Operations Associate At Freedom House

ABOUT FREEDOM HOUSE

Freedom House is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to create a world where all are free. We inform the world about threats to freedom, mobilize global action, and support democracy’s defenders, especially those working in closed authoritarian societies. We are founded on the core conviction that freedom flourishes in democratic nations where governments are accountable to their people; the rule of law prevails; and freedoms are guaranteed. Established 80 years ago to respond to the threats posed by fascism, we know there is no more powerful force for the development of human society than democracy. As the world experiences the 15th year of consecutive democratic decline, our work—and our partners carrying it out around the world—have never mattered more.

POSITION SUMMARY

Freedom House is seeking a full-time Operations Associate with excellent organizational skills to be a strong and reliable support to the Operations Team, led by the Chief Operating Officer. The Operations Associate will be part of a dynamic team that is focused on process improvement and customer service, and will be responsible for a variety of administrative, personnel, and operational duties, with a focus on strengthening the organization’s international operations. A successful Operations Associate is a motivated self-starter who has a demonstrated interest in establishing a career in operations at a mission-driven organization. This is a full-time position ideally based in Washington, DC, with flexible telecommuting options, reporting to the Director of Operations and Inclusion with a dotted line to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

As an Operations Associate at Freedom House, you will:

• Help to develop the infrastructure, policies, and systems to support international operations, to include field office staffing, logistics, office-set up, etc.
• Identify and implement opportunities to streamline operational systems and processes to strengthen internal organizational efficiency.
• Support the COO and Director in resolving operational challenges inherent in a leanly operated environment.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to the COO and Director, as well as the operations team (finance, IT, facilities), and senior leaders as needed.
• Coordinating across operations and programmatic teams to address pressing operational needs.
• Provide audio-visual tech support in DC office headquarters for meetings and events as needed.
• Support the organization’s DEI initiative, and work with the Director to embed the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into all relevant aspects of the organization’s operations.
• Special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Candidates with diverse work experiences and transferrable skills are encouraged to apply.
• At least 2 years of work experience in an office environment, ideally at a non-profit organization.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will possess:

• Excellent problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to anticipate and proactively seek solutions to problems as they arise;
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills;
• An assiduous attention to detail;
• Strong time-management skills;
• An ability to produce error-free work on tight deadlines;
• Diplomatic interpersonal and communication skills;
• A positive, team and customer service-oriented attitude and ability to build trust-based relationships with colleagues;
• A proven ability to learn quickly, multitask, work with limited supervision, and take ownership of assigned work;
• An ability to handle confidential information;
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and an aptitude to learn new software and systems;
• Comfort with IT and audio-visual systems;
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and/or your community;
• An appreciation for how one’s day-to-day work supports an institutional mission.

We do not expect anyone to tick every single box for this position, and if you have relevant experience or skills not listed here, please apply and tell us about it in your cover letter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Diversity makes our work stronger. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.
• Candidates must possess long-term authorization to work in the United States. Freedom House will not sponsor work visas.
• Freedom House provides a strong benefits package, including a 403(b)-retirement account, commuter benefits, flexible hours, floating holidays, high employer contributions to medical, dental, and vision premiums, basic and voluntary life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending account, and more.
• Salaries are commensurate with experience and based on pay grades that prioritize equity across the organization. This salary for this position starts at $45,000.
• Freedom House workplace culture emphasizes support, growth, and transparency. We value colleagues’ mental and physical well-being.
• Staff members are currently working remotely or partially remotely due to Covid-19, and Freedom House is continuing to evaluate when and under what circumstances staff will return to the office. This position will start completely or partially remote and may require mandatory relocation to [location] once circumstances allow (no earlier than July 1, 2022).

Freedom House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors, In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Freedom House, please call 202-227-4308 or email hr@freedomhouse.org.

DIRECTIONS TO APPLY

Applicants are required to complete our online application form and to submit a 1 to 2-page resume and a 1-page cover letter that outlines interests and qualifications for this position.

Cover letters should be responsive to the responsibilities and qualifications presented in the job description. Cover letters that highlight a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging will be well received.