Today we have an exclusive entry-level job in New York City for our readers! We were forwarded an e-mail (we were about 4th down the line) by a friend, and we wanted to share this excellent opportunity with our readers, since it can’t be found anywhere else on the Internet. Minds Matter is a not-for-profit organization that brings high-achieving and motivated high schools students from low-income families together with dedicated mentors to achieve academic excellence and expand educational horizons. There are only two employees (we’re not sure if that’s for the entire organization, or just the New York City chapter), an Executive Director and a Program and Development Assistant (PDA) at Minds Matter. The current PDA joined two years ago right out of college, but is leaving in the Summer for graduate school. That means Minds Matter needs a replacement. If you want to do some research on Minds Matter, their 2007 Annual Report has everything you could possibly want to know about the organization.

We don’t usually do this, but since the job description isn’t posted on Minds Matter’s website, we’ve copied and pasted the job description from the Word document that was attached to the e-mail we received.

Program and Development Assistant

Description of Organization

Minds Matter is a not-for-profit organization that brings high-achieving and motivated high schools students from low-income families together with dedicated mentors to achieve academic excellence and expand educational horizons. Through Minds Matter, our carefully selected students gain the opportunity to attend challenging and exciting summer programs, and receive advice and support throughout the college application process. Founded in New York City in 1991, Minds Matter has since established a national presence with existing chapters in NYC, Boston, Denver, Chicago and Portland. In addition to committed leadership volunteers, Minds Matter’s staffing model includes two full-time employees, including the Program and Development Assistant, who supports both the NYC and national organizations. Additional chapters may be opened during the 2008-2009 school year.

Overall Description of Position

Minds Matter seeks an enthusiastic, flexible, and organized self-starter to assist with a wide range of programs and operational areas. As the only employee working alongside the Executive Director at a dynamic and growing organization, the Program and Development Assistant will have the opportunity to make a large impact on both the NYC Chapter and the national organization. This full-time, entry-level position will include the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of non-profit activities including volunteer recruitment and management, program coordination, fundraising, finance and operations.

Reports To: Executive Director
Works With: NYC Executive Committee Members, National Executive Committee Members, and NYC Volunteers

Overview of Critical Responsibilities

Programmattic Support

• Participate in recruitment of approximately 300 volunteers, including advertising, application screening, scheduling of interviews, and conducting interviews as needed.
• Ensure organization’s compliance with comprehensive volunteer background check policy.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of student mentees, including contacting schools throughout New York City, screening applications, setting up applicant files and databases and participating in interviews.
• Assist with the preparation and implementation of student and volunteer orientations.
• Provide administrative support for programs, including the preparation of packets, manuals and weekly session materials.
• Assist with the student summer program application process, including researching program requirements and application deadlines, tracking student applications and submitting student applications.
• Answer routine inquiries for program information, written and oral.
• Ensure proper set-up and clean-up of Saturday sessions.
• Complete other projects as assigned.

Fundraising & Operational Support

• Maintain accurate fundraising records in Kintera database, and serve as the organization’s Kintera expert.
• Assist with the production of the annual report and newsletters.
• Prepare semi-annual fundraising mailings.
• Process check donations.
• Provide support for annual fundraising Soiree.
• Coordinate event logistics for donor appreciation events.
• Assist Executive Director with foundation research and grant applications.
• Complete other projects as assigned.

General Administrative Support

• Support communications between national organization and local chapters, including schedule coordination, conference call coordination and occasional travel arrangements.
• Attend all monthly Executive Committee meetings.
• Prepare and send routine and bulk mailings.
• Provide other assistance to leadership volunteers and Executive Director as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including some weeknights and frequent Saturdays during the school year.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivation, flexibility and high energy level.
• Careful attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task and adhere to deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and Internet search applications. Desktop publishing experience helpful.

Odds and Ends

Compensation

Competitive compensation package includes annual salary in the low to mid $30’s, health and dental insurance, and two weeks of paid vacation.

To Apply

Send resume and cover letter to: careers@mindsmatter.org.

Timeline

First round “cuts” based on applications will occur by the end of February. First round interviews will take place in mid-March.

Thanks to our reader who tipped us off about this exciting entry-level job opportunity. If you know of any jobs that we should feature on One Day, One Job, share them with us by e-mailing info@onedayonejob.com.

Note: On April 27th we revisited entry-level jobs at Minds Matter.

Links to Help You Begin Your Research

• Minds Matter’s Home Page
• Minds Matter’s 2007 Annual Report
• About Minds Matter
• Minds Matters’ History
• Programs at Minds Matter

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We've identified Minds Matter as having career opportunities in the following categories:

• all employers
• education
• events
• New York
• non-profit
• program development

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