Research Assistant, Center for Social Innovation, Needham Heights, MA

Research Assistant (part-time)

Posted on: May 15, 2013
Posted by: Center for Social Innovation

DESCRIPTION

The Center for Social Innovation (C4) is a woman-owned, mission-driven small business. C4 is a
community of clinicians, social scientists, policy analysts, consumers and educators dedicated to
using knowledge creatively to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. Through training and
technical assistance, research and evaluation, and web-based communications, C4 applies
knowledge of best practices in human service delivery to real world settings in the areas of
homelessness, mental health, addictions, at-risk youth, and other issues our staff cares about deeply.
C4 is seeking a part-time Research Assistant (RA) to support Senior Researcher and Harvard Faculty member (Dr. Ellen Bassuk) and Chief Executive Officer (Jeff Olivet). The RA will participate in activities as determined by Dr. Bassuk and Mr. Olivet.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Work with Senior Researcher and CEO on research, evaluation, technical assistance, and
scientific projects.
2. Support Senior Researcher and company CEO in scientific activities including: literature
reviews, meta-analyses, preparation of manuscripts for publication, preparing and checking
references, copy editing, etc.
3. Participate in technical writing by providing support, obtaining library articles, formatting
documents, tracking deadlines and delivery schedules, and assembling materials.
4. Assist in the preparation and construction of presentations and academic/research briefs.
5. Attend meetings with senior staff as necessary.

EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's or Master's degree in social sciences, human services, research/evaluation, or related fields. Master's degree preferred.

• Familiarity with homelessness, poverty, mental health, human services, and related issues.
• Experience with conducting comprehensive and systematic literature review.
• Familiarity with research methodology and research design.
• Basic knowledge in biostatistics and epidemiology.
• Excellent expository writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Enjoys reading, writing and library work.
• Able to organize work.
• Able to work independently.
• Able to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Demonstrates excellent time management skills.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This is a part-time position and is C4 benefits ineligible. The salary is based upon 20-hours per week and is commensurate with education and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume (email preferred) to: Jayne Samuda, Center for
Social Innovation, 200 Reservoir Street, Suite 202, Needham Heights, MA 02494. Contact via email:jcsamuda@center4si.com or fax (617) 467-6015.

Office Administrator, Habitat for Humanity, Worcester, MA

Office Administrator

Posted on: April 29, 2013
Posted by: Habitat for Humanity

OVERVIEW

Habitat for Humanity - Metro West/Greater Worcester (HFH-MWGW) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We are a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. HFH-MWGW serves 42 towns and cities in the Greater Worcester and MetroWest Communities. Headquartered in Worcester Massachusetts, HFH-MWGW is an independent 501(c)3 organization affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This part-time position (28 hours per week) is responsible for assisting the affiliate in maintaining efficient and effective office operations.

• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director, staff and volunteer committees
• Host Site Manager in charge of overseeing 2-3 AmeriCorps positions
• Assist with weekly data entry into GiftWorks (donor software) & resulting thank you letters
• Maintain updates on affiliate's web site through the use of Wordpress
• Answer office phone inquiries, general correspondence and telephone requests
• Maintain office machines, supplies, key databases and filing systems
• Coordinate printing and mailing of semi-annual appeal letters
• Other duties as requested

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent computer skills, specific knowledge of MS Office applications; familiarity with database programs a plus
• Well organized, good team leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An ability to work occasional flexible hours
• An understanding of and a belief in, the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send resume and cover letter ASAP to: office@habitatmwgw.org, listing "Office Administrator" in the subject line.

Development Assistant, Habitat for Humanity, Worcester, MA

Development Assistant

Posted on: April 30, 2013
Posted by: Habitat for Humanity

OVERVIEW

Habitat for Humanity-Metro West/Greater Worcester is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. We are a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety. Habitat for Humanity-Metro West/Greater Worcester (HFH-MWGW) serves 42 towns and cities in the Greater Worcester and MetroWest Communities. Headquartered in Worcester Massachusetts, HFH-MWGW is an independent 501(c)3 organization affiliated with Habitat for Humanity International.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This part-time position (28 hours per week) is responsible for assisting the affiliate in maintaining efficient and effective development office operations.

