Position Description
Position: Program Assistant
Location: Washington, D.C. area (hybrid)
Status: Part-time; 10–15 hours per week, Non-exempt
Reports to: President
Compensation Range: $30–$40/hour
Position Summary
PNPI’s Program Assistant will provide high-level logistical, administrative, and communications support to ensure smooth execution of PNPI programs and events. This role is ideal for someone who is exceptionally organized, detail-oriented, and eager to support a mission-driven organization working at the intersection of policy, practice, and public engagement in higher education. This is a 10-12 month temporary position.
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks
Event & Program Logistics
- Support logistical planning for events, including transportation, accommodations, catering, A/V coordination, general registration, material preparation, and attendee communications.
- Support virtual events, including registration, speaker/staff/attendee coordination, attendee communications, and event recordings.
- Attend virtual and in-person events as needed.
Administrative Support
- Maintain and update databases and email lists (including list-building)
- Assist with our virtual course platform.
- Update internal metrics related to event participation, engagement, and outputs.
- Assist with document creation and support as needed.
- Other administration tasks as needed.
Communications & Digital Support
- Assist with basic communications tasks, such as scheduling social media through Hootsuite
- Support distribution of event announcements or other communications as needed.
Required Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
- Demonstrated experience providing administrative, logistical, or program support in a professional setting.
- Experience coordinating event logistics (e.g., travel, accommodations, catering, A/V, registration).
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, track details, and meet deadlines.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and online project management tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through.
Valued (Non-Essential) Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Ability
- Interest in higher education issues and higher education policy.
Attributes
- Ability to take initiative, ask questions, and work independently in a small, fast-moving team.
- Professional demeanor and sound judgment.
- Strong people skills.
- Willingness to “pitch in” and take ownership of tasks.
- Ability to work on tight deadlines and remain calm under pressure.
- Discrete and trustworthy with sensitive information.
Benefits
- This position will be eligible for health leave at a rate of 3.33 hours per pay period.
- PNPI is closed three weeks each year and staff are paid during those closures.
How to Apply
Resume and cover letter summarizing your interests and qualifications to: pnpi@pnpi.org. No phone calls, please. Please state “Program Assistant: PNPI” in the e-mail subject line.
PNPI Careers
PNPI provides professional development to current and prospective policymakers who work on federal higher education issues. PNPI is an independent 501(c)(3) charity that is a 509(a)(3) supporting organization of the New Venture Fund. PNPI’s work supports NVF’s mission to achieve a healthier, more equitable world through a range of innovative projects spanning diverse issues, including global health, conservation, public policy, disaster recovery, education, and the arts.
The New Venture Fund is recruiting individuals to work for NVF and further its mission by serving as dedicated staff of PNPI. The New Venture Fund and PNPI are committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. The New Venture Fund’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.
E-Verify
PNPI participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.
