Labor and Community Job Opportunities, Opportunities

Columbus Amsterdam Business Improvement District Seeks Part-Time Office Manager and Program Assistant (NYC)

The Columbus Amsterdam Business Improvement District (BID) is a non-profit that was founded in 1987. We currently employ one full-time employee (district manager), six part-time street cleaners, and a small team of part- time interns. The BID’s goal is to increase commercial activity and create a more vital and active business center along Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues from W 96th Street to W 110th Street by providing services and initiating capital improvements to make the neighborhood cleaner, safer, and more prosperous. Programs include sidewalk cleaning, care of street trees and flower plantings, promotion of the area and local businesses, events, art installations, walks and talks with the Bloomingdale Neighborhood History Group, collaboration with city agencies and electeds for service provision. BIDs exist throughout NYC and are funded through assessments on properties and businesses.

Job Description: We are looking to hire a part-time office manager and program assistant who will be able to assist in the day-to-day activities of the BID office. The ideal candidate is organized, efficient, reliable, and able to ask questions, take initiative, and learn quickly. The office manager will ensure that project deadlines are met, organize a team of interns, manage communications, and assist the district manager with any unexpected issues that may arise around the neighborhood. Working at a BID is a good entry into local government and the workings of a non-profit.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Pay bills and prepare payroll on a bi-weekly basis
  • Keep paper files and the office organized; maintain an email organization system
  • Maintain clear communications both within and outside the office
  • Generate monthly events calendars, which includes reaching out to organizations in the BID area
  • Maintain the BID website and Bloomingdale Restaurant Association website
  • Other general office tasks: answering/sending emails, answering/making phone calls, faxing/copying/scanning, filing, ordering supplies, and keeping software and programs up-to-date (as needed)
  • Work closely with the district manager in carrying out and completing various programs and projects for the BID; work may be done collaboratively or independently, depending on the project
  • Research, collect and analyze data as needed—this may require spending time outdoors and going on site visits
  • Meet new people and businesses in the BID and/or relevant to the project
  • Oversee interns and projects
  • Produce documentation for completed projects, such as reports and presentations

Qualifications:

  • Interest in neighborhood revitalization, small businesses, and community development
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Publisher) and Google Suite
  • Ability to learn and adapt to new software and programs; knowledgeable with computers
  • Organized and efficient, reliable, and a quick learner—will not need to be constantly reminded of tasks to be completed
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Comfortable with working in the office alone at times, and providing answers to questions about the neighborhood to visitors
  • Excellent research, analytical, and critical thinking skills; familiarity with both quantitative and qualitative analyses is crucial
  • Ability to produce clear and professional reports and presentations
  • Ability to take initiative on projects and think creatively, but also able to follow instructions
  • Ability to work well independently or collaboratively, and be comfortable making new contacts

Additional Skills: (not required, but a plus)

  • Knowledge of HTML, CSS, WordPress
  • Experience working with volunteers
  • Experience with Adobe Creative Suite, QuickBooks, Publisher, and social media (Twitter, Facebook, Mailchimp, Instagram)
  • Multilingual (especially Spanish)

This is a short-term position (6-12 months) with longer-term employment possible, requiring 10-20 hours per week. Hours are flexible, depending on projects. Compensation starts at $20/hour, with opportunities for higher wages over time.

*If interested, send cover letter and résumé to info@columbusamsterdambid.org with “Part-Time Office Manager” in the subject line.