Program Assistant

Wildscreen USA, a nonprofit organization, is using the power of wildlife imagery to promote an appreciation and understanding of nature. We believe a public unaware of the world's rich biodiversity cannot be motivated to protect our natural world. To achieve this mission we are spearheading U.S. efforts in support of the ARKive project, a unique collection of thousands of videos, images and fact-files illustrating the world's threatened species.

We are looking for a Program Assistant to assist with the day-to-day activities of Wildscreen USA.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Communications:

• Respond to organizational inquiries via email and phone
• Conduct daily research on US Conservation news stories for social media and blog efforts
• Write regular social networking and blog posts
• Research and apply for awards
• Promote ARKive and Wildscreen USA in a professional manner at all times

Events Management:

• Maintain a list of local and national conservation / environmental educational events
• Assist in planning special events and meetings including tasks such as securing venues, catering, A/V equipment, etc
• Organize shipments of materials for various conferences and events
• Represent Wildscreen USA and ARKive at local and national conferences and events

Technical / Creative Projects:

• Assist with periodic video editing needs via iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or other video editing software
• Assist with creating / editing publications for print including ads, brochures, and flyers via Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro
• Update the Wildscreen USA website periodically via Dreamweaver / WordPress

General Organizational Support:

• Conduct research on potential major donors and foundation supporters
• Enter, update, and maintain contact database
• Manage organizational calendars, scheduling and meeting logistics
• Make travel arrangements for Wildscreen USA staff, board members and/or guests as required
• Maintain organized filing systems and an organized office
• Obtain vendor bids for goods and/or services, checking vendor references and making recommendations for vendor selection
• Order office supplies and other materials as needed
• Assist in managing interns and volunteers
• Other responsibilities as they develop

Qualifications:

Prospective candidates will have an undergraduate in communications, marketing, business, or non-profit management, will have the ability to be a "jack of all trades", is very comfortable with the use of technology, and will have excellent attention to minute details.

As part of a very small but dynamic team, we expect high levels of commitment and flexibility, a passion for the conservation of nature, the ability to be proactive and handle a large workload, a willingness to learn and the ability to work independently. This position provides a great opportunity to be involved in nearly all areas of an entrepreneurial non-profit's operations.

Successful candidates will have:

• exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• outstanding interpersonal skills
• an outgoing personality with the ability to speak and network comfortably with partners and the public at conferences and other events
• the ability to multi-task, and within a rapidly changing environment, remaining flexible and calm in all situations
• the ability to act on own initiative, but also to know when to seek advice
• the ability to embrace new challenges, learn quickly, excel in an entrepreneurial start-up environment
• an interest in biodiversity conservation and environmental education
• an interest in nature films and photography
• sense of humor a must!

Requirements:

• Minimum 1-3 years of office experience
• Medium/High proficiency with the following software: Microsoft Word, Excel, & Powerpoint, Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat Pro, Dreamwever / WordPress (or similar web editing software), Final Cut Pro / iMovie / other video editing software

Compensation: This position will begin as a 3-month full-time contract position with no benefits, beginning on or around May 2, 2011. The Contractor will be responsible for the payment of all federal, state, and local income, social security, self-employment, sales and other taxes with respect to the compensation paid by Wildscreen USA. No payments made by Wildscreen USA to the Contractor shall be subject to any deduction for taxes, unemployment insurance, pension contributions, and/or other items required by law, all of which shall be the sole responsibility of the Contractor.

After this 3-month contract period, there is a strong possibility that the person in this position can transition into a full-time salaried position with full benefits (health & dental insurance, paid time off, pre-tax dollars for metro transportation, etc).

Working Environment

We offer a flexible working environment with an endless supply of gourmet coffee and tea daily. U.S.-based travel will be expected from time-to-time for filmmaker, photography, conservation communications, or environmental education industry events. The office is located near Union Station in Washington, DC.

To Apply:

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by April 8, 2011. We will be conducting interviews during the week of April 11. We look forward to hearing from you!