• Provide administrative support to the Development Director, and development committee
• Assist with annual appeals, major donor solicitation, corporate and individual appeals.
• Organize special events: Gala, Women Build, Groundbreaking, Dedication, and smaller donor fundraising events.
• E-communications: Work with Development Director to set schedule and disseminate.
• Send press releases in timely manner
• Other duties upon request

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent computer skills, specific knowledge of MS Office applications; familiarity with database, wordpress, constant contact and graphic design programs a plus
• Well organized, good team leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An ability to work occasional flexible hours
• An understanding of and a belief in, the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

HOW TO APPLY

Send resume and cover letter ASAP to: office@habitatmwgw.org with "Development Assistant" in the subject line.

Community Mobilization Manager, National Network of Abortion Funds, Boston, MA

Community Mobilization Manager

Posted on: April 29, 2013
Posted by: National Network of Abortion Funds

DESCRIPTION

The National Network of Abortion Funds (the Network) is a national organization dedicated to increasing access to abortion for low-income women and girls. Founded in 1993 by 22 pioneering abortion Funds, the Network now includes nearly 100 Funds in 40 states, the District of Columbia, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, as well as one international web-based Fund. The Network supports its members to provide direct financial support for abortions to low-income women and girls, and conducts grassroots, state, and national organizing, advocacy, public education and policy work to ensure that women most in need have access to abortion and full reproductive health care.

The Community Mobilization Manager is a key member of the Network's advocacy and member support teams. This position coordinates Network-priority advocacy and movement-building efforts with member Funds and other partners, and ensures engagement of member Funds in these efforts. The Community Mobilization Manager also works to build a strong network of advocates and leaders within abortion Funds that reflects those who face the greatest barriers to abortion – low-income women, women of color, and young women.

The Network is a social justice organization and is committed to diversity in both its programmatic work and staffing with regard to race, culture, ethnicity, class, religion, physical ability, age, gender, and sexual orientation.

This is a new, full-time position based in the Boston office (preferred). This position reports to the Deputy Director and will work closely with abortion Fund activists, staff, and volunteers. Frequent travel within the U.S. is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Advocacy: Identify advocacy strategies that build on strengths of abortion Funds. Ensure engagement of Funds in advocacy efforts to increase access to abortion for women most in need. Develop skilled and engaged advocates within abortion Funds, help Funds educate, engage, and activate their supporters for advocacy purposes. Serve as the staff point person for Fund members on any advocacy questions, interests, or opportunities.

• Work in close partnership with member support staff to identify Funds who need support and develop and implement recommendations to increase capacity of member Funds to undertake advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Provide training and support of abortion Fund activists in key organizing, advocacy, and communications skills.
• Conduct on-going technical assistance, providing Fund activists with strategic assistance, resources, and materials to conduct advocacy activities in their communities.
• Responsible for communications to member Funds regarding advocacy activities and opportunities.

Storytelling: Develop programming to support ethical collection and sharing of stories of women helped by abortion Funds. Develop materials outlining best practices and systems for storytelling for advocacy purposes. Provide support to Fund members and women who want to share their stories.

Building the Movement Leadership Program: Manage and further develop program to promote Fund leadership among women of color, low-income women, and young women. Work with staff/board task force to provide training, networking, and support to increase leadership skills for participants. Manage application process. In addition, support Fund efforts to engage women served by their Fund as leaders, spokeswomen, and advocates.

Coalition Leadership: Represent the Network on the movement-building and federal strategies teams of a national coalition to restore Medicaid coverage of abortion, co-led by the Network. Contribute to the development of strategies and activities informed by the experiences of Funds on the ground. Identify opportunities for Fund involvement in coalition strategies.

Program Planning, Communications, and Fundraising: Participate with other staff and board in collaborative planning of Network programs. Support fundraising efforts including calling and meeting with donors and drafting reports on activities for funders, as requested by fundraising staff. Responsible for communicating progress and success of advocacy efforts and programs to Funds, allies, funders, and staff/board, as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to abortion access and full reproductive health care for all women; commitment to women's rights, social, economic, and racial justice.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in community organizing, and/or grassroots issue or policy advocacy campaigns, or political campaigns.
• Knowledge of and experience with the legislative process.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in leadership development, volunteer development and building active participation of leaders in advocacy efforts, strongly preferred.
• A creative, resourceful approach to problem-solving, including strong analytic, strategic and planning skills along with demonstrated aptitude for taking initiative on projects.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
• Good judgment, political sensitivity and savvy.
• Experience working with small, low-infrastructure organizations and volunteers. Affinity and appreciation for grassroots organizations.
• Ability to work with diverse staff, board, and Fund activists with sense of humor and flexibility.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested applicants should email their resume, cover letter, and a brief writing sample (no more than 3 pages) to National Network of Abortion Funds at: jobs@fundabortionnow.org.

