Administrative and Engagement Assistant

Clean River Partners is an environmental non-profit based in Northfield, MN. We envision a community that collaboratively creates and protects a watershed with healthy soils; drinkable groundwater; and clean, fishable, and swimmable rivers, lakes, and streams. We partner with people and organizations to value, protect, and improve the Cannon River Watershed’s land and water. Our core values of building resilience, acting equitably, engaging intentionally, and inspiring hope guide all of our work. CRP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including women, candidates of color, Indigenous candidates, 2SLGBTQIA+, or candidates with non-traditional work or experience backgrounds. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION 

This Administrative and Engagement Assistant ensures the smooth functioning of Clean River Partners by assisting the organization and the Executive Director with day-to-day operations. This role maintains the donor database, prepares materials for board and committee meetings, provides office and team support, and coordinates event details such as space rental and vendor procurement. This position is best suited to someone who is energized by a mix of routine responsibilities and fast-turnaround requests, and who can flex their time and attention to support emerging priorities. The majority of this role involves well-defined, recurring responsibilities, with a smaller portion requiring judgment and adaptability to address emerging needs. This role offers meaningful exposure and hands-on experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising operations in a supportive environment.  

This is an exempt, full-time position with benefits including SIMPLE IRA matching, paid vacation and sick leave, 15 paid holidays, and a paid office closure from December 24-January 1. The salary range for this position is $44,900-$47,100. CRP offers a flexible workplace. Most staff choose to have a hybrid work schedule, with all staff in the office on Tuesdays. This role requires at least 50% of work time to be in-office time. 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide responsive administrative and project support to the Executive Director, including taking on short-turnaround tasks, troubleshooting unexpected needs, and helping move work forward when priorities shift, using judgment and an understanding of organizational priorities.
• Fundraising operations support, including donor data entry, acknowledgment tracking, and reporting to support annual fundraising campaigns
• Donor database management and reporting, including data accuracy, queries, and report preparation
• Board and committee scheduling, materials, and minutes, including logistical coordination and preparation of meeting materials
• Maintain and document office and administrative systems
• Schedule and coordinate staff and other meetings
• Serve as technical support for virtual and hybrid meetings
• Complete event responsibilities such as procuring venues, coordinating with vendors, and processing vendor invoices
• Assist with grant and sponsorship opportunities and timelines
• Answer phones and distribute general messages to appropriate staff; greet visitors on in-office days
• Assist with bookkeeping duties as needed
• Willingness to occasionally adjust schedule to support evening events, board meetings, or timesensitive needs.
• Additional duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Executive Director

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Required

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and proofreading experience
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and stay on track in both independent and team-based work
• Comfort working in a dynamic environment where priorities may shift, and ability to quickly assess what needs to be done and take action.
• Ability to follow through on a project with minimal direction. Excellent problem-solving skills
• Minimum two years of relevant experience
• Proficiency with common workplace technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, spreadsheets, databases, and shared drives.
• Valid driver’s license, access to a motor vehicle, and ability to travel within the Cannon River Watershed and surrounding areas for in-person programming and meetings.

Preferred

• Knowledge/experience with Cannon River Watershed region and communities
• Experience in a nonprofit and/or environmental work
• Interest in and commitment to the mission and values of Clean River Partners
• Project management experience
• Proven grant-writing and copy-editing experience
• Knowledge/experience with support of fundraising activities such as mailing campaigns
• Event organizing (or assisting) experience
• Experience in volunteer coordination
• Official minutes/note-taking experience

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some moving, travel, and carrying of lightweight items such as notebooks and work papers. Clean River Partners’ normal business hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM MondayFriday. CRP’s office is in an office building and in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled, ADAcompliant space. Most staff choose to work a hybrid schedule; we are all in office on Tuesdays. This person will share an office space with coworkers but will have a dedicated workspace and computer. This position requires meeting in various community spaces, including outdoor spaces, for relationship-building, planning, and event delivery. Outdoor spaces will sometimes have rough terrain, steep grades, or inclement weather conditions.  

Occasional travel as well as occasional evening and weekend meetings and events will be part of the job.

HOURS OF WORK

This position is a full-time, exempt position.  Clean River Partners’ normal business hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Monday-Friday.