Program Assistant

Reports to: Programs Manager

Status: Part Time, Exempt

Mission Statement

The Montgomery Coalition for Adult English Literacy supports and connects adult English language learners, instructors, and programs to advance individual and community success.

About MCAEL

MCAEL is a leading nonprofit in Montgomery County, which traces its beginnings to 2002 when the Montgomery County Council, adult English literacy service providers and community stakeholders worked together to address the growing demand for programs and services. MCAEL incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization in 2006 and received its 501(c)(3) tax status in 2008. The organization continues to grow and enjoys an excellent reputation in the county and with its partners.

MCAEL strengthens the community by advancing a coalition of organizations dedicated to enabling all Montgomery County residents to achieve their full potential by improving their English language skills. MCAEL is the hub of the coalition, bringing English language service providers together to learn and share, driving a system of continuous improvement for the coalition – approximately 60 programs, serving about 11,000adult learners each year. MCAEL’s main programs and activities:

• Training and professional development (at no cost) to any instructors and program administrators in Montgomery County
• Centralized data collection and analysis
• Advocacy on behalf of the coalition
• Directory of all adult English classes in the county
• Public engagement around the issue of adult English language learning

Position Overview

The Program Assistant is a part-time, entry level position that will contribute to MCAEL’s program activities by supporting the Director of Programs and Programs Manager.

This is a half-time position (20 hours/week), with a salary range of $28,000 - $32,000. This is a hybrid position with two in-office days a week on average. Additional on-site days may be required for MCAEL events.

Given the confidential nature of the work with MCAEL’s Grants Program and the need to avoid conflicts of interest, candidates may not be employed concurrently by an organization receiving or applying for MCAEL funding.

Responsibilities

The Program Assistant will provide administrative support for MCAEL programs, including but not limited to the following:

Learner Leadership Group (LLG) Schedule LLG meetings and training sessions, and support LLG members*Provide day-of meeting support, including setting up space, taking notes, and helping with translation as needed (if bilingual)

• Provide day-of meeting support, including setting up space, taking notes, and helping with translation as needed (if bilingual)

• meetings and trainings typically take place on weekday evenings, twice a quarter

Building Conversation Skills Training Course (8.5-hour course offered twice yearly over two Saturdays – first day in person, second day online)

• Help with outreach and registration for the course
• Communications with participants
• Assist with pre- and post-course surveys
• Provide day-of support

Community Learning Groups Program

• Research and outreach to potential CLG partner organizations
• Conduct learner assessments

Grants Program

• Support annual application process
• Assist with events, including Grant Panel meeting, Grants Kick-off event
• Help with grants administration, including review of grant reports

Qualifications

• Experience providing administrative, program, or office support in a professional, nonprofit, educational, community-based, or similar setting.
• Experience using Microsoft Office 365, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and/or Teams, and the ability to learn and use new software and technology.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, keep track of deadlines, and follow established procedures.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate professionally, respectfully, and responsively with people from diverse backgrounds, including learners, community members, volunteers, instructors, organizational partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with databases, online registration systems, spreadsheets, or other systems for maintaining and organizing information, or demonstrated ability to learn these systems quickly.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle information with care and professionalism.
• Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours occasionally, including weekday evenings and Saturdays, to support MCAEL meetings, trainings, and events.
• Commitment to MCAEL’s mission of supporting adult English language learners, instructors, and programs.

Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, with Spanish-English proficiency preferred but not required.

MCAEL offers two health insurance plans to which it contributes 65% of premium costs. Vision and dental coverage are also available, although MCAEL does not contribute to these costs. Eligible employees join our retirement plan, to which MCAEL contributes 3% of salary. Paid time off is accrued at the rate of 27 days per year for full-time employees, so this position will accrue 13.5 days PTO based on its 20 hours per week schedule. We also mark eleven federal holidays.

Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus, with Spanish-English proficiency preferred but not required.