Dinner Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international human rights monitoring and advocacy organization that was established to conduct in-depth investigations and provide incisive reporting on human rights issues worldwide. HRW is known for its innovative advocacy campaigns and has successfully influenced the policies and practices of various governments and international institutions regarding human rights. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to promoting human rights and social justice. HRW values diversity and actively seeks to create an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of their background or identity.

Job Overview:
The Dinner Assistant position is a part-time, fixed-term role within the Development and Outreach Department of Human Rights Watch, specifically supporting the Silicon Valley team. This role is designed for individuals who are interested in gaining experience in the non-profit sector, particularly in development and outreach efforts. The assistant will be responsible for various administrative tasks, primarily focusing on Salesforce data entry and maintenance, which is crucial for managing donor relationships. The position requires a commitment of 10 hours per week, with the expectation of working in the Silicon Valley office in Menlo Park two days a week, as well as on the evenings of April 20th and 21st for a major fundraising event. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the team’s efforts to engage with donors and organize events, thereby contributing to HRW's mission of promoting human rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Dinner Assistant will have a range of responsibilities, including:

• Providing administrative support to the Silicon Valley team, which encompasses office management tasks, scheduling meetings, assisting with mailings, and other related duties.
• Supporting the planning and execution of Silicon Valley’s major fundraiser in April, along with smaller community events and meetings throughout the spring.
• Writing email communications directed at Silicon Valley donors, which will include updates on HRW's impact, invitations to local events, follow-up emails after events, and thank you notes.
• Coordinating hotel arrangements and creating itineraries for visiting staff, speakers, and honorees attending local events.
• Maintaining detailed guest lists for events, ensuring that dietary restrictions and mobility requirements are tracked accurately.
• Conducting prospect research on potential donors by drafting profiles of event guests and prospective supporters, and updating the donor database with relevant findings.
• Tracking incoming gifts and drafting acknowledgment letters for the portfolio of donors associated with Silicon Valley and Foundations.
• Assisting with the administration of donor information, ensuring the accuracy of data in the donor database.
• Performing additional responsibilities as required by the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Dinner Assistant position should possess the following qualifications:

• Strong organizational skills with a keen attention to detail, which is essential for managing multiple tasks effectively.
• Self-motivation and the ability to prioritize tasks while working independently, as well as collaboratively with a team spread across various global locations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this role.
• The ability to work well under pressure and manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines is crucial.
• Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for effective communication with a diverse range of audiences, including donors and external partners.
• Prior experience in office administration and proficiency in computer programs, particularly MS Office applications like Excel, are required. Familiarity with Salesforce or other donor databases is considered a plus.
• A strong interest in or experience with human rights issues is desirable, as it aligns with HRW's mission.

Educational Background:
The position encourages applications from currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students who are over 21 years of age. While candidates who have already graduated are also welcome to apply, a degree is not a strict requirement for this role. This flexibility allows for a broader range of applicants, including those who may have relevant experience but do not possess a formal degree.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of relevant work or internship experience. This experience can be in administrative roles, non-profit organizations, or any position that has provided exposure to donor relations, event planning, or similar functions. The experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to handle administrative tasks effectively and contribute to team efforts in a dynamic environment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, particularly in both oral and written communication. While English is the primary language required, additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly stated as mandatory. Candidates who can communicate in other languages may have an advantage, especially in a diverse working environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time and fixed-term, with an expected duration until late May 202

• The role requires in-person attendance at the Silicon Valley office two days a week, along with specific evening commitments for the major fundraiser on April 20th and 21st. The pay rate for this position is set at US$ 22.76 per hour, and HRW offers competitive compensation along with employer-paid benefits, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring an inclusive hiring process.