Field Office Assistant

POSITION TITLE: Field Office Assistant - Apple Valley

JOB POSTING: 2025-04

DEPARTMENT: Field Services

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Manager of Field Services and Organizing

EMPLOYEE GROUP: United Staff of Minnesota (USM)

LOCATION: Apple Valley

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Nine (9) months

FLSA/GRADE LEVEL: Non-exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager of Field Services and Organizing, the Field Office Assistant's primary responsibility is to provide a full range of support services (logistics, administrative office support, event management, member communications, etc.) to the Education Minnesota Field staff and local leaders. This position serves as the initial contact for members of the organization.

Education Minnesota is a member-led labor union that has identified racial equity and social justice as primary organizational goals. All staff are expected to participate, individually and collectively, in ongoing training, discussions, and activities to advance these goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide administrative support for Field staff, work groups and assigned committees.
• Collect and manage information in various recordkeeping systems, including accurate membership and dues assessment data.
• Maintain confidential information related to private member data and grievance, arbitration, and legal matters.
• Communicate regularly with members on a variety of topics.
• Schedule appointments and meetings, maintain calendars, note important dates, route correspondence, and maintain follow-up communications.
• Coordinate and maintain effective office procedures, including office supply inventory.
• Serve as point of first contact for individuals calling or visiting Field offices, initiating appropriate follow-up as necessary.
• Maintain and handle facsimile, scanning and copying needs.
• Schedule workshops, training sessions, member meetings, legislative forums, and regional meetings.
• Collaborate with staff in other departments on events and projects.
• Maintain, operate, and manage electronic and paper documents.
• Prepare correspondence, agendas, flyers, and newsletters.
• Prepare billings for workshops and appropriate expenses; maintain related records.
• Use initiative and judgment to see that matters requiring attention are referred to a delegated authority during a Field Staff's absence.
• Participate in internal and external anti-racist, LGBTQ+ trainings.
• Demonstrate a commitment to creating an inclusive space for members and staff, extending this culture of equity and inclusion into the work.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Accurate typing, transcribing, and computer skills.
• Good public relations, communications, telephone, and personal skills.
• Ability to perform work well under pressure and deadlines.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out complex oral and written directions.
• Recordkeeping and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of good workflow, capable of quick change from project to project.
• Problem solving ability.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently in accomplishing objectives, goals and meeting numerous deadlines.
• Foresight and initiative to manage a cyclical workflow.
• Ability to use or learn online meeting platforms.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) years related work experience.
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• An associate's degree in a related field
• Experience working in public education or unions
• Intermediate level of skill with Excel

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Some travel with overnights stays.
• Possible evening and weekend work may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is in a general office environment. This position will interact with employees, vendors, members, and the public on a somewhat regular basis. These interactions require judgment and discretion that can involve confidential information, private information and some disagreeable human interactions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Employees are required to: talk and hear; frequently stand, walk and repetitively use hands dexterously (use fingers to handle, feel), reach with hands and arms, bend and physically, lift and carry up to 25 pounds; occasionally lift up to 75 pounds and infrequently travel by various conveyances (e.g., air, rail, auto).

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION:

Maintain confidential information related to the organization and all personnel employees and staff.

STARTING SALARY RANGE:

First four steps of the salary schedule, in accordance with the current staff collective bargaining agreement: $24.15 - $27.06 per hour; placement depends on qualifications and previous experience.

BENEFITS:

Education Minnesota offers a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, vision, and voluntary pet insurance.
• Employer paid dental coverage, life and AD&D insurance, LTC, LTD, and annual HRA contribution (if enrolled in our medical plan).
• Generous paid time off, including 16 paid holidays, vacation days, sick leave days, and personal days.
• 16 hours of School and Community Outreach.
• Tuition reimbursement, up to $1,500 per year.
• Generous 401(k) matching program with employer contributions.
• Employer sponsored pension, after vesting period.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

EDUCATION MINNESOTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Education Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where diversity is valued, supported, and celebrated to benefit applicants, employees, members, and students. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, job requirements and business needs. Education Minnesota strongly encourages women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, immigrants, and veterans to apply.