Office Professional

Job Description

Northwestern Illinois Association (NIA) is a regional governmental agency that provides special education support to 68 school districts across Northwestern Illinois. Our mission is to partner with schools to meet the unique needs of students, and we empower our team with professional growth opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and a values-driven culture.

The Office Professional works 250 days per year for 7.5 hours daily and earns $17.95 - $32.47 per hour, depending on experience.

An Office Professional is a full-time position created and governed by the NIA Policies and Rules and Regulations and under the direct supervision of the Regional Director and the Department Operations Executive. The Bilingual Office Professional performs task-oriented clerical work in an NIA office, providing assistance to administrators, staff, students, and parents. Bilingual Office Professionals must be fluent in Spanish. Office Professionals contribute to the effective operation of NIA offices and business interests, exercising initiative, confidentiality and discretion.

Office Professional Job Duties

Ensure compliance with board policies and NIA Standards.

Interact professionally with stakeholders and provide accurate policy information.

Prepare reports, maintain records, and coordinate schedules.

Support administrators with office operations and clerical tasks.

Manage records and handle confidential information with discretion.

Ensure smooth department operations.

Demonstrate strong:

• Communication and interpersonal skills

• Organization and multitasking abilities

• Customer service skills

Proficiency in:

• Office software (Excel, Word, Google Suite, Outlook)

• Adapting to new technologies

Ability to:

• Work independently and refine processes

• Multitask efficiently

• Travel and work flexible hours as needed

Office Professional Benefits:

• Group Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance: Available for employees working 0.75 FTE or more, with PPO and HSA options.

• Defined-Benefit Pension Plans: As a local governmental agency, NIA employees who are eligible participate in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), providing a stable, defined-benefit pension that ensures financial security in retirement.

• Learn more about IMRF at (https://www.imrf.org/

• Additional Retirement Savings Options: NIA also offers access to 403(b) and 457 retirement savings plans. These are optional, employee-funded plans that provide additional opportunities for tax-advantaged savings, helping you build a more robust retirement strategy.

• Paid Personal Leave, Sick Leave, and vacation days: Based on the number of days worked.

• Telemedicine: Access to 1800 MD telemedicine services at no cost.

• Feedback and Evaluation: Receive guidance and evaluation from leaders.

• Regular 1:1 Check-Ins: Stay connected with your leaders through regular check-ins and team meetings

• Mission-Driven: We are deeply committed to partnering with schools to meet the unique needs of students, making a real difference in their lives every day.

• Leadership in Education: Serving 68 school districts across Northern Illinois, NIA is recognized as a leader in providing exceptional special education support.

• Innovation: We continuously improve our services and embrace new technologies to enhance education and meet the evolving needs of our students.

• Employee-Focused: We invest in your growth with professional development opportunities, a supportive work environment, and recognition of your contributions.

• Quality of Life: Live and work in Northern Illinois, known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant communities, and easy access to Chicago.

Job Requirements

1. High School Diploma required

2. Additional relevant education will be considered

3.Bilingual in Spanish is a plus, but not required.

We are unable to sponsor work visas (H-1B, J-1, etc.) or transfer sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S without sponsorship now or in the future.