Operations Associate (Part-Time, Regular)

  • Part-time

Company Description

The Uproot Project is a network of and for environmental journalists of color. We have a growing national membership, composed of journalists from across national and regional media institutions with a goal of bringing these diverse voices to the forefront of environmental journalism. Uproot is dedicated to advancing the careers of journalists of color who’ve been historically underrepresented in environmental or science journalism, imbuing the field with critical and fresh perspectives. We were inspired by other projects, like the Ida B. Wells Society, that uplift underrepresented journalists. The Uproot Project was founded in 2019 by a group of environmental journalists seeking change in the industry and launched publicly in March 2021.

Grist is a founding partner of Uproot, currently serving as its operational home. This position will be an employee of Grist but will work exclusively and directly with and report to Uproot leadership. Grist is an award-winning digital publication reporting on humanity’s attempt to grapple with the most critical issues it faces. Its distributed newsroom covers climate impacts, highlights (and scrutinizes) promising solutions, and exposes environmental injustice.

Job Description

Job Description 

As The Uproot Project Operations Associate, you’ll work in partnership with the Steering Committee and the Director to help keep the organization running smoothly. The Operations Associate will assist the Director with the management of the day-to-day business. The Operations Associate's responsibilities include performing administrative tasks, assisting steering committee members as needed, and ensuring smooth daily operations.

A successful Operations Associate should thrive in ambiguity and change, be highly organized and self-directed, demonstrate deep  initiative and have a versatile skill set to support a variety of different business functions with a diverse range of tasks. The Operations Associate must feel comfortable implementing processes and providing constructive feedback. This role will report to the Director.

The Operations Associate role is a part-time (up to 20 hours per week), regular position.

Job Responsibilities 

  • Support the Director with day-to-day operations such as processing payments to vendors, recruiting coordination, and other administrative responsibilities

  • Track all day-to-day expenditures in the Uproot budget

  • Organize Uproot event operations and coordinate with external partners on Uproot projects

  • Manage all Uproot communications and engagement platforms, including Slack, emails, and newsletter platforms, keep Steering Committee members apprised of communications

  • Support all Uproot Project positions, including the Social Media Manager by assisting with the social media communications as requested, managing events and meeting calendars

  • Note-keeping and organizing responsibilities, including: Maintain the network's records by managing Uproot’s Google Drive, assist Uproot Steering Committee as needed by maintaining recordings of meetings as well as taking minutesAssist Steering Committee and Grist Project Manager with Zoom/webinar setup for virtual events

  • Support the Director and Steering Committee in the execution of all ongoing and one-off projects

  • Provide executive support to Director on an as-needed basis

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree preferred

  • Minimum 2 years experience in a professional business environment

  • Minimum of one year of experience in an administrative or operations role

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

  • Experience in a newsroom preferred 

  • High attention to detail

  • Must be solutions-oriented

  • Must thrive in ambiguity and embrace change for this early-stage project

  • Proficient in technology especially Google Workspace and Slack

  • Proactive qualities with the willingness to learn

  • Ability to work well under pressure and with minimal supervision

Additional Information

Application Process:

Applicants must submit a resume and a 200-word statement explaining why you’re a great fit for our start-up like environment and provide an example of a process you created from nothing.  Applications without both a resume and written statement will not be considered. 

Compensation is a monthly rate of between $1,675-$1875. Total compensation package includes a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance. No phone calls, please.

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to Grist’s focus on advancing equity. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experience. Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Grist is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.