Operations and Communications Assistant

General Summary of Position:

The Operations and Communications Assistant plays a key role in supporting the day-to-day operations of the Rist Institute for Sustainability & Energy and Innovation Hub. This position provides administrative support, helps manage building operations and member engagement, coordinates meetings and events, and contributes to communications and outreach efforts. The role also supports strategic initiatives and helps track key metrics to advance the Institute’s mission.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and adaptable, with strong attention to detail and excellent communication skills. This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in operations, events, and communications within a collaborative and mission-driven environment focused on sustainability and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Building Operations & Member Support:
  Provide operational and administrative support to ensure smooth building operations, assist members and tenants, and foster a welcoming environment.
• Events & Activities Management:
  Support events and activities from planning through execution, including event staging and managing logistics, to ensure a smooth experience for participants and advance the Institute’s mission.
• Communications, Marketing & Outreach:
  Contribute to internal and external communications to raise awareness of the Institute’s work, engage partners and stakeholders, and share updates on programs, events, and initiatives through websites, newsletters, reports, social media, and other channels.
• Administrative Support & Strategic Initiatives:
  Track key performance metrics, prepare reports, assist with meeting planning and travel, support stakeholder engagement, and contribute to cross-functional projects and strategic initiatives.

This is a one-year term appointment, contingent upon funding, with the potential for renewal based on performance and organizational need.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelors degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Sustainability or a related field and some experience. Will consider candidates with an Associates Degree in Communications, Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Sustainability, or a related field and 2 years experience, or HS Diploma or GED/equivalent and at least 5 years of related experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) with the ability to learn new software and online tools.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently with attention to detail and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across municipalities, universities, and government agencies.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt in complex operations with minimal oversight.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to address concerns in a professional manner.
• Flexibility to support events and activities that may occasionally occur outside of standard business hours.

Additional Considerations:

• Familiarity with graphic design software(Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Canva) a plus

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

This position is contingent upon funding. This is a full-time, benefited, Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit position, Grade P14. Range minimum of $50,359, 25th quartile of $56,654 and midpoint of $62,949.

This is a one-year term appointment, contingent upon funding, with the potential for renewal based on performance and organizational need.

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required at the time of application.