Position Announcement - Governance Assistant
Position Announcement - Governance Assistant
 
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American Educational Research Association
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
Governance Assistant
May 2017

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is the largest national interdisciplinary research association devoted to the scientific study of education and learning, with more than 25,000 members. Founded in 1916, AERA advances knowledge about education, encourages scholarly inquiry related to education, and promotes the use of research to improve education and serve the public good.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is seeking a Governance Assistant with strong administrative and organizational skills to provide responsible administrative and executive level support. Governance functions are vital to AERA as a membership organization that relies on a professional staff and the engagement of volunteers to achieve the goals of the association. The Governance Assistant will assist with implementing and coordinating a full range of activities for the Association’s board/council, committees, divisions, and Special Interest Groups (SIGs). The Governance Assistant is an important member of the governance team and works collaboratively across departments and programs on all governance functions and events.

Key governance activities include elections, awards program; the organizational operations of divisions and SIGs; bylaws and other guidelines; Annual Meeting-related activities and events (committee meetings, awards ceremony); and record keeping on organizational actions and operations. In addition to facilitating the work of divisions, SIGs, and committees, the Governance Assistant supports the governance activities outlined above and governance-related activities within the Central Office. Key tasks include: coordinating governance activities and events throughout the year in collaboration with other applicable departments and programs; providing administrative support to divisions, SIGs and committees; and facilitating the implementation of procedures and organizational policy.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Coordinates routine and special projects. Establishes and maintains appropriate files to manage project steps throughout the year. Monitors deadlines, prioritizes tasks, assures steps are met in proper sequence and maintains ongoing communication with association leadership.
  • Uses the association management database and other database tools to manage membership communications and provide customer service.
  • Assists SIGs with the election process including the nomination process, ballot building, and the awards program.
  • Assists SIGs with their awards program including award petitions, ordering award plaques and materials.
  • Monitors Governance Email Inbox, SIG Inbox and assists SIG officers with questions or requests.
  • Handles check requests, invoices, travel reimbursements, etc., ensures inclusion of proper documentation and approvals.
  • Provides technical support for SIG Listservs and online resources for SIG Officers.
  • Assists in developing and implementing administrative procedures in connection with new projects undertaken by the office (may involve use of new software, new methods, etc.).
  • Coordinates small meetings and arranges for meeting support as needed (e.g., audio- visual equipment, food, refreshments, etc.).
  • Staffs occasional evening and weekend meetings as required and the week-long Annual Meeting in the spring.
  • Provides general administrative and customer service support for the department as well as other duties as assigned.

Desired qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree; at least 2 years of relevant work experience;
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills; excellent computer skills (including Microsoft Office suite of applications and database experience; experience with online forms such as SurveyMonkey;
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to details (including proofing accuracy);
  • High level of integrity and professionalism;
  • Skilled in interacting with volunteer leadership and members or experience in similar customer service work;
  • A motivated self-starter who can work effectively and efficiently as part of a team as well as on an individual basis;
  • Knowledge and understanding of association governance structures preferred; and
  • Desire to learn about and work in non-profit management.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to Human Resources, Attention: Governance Manager, at employment@aera.net. Applications will be reviewed and telephone interviews will be conducted with selected candidates before finalists are invited for on-site interviews.

The American Educational Research Association is an equal employment opportunity employer.