Upward Scholars: Operations Associate

Upward Scholars is seeking an Operations Associate to support the team, students, volunteers, and donors in fulfilling the organization's mission. This role is essential for ensuring the efficiency and productivity of daily operations by handling various administrative tasks, monitoring processes, managing vendor relationships, and implementing effective procedures. The ideal candidate for this position will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to be responsive, all of which are vital for providing operational assistance and collaborating effectively with community partners.

Education and community belonging are the shortest paths to integration for immigrants coming to the U.S. as adults, and they are crucial to their economic advancement. Upward Scholars supports students' access to higher education and full integration into U.S. society by helping them overcome financial, academic, career development, and holistic barriers to achieving their educational, professional, and leadership development goals and increasing their economic mobility and opportunities for civic engagement.

• Administrative Support
  • Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Executive Director, Director, and Sr. Managers.
  • Process incoming mail, including check handling, bank deposits, and completion of donor acknowledgment workflows in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Maintain and organize digital and physical receipts, deposit slips, and grant award letters.
  • Support internal teams with basic project coordination, tracking tasks, timelines, and supply needs.
  • Additional operations and administrative needs as required.
• Office & Facilities Management
  • Welcome visitors upon arrival at the office and at events, serving as a professional and friendly first point of contact.
  • Maintain an organized, welcoming, and efficient office environment that supports staff, students, and visitors.
  • Act as the primary on-site liaison for office facilities, including repairs, maintenance needs, and communication with the facility manager.
  • Oversee office operations, including printing, preparation of materials, mailings, purchasing, inventory management, and replenishment of office and program supplies.
  • Troubleshoot basic IT issues related to laptops, printers, copiers, and other office equipment to support daily operations; secure volunteer or contractor support for needs beyond internal capacity.
  • Provide technical support for setting up, refreshing, and preparing laptops for student use, ensuring devices are fully operational.
  • Collect, track, and responsibly recycle laptops and other technology equipment in alignment with environmentally sustainable practices.
• Events & Community Engagement Support
  • Coordinate with staff and provide on-site operational support for events involving students, donors, and community members, including Conversation Club and fundraising events.
  • Order, coordinate, and secure food delivery or pickup for meetings and events as needed.

• Strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships.
• Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe, Salesforce, or similar software platforms.
• Comfort and experience in finding solutions to colleagues’ technology needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for education and a strong alignment with Upward Scholars’ mission.
• Sensitivity to the challenges faced by underserved populations and immigrant adults.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and organizations from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, ideological, and religious backgrounds.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience; experience or interest in IT support is preferred.

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexibility to adjust…