Please use this subject line: Community Mobilization Manager Search

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Women of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Competitive salary, dependent on experience. Excellent benefits and vacation package.

Project Assistant, Center for Social Innovation, Needham Heights, MA

Project Assistant

Posted on: March 25, 2013
Application deadline: April 29, 2013
Posted by: Center for Social Innovation

DESCRIPTION

The Center for Social Innovation is a woman-owned small business that develops, tests, and disseminates creative solutions to complex social problems. Through research and evaluation, training, technical assistance, and web-based communications, the Center for Social Innovation (C4) brings theory to the streets, applying the knowledge of best practices to real world settings. With this support, service providers are better able to address the challenges they face every day.

C4 is seeking a full-time Project Assistant (40 hours per week). The Project Assistant provides general administrative and research support to several projects within C4.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide administrative support to project staff, including scheduling conference calls, meetings, and travel; coordinating communication among project teams; and supporting a range of project management functions.
• Manage logistics for training events, online training activities (e.g., webcasts, online courses) conferences, and other meetings. This includes collaborating with local partners, identifying venues, negotiating venue and hotel contracts, coordinating presenter/meeting materials, coordinating internal and external meetings and communication, applying for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits, booking travel, and other duties.
• Provide research, writing, and editorial support to create reports, products, and curricula.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least two years administrative experience.
• Extremely accurate attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Basic knowledge of homelessness, poverty, and other related issues.

People from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and lived experiences of homelessness and recovery are encouraged to apply. Salary range is $34,000-$38,000 annually for 40 hours per week. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume to Jayne Samuda at jcsamuda@center4si.com.

Safe Haven Intern, On The Rise, Inc., Cambridge, MA

Safe Haven Intern

Posted on: March 20, 2013
Posted by: On The Rise, Inc.

DESCRIPTION
On The Rise, Inc. (OTR) is a dynamic, Cambridge, MA-based non-profit founded in 1995 that serves women in crisis and homelessness throughout the region.
OTR's Safe Haven is a low-threshold day program in which women may participate – usually without changing their behavior, without disclosing private information, and without committing to a schedule of future achievements or benchmarks. The program is intended for women whose histories of trauma and chronic difficulty engaging with the social service system indicate the need for a longer period of engagement with low barriers to entry.
The Safe Haven provides a dignified and respectful community in which women can receive tangible goods and services – meals, clothing, toiletries, laundry, bathing, housewares, telephone and voice mail, access to health and legal services, strengths-based opportunities for artistic expression like painting, writing and theater groups, and more. These activities provide the framework in which program participants may, over time, establish relationships with OTR's staff of Community Advocates. When these relationships reach a level of trust and confidence that meets a woman's needs, she may (and often does!) choose to use the support and skills of the Advocates to take on more complex challenges, like physical and mental health concerns, addiction, criminal histories, domestic violence, etc.
For more information, please visit our website: www.ontherise.org

POSITION
OTR's Safe Haven Interns provide direct service in OTR's flagship program, helping to deliver the goods and services available through the Safe Haven and fostering a supportive community in which program participants can progress beyond their immediate tangible needs and begin to gain access to the broader social service network through OTR's team of Advocates. In the Safe Haven, interns begin to develop hands-on experience with the population OTR serves, learning about the variety and complexity of the women's challenges, and the cumulative impact of trauma in their lives. Working with OTR's Community Advocates, interns learn effective techniques and practices of providing holistic services, using a relational model informed by the philosophy of harm reduction.
OTR's internships are unpaid.

