Program Associate

Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes a focus on scientific and economic disciplines and on the use of market mechanisms where applicable to reach well-crafted, durable solutions. The organization builds teams of scientists, lawyers, and economists to investigate the scientific causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that encourage and subsidize patterns of environmental damage. In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxins, and wildlife), Environmental Defense seeks practical solutions, founded on science, that policy makers and industry can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Overall Function: 

The Program Associate will support 1) mainly the President of the Environmental Markets Network (EMN) who is located in our New York office 2) other members of EMN staff located in our DC office. This position involves confidential and sensitive information and deals with a diverse group of internal and external callers and visitors. Independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize and organize your workload within this busy department. 

Responsibilities include: 

* Provide administrative and clerical support including faxing, copying, and document preparation. 
* Prepare, file and track expense reports; May handle some budget tracking. 
* Develop and maintain project calendars for program projects and information requests to ensure program milestones and deadlines are met. Coordinate information gathering to respond to requests as appropriate. 
* Open, sort and distribute mail and email.
* Prepare PowerPoint presentations and master PowerPoint functionality quickly. 
* Maintain heavy calendar. Insure adequate preparation for each meeting including agendas, background information, deliverables, etc.
* Handle all travel arrangements.
* Schedule meetings that involve internal and external participants who have very busy schedules. 
* Organize documents in a corporate network space and in file cabinets.
* Draft letters, correspondence and general information. Proofread copies for spelling, grammar, and layout, making appropriate changes, text edits of papers and memos.
* Perform research assignments using Internet, library, and sources. 
* Work closely with the others in the department on special projects.
* Screen and prioritize requests from within EMN department.
* Answer phones; take messages or field/answer routine and non-routine questions. Handle confidential and non-routine information. 
* Act as a liaison with internal departments/programs as well as other organizations and associations. 
* Work independently and as part of the team on special nonrecurring and ongoing projects, which may include, planning and coordinating multiple presentations, disseminating information, proofreading documents, etc. 

Qualifications: 

* Bachelor's degree preferred with at least 3 years relevant experience.
* Candidate should possess the curiosity to read, learn and be engaged on the Environmental Markets Network subject matter.
* Comfortable taking
* Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software applications. 
* Solid experience with computer spreadsheets. 
* Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interface well with all programs/departments in the organization and to represent the President in a highly professional manner.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
* Must be flexible, well organized, motivated, and detail-oriented. 
* Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines. 
* Ability to work in a team setting and have the ability to work independently when projects are due. 
* Demonstrate initiative and problem solving skills. 

To Apply:

Interested applicants should email or mail cover letter, resume and salary requirements. 

Cheryl L. Pickard, PHR
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009  

Environmental Defense is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and the physically challenged are encouraged to apply.