Program Assistant

~ The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is a U.S. and international environmental action organization. ~

We use law, science, and the support of 3 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff has helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws and many implementing regulations.

Our cases enforcing and defending federal and state environmental laws have played a major role shaping current environmental policy throughout the country. Our staff of more than 600 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy and communications experts, and others, work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, and Beijing.

Position Overview

NRDC is seeking a Program Assistant to work with the Midwest Region Director of the Climate & Clean Energy Program, based in our Chicago office. This position will be an integral part of the Program’s advocacy success in the Midwest.

The candidate will provide administrative support to an energetic team of clean energy advocates and attorneys and will require strong organizational skills, ability to juggle multiple, complex tasks, and willingness to work with a diverse and fast-paced team with limited supervision. The ideal candidate will also have experience managing budgets, as well as experience or a willingness to provide assistance in legal filings and preparation of other written materials.

• Execute various administrative support tasks, including scheduling and travel booking, expense reports, setting up meetings, note-taking, and supporting staff with applications such as Blue Jeans and Dropbox;
• Tracking grants and discretionary spending in Excel;
• Operate as team liaison with consultants to finalize legal documents and process invoices for compensation in accordance with consulting agreements;
• Assisting with drafting and distribution of memos, blogs, and other communications. Edit and proofread letters, documents, memoranda, publications, correspondence, etc.;
• Assisting in legal filings, including gaining familiarity with procedural requirements in administrative court matters, and preparing and filing documentation at the direction of a supervisor;
• Actively participate in office activities and efforts surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
• Find efficiencies wherever possible to ensure strong support to staff and compliance with institutional processes.

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Three years previous administrative experience (preference given for experience tracking budgets and/or demonstration of accounting experience);  
• Detail-oriented with excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong facility with spreadsheets and databases, and experience with accounting and finance;
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, organize and coordinate multiple tasks, set priorities, follow organizational procedures, and perform quickly and accurately under deadlines;
• Excellent time-management skills;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality a must; and
• Must possess a high degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

To Apply

• To please click "Apply on Company Website" and upload your resume and cover letter through our online portal.  We would like you to upload any additional papers or project work that you think would showcase your abilities.
• Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs.
• Please reference where you saw this posting.
• NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• If you are having technical difficulty while applying, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care at 1-800-889-4422.
  

NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.  We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment.  Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for positions based in San Francisco, CA we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.