QUALIFICATIONS
The Safe Haven Internship requires a minimum commitment of 16 hours per week for the academic year. College juniors, seniors or graduates are preferred. Interns are supervised by OTR's Safe Haven Advocates.
Interns will have interest in the mission of On The Rise and a desire to further this mission through direct service to women. Coursework in trauma, substance abuse, mental health, homelessness and other relevant topics are a plus. Excellent active listening skills are needed as well as an empathetic non-judgmental perspective, ability to work well with a wide range of populations, good problem-solving skills, and a sense of humor!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct service to women:
  • Provide general support for program participants through nonjudgmental, empathic active listening.
  • Provide referrals and advocacy to help program participant gain access to resources offered by other providers
  • Be a liaison between women in the Safe Haven and the goods and services available through the program. Answer questions, give access to secured goods as directed by Advocates, maintain generally available supplies.
  • Facilitate the daily offering of breakfast and lunch in the Safe Haven, helping with set-up, breakdown, and other logistics of meals.
  • Assist with Safe Haven communications – create and post informational signs and sign-up sheets,
  • Work with staff to plan and execute occasional special activities and trips

• Other programmatic services
  • Participate in organization's data collection and performance measurement and evaluation activities.
  • Attend semi-weekly Advocates Team meetings and weekly staff meetings to develop responses to individual cases, and develop understanding of program participants' challenges.
  • Attend occasional trainings on specific topics, as recommended by staff.
  • Accompany staff on visits and appointments with program participants.
  • As appropriate accompany women on outside appointments.

• Fundraising, Administrative and Other:
  • Support staff in supplying, organizing and maintaining program needs, offices and facility: food and supplies, files, tools, donations, etc.
  • Assist with occasional Development projects – publications, mailings, volunteer events, fundraisers, etc.
  • Like all OTR employees, Interns will be flexible and open to "pitching in" as needed with other duties that arise in the course of a small organization's day-to-day operations

On The Rise is partially supported by MOVA through the 1984 VOCA grant from the Office of Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
On The Rise recognizes the importance and benefits of diversity in the workplace and the community. We are an AA/EOE, and we strongly encourage people of color to apply. Individuals who have experienced homelessness or overcome other significant life challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume and a cover letter addressing the questions below:
1. What excites you about On The Rise's mission?
2. What are your strongest skills and qualifications that will help you in this internship?
3. What do you hope to learn?

Please submit your materials to:
Academic Year Safe Haven Internship
Attn: Becky McDowell Operations Coordinator
On The Rise, Inc.
341 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139

You may also apply on-line by submitting your résumé and cover letter as attachments to: becky.mcdowell@ontherise.org with "Academic Year Internship " in the subject line.

Executive Director, Women's Lunch Place, Boston, MA

Executive Director

Posted on: March 14, 2013
Posted by: Women's Lunch Place

DESCRIPTION
The Women's Lunch Place Board of Directors is seeking a passionate, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as Executive Director. The mission of Women's Lunch Place (WLP) is to provide a safe, comfortable daytime shelter, nutritious food, and services for women who are homeless or poor. The Executive Director will lead the organization in providing these services while treating women with dignity and fostering a community committed to meeting each woman's needs. Please see www.womenslunchplace.org. 

The new Executive Director (ED) will articulate a compelling vision and establish the corresponding goals and strategies to support its achievement. S/he will align and oversee the planning, implementation, administration, and management of all the programs and services and will raise the profile of the WLP in the local community as the face of the WLP. Working collaboratively with and reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will be expected to meet annual development goals and will manage a professional, high-performing, and collaborative staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Vision, Leadership, and Management:

• Work in partnership with the Board to set the strategic direction and oversee implementation of organizational goals
• Develop and oversee the annual budget
• Manage, coach, and develop staff
• Strengthen a network of mission-similar partners and collaborators to maximize alignment of vision and services.

