The Taproot Foundation is seeking a dynamic individual graduating this spring to support the President and enable him to effectively lead the organization and the pro bono movement. This is a unique opportunity to work with a leading social entrepreneur and gain exposure to growing and running a highly entrepreneurial organization.

Aaron Hurst, President and Founder of the Taproot Foundation, has been recognized by Fast Company, Ashoka, the Draper Richards Foundation and the Manhattan Institute as one of the leading social entrepreneurs in the country. He is the grandson of Joseph E. Slater, the author of the original blueprint for the Peace Corps - a legacy that has inspired his work using service as an agent for social change.

The Taproot Foundation believes that one day pro bono service will become both an opportunity for and common expectation of every business professional, not just lawyers. The Taproot Foundation leads the adoption of the pro bono ethic in three core ways:

1. Pro Bono Consulting - Our Service Grant Program engages thousands of marketing, human resources, IT and strategy management professionals from across the country on pro bono projects for hundreds of local nonprofits every year.
2. Corporate Program - Using the infrastructure of our own pro bono consulting projects, we build and manage world-class programs for companies.
3. Pro Bono Action Tank - We partner with consulting firms, companies, universities, trade associations, and public interest organizations in order to help them engage and support high impact pro bono work.

Key Responsibilities
The Special Assistant will provide critical administrative and relationship management support to the President, who leads the evangelism of the pro bono ethic with companies, trade associations, and graduate schools and provides leadership to Roots (staff members) and the Board of Directors.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Manage and improve systems to enable the President to have high touch with a diverse and large internal and external stakeholder base, with a minimal time investment
• Coordinate and support all activities of the President, including Board meetings, Management Team meetings, etc.
• Execute special projects for the Office of the President
• Complete administrative tasks for the Office of the President
• Assist the East Coast office as needed

Skills and Experience

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Exceptionally organized and detail oriented
• High-energy, outgoing personality with a good sense of humor
• Highly professional demeanor; able to represent organization effectively to diverse audiences
• Exceptionally quick learner
• Thrives in an entrepreneurial, start-up environment
• Proper etiquette for emails and phone
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and basic database administration
• Demonstrated interest in the nonprofit sector through volunteering or previous work experience
• Outstanding academic record (BA / BS or equivalent required)

Compensation
Annual salary of $40,000, plus competitive benefits package and generous vacation leave.

Location
Manhattan

Start Date
August 2008

Application Process
Please send your resume and a cover letter that explains your interest and fit for the position to jobs@taprootfoundation.org. Include "Special Assistant" as the subject of your email. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

THE TAPROOT FOUNDATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The Taproot Foundation strives to reflect the diverse community it serves. Applicants who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.

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