Environmental Program Assistant

The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as an Environmental Programs Assistant. This position is an integral part of the Transportation and Environment Department and provides direct support to several environmental programs: Air Quality, Climate Resilience, WAY TO GO and Water Quality. The position reports to the Air Quality and Mobility Programs Manager and coordinates with the Water Quality program staff.

ABOUT US
MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, respect, belonging, impact and leadership.

ABOUT THIS POSITION
This position performs responsible and complex administrative and technical duties requiring a significant amount of independence and judgment; is required to multi-task and set priorities for projects assigned by numerous staff; provides administrative support to a number of committees; composes documents, performs accounting and financial duties associated with purchases and department budget monitoring; maintains mailing and email distribution lists; maintains files and records; and handles arrangements for meetings and events, including facility, food, handouts, speaker, technology and other requirements with support from MARC staff for special events. This position is responsible for communication and coordination with internal MARC staff members and the public.
 
What you’ll do
Accounting and Finance

• Prepares/ processes voucher requests, purchase orders, expense reports, credit card statements and other internal agency accounting forms for review and approval by program and financial affairs staff.

Project Management

• Plans and provides support for regional programs and events.

Public Outreach & Communications

• Assist in planning and producing community engagement opportunities and supports outreach tabling at community events.
• Support ideation and production of social media and blog content.
• Support customer service (email and phone line) for the WAY TO GO Program.

Grant Assistance

• Assists with submitting grant applications.
• Provide data for grant reports.
• Assists with program communications.
• Provides administrative support to program coordinators and planning staff.
• Provides administrative support to committees by maintaining committee rosters and other records, scheduling meetings, coordination with stakeholders, preparing meeting packets and meeting summaries, and handling arrangements for meetings and events.
• Maintains committee and special lists and databases to allow for effective and timely communication to various groups and constituencies. 
• Prepares emails, letters, memos, reports, and other documents and correspondence. 
• Manages and maintains the department central files. 
• Conducts mass email distributions, mail merge projects and bulk brochure mailings.
• Provides relief at the MARC reception desk, as needed.

Other duties as assigned. 

ABOUT YOU
Skills you’ll need

• Provide excellent service to internal and external customers, demonstrating a positive approach and providing timely and thorough responses.
• Ability to work professionally with and assist people from a wide variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to receive feedback to improve performance.
• Knowledge of records administration and maintenance techniques and procedures. 
• Ability to take initiative to plan and complete assigned work with a high level of accuracy.
• Willingness to assist co-workers with projects and work outside normal responsibilities for the good of the organization.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain documents, correspondence, files, and reports.
• Ability to identify issues and escalate appropriately.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Teams, Office 365, and ability to learn and use various software platforms.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams Planner for managing project management tasks and assignments.
• Understand the mission of MARC to exemplify MARC’s core values.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures.

Basic requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience with general administrative office procedures, personal computers and other office equipment in a service-oriented organization.
• Some college course work or a college degree is preferred.
• Environmental and/or transportation experience or knowledge is preferred.
• Certifications: None.
• Licenses: None.
• Any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience may be considered to meet minimum qualifications.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:*
Level I
Work involves exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.  This position involves sitting most of the time but may involve standing or walking for brief periods of time.  This position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computer, keyboard, and other office equipment.  This position requires the ability to bend and reach at both ground level and overhead.  Other physical requirements include: Holding and gripping objects, ability to communicate clearly to accurately convey information, visual ability to distinguish color, acuity, and depth perception.
 
Work performed is in an office environment with good working conditions and an almost complete absence of extreme noises and unpleasant or hazardous elements.  

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Starting salary for this position is from $44,600 to $56,850 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees the flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply, complete our online application form and attach your cover letter and resume. For more information, visit marc.org/jobs. 
MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.