Fundraising:

• Develop an annual fundraising plan and achieve specific ambitious goals
• Identify new donors and cultivate strong relationships with foundations, individuals, and corporate sponsors and actively solicit support
• Manage stewardship of donors
• Lead and support special WLP events
• Develop a long-term funding strategy which may include planned giving and building an endowment fund

Community and Public Relations:

• Develop/continue strong working relationships with stakeholders, funders, community leaders, and collaborators
• Serve as an articulate spokesperson for the WLP
• Increase public awareness of the organization and its mission

Programs and Direct Service:

• Regularly spend time with the guests in a spirit of friendship
• Be responsible for overall operations and delivery of high quality services
• Evaluate existing programs and services for outcomes, making adjustments as needed; develop and implement new offerings based on current and anticipated needs and eliminate services as appropriate
• Align agency programs with the mission
• Develop annual and incremental program goals in accordance with the mission

Board of Directors and Advisory Committee:

• Serve as Ex-Officio non-voting member of the Board and participate actively in its Committees
• Work with the President and Executive Committee to support effective Board functioning
• Work with the Governance Committee and President to ensure ongoing Board development
• Engage members of the Advisory Committee as appropriate in the WLP operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to and passion for working with poor and homeless women
• Understanding of the issues facing poor and homeless women and ability to articulate this understanding to diverse audiences
• Minimum of ten years of significant senior management and leadership experience including planning, staff development, fundraising, board relations, and financial management
• Demonstrated ability to establish diverse and stable funding from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Ability to drive continuous improvement and to build a high performance culture while balancing the needs of diverse constituencies
• Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain collaborative relationships with external organizations and stakeholders
• Ability to organize and speak at large events and to serve as the face of the WLP
• Advanced degree preferred.

THE ORGANIZATION
Founded in 1982 and open six days a week, the WLP is committed to meeting each woman where she is, providing her with the opportunity to fulfill her basic needs and allowing her to be heard. This trauma-informed service model is essential for individuals who have been misunderstood, abused, or abandoned. Those who are homeless or poor find few people to hear or validate their experiences. From this foundation of respect and trust, women begin to recover their self-worth and find the courage to look ahead. The WLP provides:

• Food and Basic Needs: With a focus on high-quality, nutritious foods, the WLP serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday to an average of 200 women each day (about 62,000 meals per year). WLP also provides showers, laundry facilities, and a quiet space for napping, personal care items, and emergency clothing.
• Individual Advocacy: Our Advocacy staff assists women in accessing shelters and emergency medical and mental health care, offers support to women who have experienced violence or sexual abuse, and facilitates detoxification and longer-term substance abuse treatment. 
• The Resource Center focuses on employment and searches for housing, medical care, and other forms of assistance. It also provides training and e-mail access. 
• Wellness Program: Doctors and nurses from Women of Means and Boston Health Care for the Homeless are on-site five days a week for urgent care. Medical case managers assist guests in accessing Mass. Health and other benefits and make appointments with specialists. 
• The Creative Expressions Program provides opportunities for expression through art, music, drama, and dance. Volunteers lead weekly art, writing, and reading groups as well as sewing and knitting classes. These activities provide vital connections and improve self-image and self-esteem.
• Outings and Special Events: At least twice a month, small group activities give women a chance to escape, if only briefly, loneliness and poverty and to participate in the social and cultural environment of Boston. 

The annual budget of approximately $2 million comes entirely from individual donors, foundations, and corporations. There is a dynamic staff of 18 and a large corps of volunteers. A capital campaign of $3.1 million was successfully completed in 2011. The 20-member Board of Directors offers strong leadership toward realizing the full potential of WLP. The Strategic Plan has recently been updated for the next three years to include a focus on good governance and staff development

HOW TO APPLYSend cover letter, resume, and salary history to Susan Egmont, Egmont Associates, segmont@egmontassociates.com

Medical Assistant, Concord Feminist Health Center, Concord, NH

Medical Assistant

Posted on: March 11, 2013
Posted by: Concord Feminist Health Center

DESCRIPTION
The Concord Feminist Health Center is seeking a Part-Time Medical Assistant for two days per week. 
CFHC is a progressive nonprofit clinic providing a wide range of reproductive health services, including abortions. Applicants should have experience in phlebotomy, excellent documentation skills, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a medical team. All candidates must be solidly pro-choice and be comfortable working with LGBTQ identities. Experience in gestational dating ultrasounds is a plus. We are willing to train the right candidate. Compensation commensurate with experience. 

CFHC is an EEOC employer.

For more information about CFHC, visit our website at www.feministhealth.org

HOW TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume.

Email: info@feministhealth.org

Fax: 603.228.6255

Snail mail: 
Concord Feminist Health Center
Attn: Medical Services Team
38 South Main Street
Concord, NH 03301