EEP is hiring a Special Assistant

The Education Equality Project (EEP) is a national, non-partisan advocacy group focused on closing the achievement gap and bringing equity to the U.S. public education system. (EEP’s head quarters are in New York City.)

EEP’s mission is to close the racial and ethnic achievement gap in U.S. public schools, increase academic opportunities, and improve achievement for all students. Our principles emphasize effective teachers and leaders; data and accountability, and expanded options for students and their families. We are a bipartisan advocacy organization that believes education reform is the most pressing civil rights issue of our generation. We bring political muscle to the fight for education equality by allying with and supporting courageous reformers within local community organizations and linking their members with locally elected officials, education leaders, and reform groups across the country. We give voice to those poorly served by our public schools by advocating for regulatory and financial policy changes both locally and nationally.

EEP seeks an energetic, articulate, and highly organized Special Assistant to play an integral role in growing the organization. EEP is a start-up organization poised for significant, national growth. This position will provide high-level support to EEP’s Director, serving as advisor, project manager, and critical link in communication between the Director, EEP stakeholders, and the broader public. As such, the Special Assistant will be involved in all aspects of the organization – program, administration, strategy, budget, networks, leadership, growth, etc.

The ideal candidate for this position will possess highly developed interpersonal and influencing skills, superior organizational skills, fine-tuned attention to detail, strong judgment and tact, the ability to juggle multiple projects and details while driving toward deadlines, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Responsibilities:

The Special Assistant will play a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the organization as the primary support and “right hand” to the Director across core internal and external responsibilities, including direct work with the Board of Directors and its Co-Chairs, consultants and vendors, key external partners, prospective donors, and current funders. The Special Assistant will manage projects and tasks as requested by the Director, including (but not limited to):

• Providing writing and editing support for all EEP communications materials – speeches, memos, funding proposals, website, blogs, email blasts, correspondence, etc.
• Compiling a daily email blast of the top education reform news (national and local). (Examples found here: http://www.edequality.org/index.php/press/archive/daily_news_roundup_--_april_22_2010/)
• Conducting all necessary pre- and post-work for the Director’s schedule. This includes: preparing background information on individuals/groups she is meeting with; crafting pitches/ideas for her to present to these individuals/groups; and performing all necessary follow-up.
• Managing administrative tasks – calendar, reimbursements, scheduling large meetings, travel, all logistics, space, etc. (approx. 25% of job responsibilities)
• Serving as liaison with counterparts at the United Negro College Fund, National Council of La Raza, the NYC Department of Education, and other core partners
• Assisting in all aspects of coordination of partnerships between EEP and other education reform, civil rights, advocacy, policy, etc. groups
• Helping prepare and manage all budgets; serving as primary point of contact with accounting firm and for all invoices
• Representing EEP at events and meetings; being prepared to speak on behalf of the organization (occasional travel required)
• Playing key coordinating role for all EEP events – from small Board meetings to large, national events (e.g., coordinating and managing external event planners, PR firms, partners, and all key stakeholders)
• Managing other special projects

Credentials/Qualification Requirements:

Candidates should have a passion for social change and working creatively to close the achievement gap. Candidates should enjoy working in a results-oriented, fast-paced, and entrepreneurial environment. A successful candidate will possess:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven, fast paced environment
• Exceptional analytic, strategic, and planning skills
• Top-notch written and oral communication skills
• Strong attention to detail, as well as the ability to quickly grasp the big-picture and think strategically
• Working knowledge of this policy area and a strong drive to quickly broaden and deepen knowledge
• High level of personal responsibility, initiative, maturity, and motivation
• Excellent interpersonal skills and real facility working with a wide range of individuals
• Ability to drive projects forward and be persistent, as well as flexible and patient
• Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook); basic web publishing experience a strong plus
• Grace under pressure
• A sense of humor, flexibility, and a dedication to team work

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to ellenwinn@educationequalityproject.org with the subject heading “Special Assistant.” No phone calls please. Salary is commensurate with background and experience; excellent benefits package. The Education Equality Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Categories: EEP News