe that when we can bring our authentic selves to work on a day-to-day basis, we are happier, more comfortable, more confident, and more excited to do great things for our organization, each other, and our world. When we bring inclusive teams together, our collective work to solve complex problems is more creative, more just, and more effective. JGI welcomes and supports individuals with diverse experiences, identities, backgrounds, and levels of ability. We foster an organizational culture in which everyone feels valued, safe, heard, and fully engaged.

The Jane Goodall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to being an organization and a community where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day.

Physical requirements

Job may require long periods of sitting or being stationary. Occasional lifting required (up to 10 lbs.).

Regular business travel to U.S. locations may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance and a 401K retirement plan as well as opportunities for professional development and growth within our organization.