Program Assistant - Natural Gas Campaign

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Overall Function

The Program Assistant provides administrative support for the Natural Gas Campaign.  The Program Assistant plays a key role in achieving these goals by providing administrative and logistical support to the team and ensuring smooth operation of day-to-day activities.  The Program Assistant also works on special projects as assigned, such as conducting research in support of senior policy experts and attorneys.  The Program Assistant will be working in a challenging environment that will include detail-oriented independent work, quick thinking, and professional interactions. The successful candidate must have the demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands.

Project Background

Natural gas is an important and growing part of our nation’s energy portfolio.  It emits less greenhouse gases than coal when combusted and avoids mercury and other dangerous air pollutants that come from coal.  It could be a win-win, if--and this is a big ‘if’--we do it the right way.  The “right way” entails putting tough rules in place that lock in mandatory environmental safeguards to protect communities and reduce methane pollution, which undermines natural gas’ role as a lower carbon alternative to coal and oil.  EDF is taking a leading role to ensure that natural gas provides real and sustained carbon benefits without harming the environment or health of the communities where gas development occurs.

Key Responsibilities

The Program Assistant will be responsible for the following and other duties as assigned:

• Maintain calendars, schedule travel arrangements, and coordinate logistics for the Natural Gas team, and/or senior level staff with highly variable schedules. 
• Monitor, track, and develop expense reports for program staff.
• Administer contracts for consultants, including assistance with writing and signing contracts, working with the Accounting Department to ensure payments of contracts and with consultants to ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Assist in the preparation of work products.  This includes conducting research and compiling/writing/editing correspondence, reports, memos, presentations, and charts/tables.  Interface with contractors such as web and graphic designers, as needed.
• Arrange, coordinate, and manage logistics for EDF staff and consultants for internal and external meetings.
• Coordinate information requests from external sources and other departments to ensure requests are met according to deadlines.
• Proactively identify and implement mechanisms to enhance operational effectiveness of the Natural Gas Team.
• Organize and maintain electronic files including program staff work plans, contracts, proposals and other documents.
• Work independently and as part of the Energy team on both special and ongoing projects, which may include planning and coordinating presentations, events and disseminating information including, but not limited to the Natural Gas Campaign, energy issues, climate change, and air pollution.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years relevant work experience in a similar position.
• Must have knowledge of office administrative procedures including use and operation of standard office equipment.
• High level of interpersonal skills to interface well with all programs/departments in the organization. 
• Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills required in order to gather and summarize data for reports, find solutions to various problems, and prioritize work.
• Position continually requires demonstrated professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy.
• Must be comfortable handling confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to complete and prioritize multiple tasks under strict deadlines in a high pressure setting, with a strong attention to detail and a positive attitude.
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision and with a team of diverse colleagues.
• Previous experience maintaining complex calendars and coordinating meetings/events preferred.
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in environmental advocacy preferred.

Location

This position will be located in Austin, TX.
 
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
 
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
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