Program Assistant, Accreditation

Association of Zoos & Aquariums

Program Assistant, Accreditation

Position Summary

The Program Assistant, Accreditation provides ongoing support to assist in the administration of the application process for AZA's accreditation program. The position is responsible for tracking and organizing incoming reports, format editing, maintaining institutional records, data entry, and responding to general inquiries related to the accreditation program. The Program Assistant reports to the Director, Accreditation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Provides customer service, and serves as the initial contact for accreditation applicants and prospective applicants, accredited institutions, and the general public regarding the accreditation process.

• Organizes and reviews incoming accreditation applications and related materials for completeness and accuracy.

• Organizes and prepares packets and reports for the AZA Accreditation Commission and inspection teams.

• Responds to inquiries from applicants and accreditation inspectors on a timely basis.

• Responsible for sending numerous electronic communication reminders and tracking incoming reports and related information.

• Edits incoming reports to correct spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors.

• Edits photographs as needed.

• Tracks and processes accreditation-related payments.

• Makes accreditation-related web updates as needed.

• Prepares letters, documents, and spreadsheets as directed.

• Maintains supplies needed for agendas, shipping, and other related tasks.

• Assists in maintaining accuracy of accreditation records and inspector database.

• Performs data entry in AZA membership database system.

• Responsible for mailing, packing, shipping, filing as needed.

• Assists and supports the Director, Accreditation Programs and Vice President, Accreditation Programs as directed.

• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• 1-3 years' practical experience relevant to the position.

• Administrative experience preferred.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of restricted information.

• Superior organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to track data accurately, and track and manage multiple projects.

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading abilities required.

• Demonstrated ability to set and manage priorities to meet deadlines.

• Ability to work well under pressure with shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members.

• Ability to accept feedback graciously and effectively.

• Experience working with database applications.

• Demonstrated skills in teamwork and collaboration.

• Must be self-directed and able to work independently.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Ability to operate basic office equipment (copier, fax, postage, etc.).

• High school diploma required (Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience preferred).

• Occasional travel required.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, and, reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Starting Salary is $44,600

How to Apply

Applicants can send their resume and cover letter to Jennifer DiNenna - JDiNenna@aza.org

Association of Zoos & Aquariums

8403 Colesville Rd Ste. 710

Silver Spring , MD 20910