Program Assistant - Innovation

The Biomimicry Institute is a fully remote organization.  However, preferred candidates are from the states of California, Montana, New York, Ohio, or Pennsylvania.  

Applicants from states with salary band posting requirements:  Salary is determined based on internal equity; internal salary ranges; market data/ranges; applicant’s skills; prior relevant experience; degrees or certifications, etc.  The salary for this position ranges from $50,000 - $60,000.

**We encourage people of all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Even if you don’t think you are a perfect fit, apply anyway - you might have qualifications we haven’t even thought of yet.**

Job Purpose

The Program Assistant will join the Innovation team to support the existing Ray of Hope Prize program. The Program Assistant will work closely with the Director of Innovation and corresponding Program Manager to assist in participant scouting and recruitment, program logistics, and project management.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the annual participant recruitment process for the Ray of Hope Prize. This includes:
  • Organizing and managing the application software and processes.
  • Conducting ongoing technology, research, and startup scouting to help fill the program pipelines.
  • Documenting and tracking applicants throughout the evaluation process.
  • Assisting with application evaluations and due diligence.
• Coordinate logistics for our hybrid program offerings. Typical programs include virtual programming and a 1 week-long in-person event. The Program Assistant will work with the Program Manages to secure in-person event logistics to ensure a successful and impactful one-of-a-kind experience for our participants.
• Assist Program Manager with program development and implementation. This includes:
  • Engaging and managing external stakeholders and volunteers such as mentors or Selection Committee members.
  • Assisting the development of digital and in-person training content.
  • Along with Program Manager and Director of Innovation, supporting participants as they progress through our programs.
• Collect and analyze participant and alumni metrics, updating our databases (Airtable, Copper) on an ongoing basis. Work across the Biomimicry Institute team (AskNature, Education, Comms & Development) to assist with development of public facing content about our participants and alumni.
• Clearly document and update tasks, projects, and procedures via our project management software (Asana).
• Assist with the implementation of special projects, such as the annual Ray of Hope Prize video series or the Quarterly Innovation Newsletter.
• Assist the Director of Innovation with strategic initiatives. This may include assisting with fundraising proposals and providing project management support for large-scale initiatives.
• Share best practices as you identify areas for innovation and improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A BA or BS degree in the sciences, engineering, or business is desired.
  • Specific knowledge of biomimicry is encouraged; however new hires without this experience will complete training (e.g. fundamentals course) in biomimicry.
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is necessary for this position. Relevant experience could include but is not limited to experience working within a startup, project management, sustainability consulting, etc.
• Experience organizing in-person events is highly desirable.
• Experience with database and contact management systems is preferred.
• A proven commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion:
  • Ability to actively cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with coworkers, management, board members and clients.
  • Employs anti-racist practices and principles to accomplish work.
  • Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Incorporates an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens into TBI programs.
  • Teaches using equitable and inclusive pedagogy.

Skills/Abilities

• Confident, energetic, and dedicated to the mission of the Biomimicry Institute.
• Comfortable learning and using the digital tools the Biomimicry Institute uses with little to no assistance, and willing to try out new technologies and work tools. G-Suite and Microsoft Office Suite required. Asana, Box, Slack, Airtable, and Zoom are helpful.
• Detail oriented with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. A successful track record in setting priorities; keen analytic, organization and problem solving skills which support and enable sound decision making. Keeps track of responsibilities and meets deadlines and goals.
• Adaptable—manages a constantly changing remote work environment; learns to collaborate with geographically dispersed new team members, etc.
• Clear, direct, and succinct writer.
• Self-sufficient—takes the initiative and completes work without undue supervision
• Strong communication and relationship building skills. Ensures every team member is given a chance to speak. Demonstrates the ability to understand others’ thoughts and feelings (social sensitivity). Respectfully engages in disagreements. Keeps team members informed/updated. Is a good active listener who understands what’s being asked of them and the priorities of various tasks.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Activities that occur constantly are communicating effectively with others to exchange information; assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work; repeating motions efficiently that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers; prolonged periods

of working at a computer; remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Activities that occur occasionally are moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another; adjusting or moving objects less than 50 pounds in all directions.

Work Environment (Remote)

The work environment described here is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Duties are performed in a home workspace. Employees are expected to maintain their home workspace in a safe manner, free from safety hazards.
• May require up to 10% travel.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. The Biomimicry Institute may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems advisable.