Administrative Assistant - Start Early

Educare Chicago provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old on Chicago’s South Side. As a program that serves low-income families, Educare’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do!

Reporting to the Program Operations Manager, you will:

Provide administrative support and customer service to Educare leadership, staff, families, partners, and other external clientele. Prepares and maintains administrative records, documents, and correspondence.

Responsibilities:

• Expertly coordinates all incoming calls, taking messages as needed, greets guests in a professional manner, friendly, and directs individuals to the proper person(s) or area.
• Maintains an organized, comprehensive filing system for center documents, supply orders (including PPE), and other required materials.
• Places supply and food orders, using the NAV Purchasing system, managing the tracking, follow-up, and communication of order statuses.
• Assists with administrative-related duties for the division such as photocopying, laminating, crafting flyers, faxing, filing, collating, and data entry.
• Ensures computers, copiers, fax machines, and additional office equipment are in good working condition.
• Collaborates with other staff to identify and support event logistics including space, food, AV set-up, and materials.
• Set up and host virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams and Zoom platforms.
• Develops and maintains an effective inventory system for classroom and office supplies.
• Able to process, protect, and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
• Performs other job-related duties as requested.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Associate's Degree or equivalent in Business or related field.
• Experience in Social Services/Education/Head Start may be substituted for educational requirements.
• Minimum of one to three years experience in a clerical position, including experience providing reception/phone support, working with computers in a Microsoft Office environment, and using basic office equipment.
• Ability to be creative and proactive in assessing and managing multiple tasks and addressing shifting priorities and exercise independent judgment in repeated and routine responsibilities and prioritize and accomplish assignments promptly with outstanding attention to details.
• Proficient with computer applications - detailed understanding of Microsoft: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Miword processing; along with having the ability to learn and work proficiently with other computer technology /software programs as needed.
• Good command of Internet usage and experience using general business office equipment.
• Well-organized and diligent.
• Ability to type a minimum of 60 words per minute.
• Assist staff and parents with the use of and troubleshoot problems with computers, AV, and other office equipment.
• Ability to work in a team environment, with diverse staff and families, as well as external clientele and community partners.
• Required to use close vision and have an ability to focus.
• Regularly required to talk and hear; frequently required to sit, stand, and bend at the knee and waist, and walk.
• Must have finger dexterity and hand-eye coordination to work on computer, telephone, and related office equipment.
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Regular attendance is an essential function.
• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.
• Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.
• Comfort and experiences in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Base Annual Salary: $40,125.00 - $45,000.00

We believe that all employees should be paid fairly and equitably. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.

Our generous benefit plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6-months of paid parental leave, and much more.

Start Early is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by crafting an inclusive environment for all staff.