Community Engagement & Administrative Assistant at the Dorothy Cotton Institute 

 

Employer: Dorothy Cotton Institute, (DCI) a project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 www.dorothycottoninstitute.org The Center for Transformative Action is, therefore, the employer for this position.

 

Office Address: Dorothy Cotton Institute, Room 202,
Tompkins Center for History and Culture, 110 N. Tioga St., Ithaca, NY 14850

 

Mailing Address: Center for Transformative Action, PO Box 760, Ithaca, NY 14851

 

About the Dorothy Cotton Institute: 

The Dorothy Cotton Institute (DCI) is an organization that embodies the legacy of Ms. Dorothy Cotton's lifework. Our mission is rooted in the philosophy and practices of nonviolence, reconciliation, restoration, and grassroots leadership development. We aim to provide valuable models for human rights education, practice, and leadership, building upon the principles Ms. Cotton championed throughout her life. DCI is a project of the Center for Transformative Action.

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a part-time Community Engagement and Administrative Assistant to support the Dorothy Cotton Institute. In this position, you will play a crucial role in supporting the operations of the organization. Your work will contribute directly to the successful implementation of DCI’s mission, vision, and values. 

Key Responsibilities: 

¨  General Administrative and Event Coordination Support: 

·       Meeting management support: provide administrative assistance to leadership with meetings (in-person and Zoom), including scheduling meetings, sending invitations, agendas and reminders, managing internal calendars.

·       Take minutes at Steering Committee meetings; save, distribute and correct notes. 

·       Help organize and maintain files, documents, databases in both digital and physical formats. 

·       Replenish office supplies; and install updates on office computers and printers

·       Check DCI email. Respond to inquiries and requests from internal and external stakeholders promptly and professionally.

·       Interact with CTA Office staff and attend project meetings and training. 

·       Assist with coordinating occasional travel arrangements for DCI colleagues

 

¨  Communications, Social Media Development and Management

·       Implement DCI’s social media and marketing plan.

·       Post on social media and monitor responses (Facebook, Instagram)

·       Design and distribute promotional and organization material: newsletter, flyers, press releases, brochure, etc.

·       Draft and edit written materials on behalf of the organization (occasional reports, business correspondence, refresh handouts in Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc.) 

·       Update and refresh website calendar events

 

¨  Community Engagement—assist in building DCI’s visibility, audience and partnerships

·       Assist with marketing, promotion, recruitment, scheduling and coordination of DCI workshops and gatherings.

o   Track registrations, confirmations, etc.

o   Help with onsite set up and breakdown at DCI workshops and gatherings. (May involve some weekends or evenings with adequate notice

·       Help DCI increase engagement with younger audiences 

·       Tabling and promotion at community events; help expand our audience and participants

 

¨  Database and Record Management: 

·       Maintain up-to-date records of mailing lists, and donor lists.

·       Generate reports and extract data from the database as required. 

·       Assist with data entry and cleanup tasks to ensure data integrity. 

 

¨  Financial Support: 

• Assist with fundraising strategies.
• Assist with writing and sending invoices, submitting expenses, credit card reports, etc.
• Assist with monitoring DCI income and expenses.

Ø  Qualifications and Skills: 

·       High school diploma or equivalent; additional relevant certifications or courses are a plus. 

·       Proven experience in an administrative role. 

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Ability to welcome and communicate interpersonally.  Be able to give and receive feedback.

·       Proficiency in using PC computers, office productivity software and social media (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace; Adobe; Canva; Mailchimp, Facebook and Instagram, LinkedIn. Airtable and Photoshop are a plus). 

·       Strong organizational and time management skills, and ability to prioritize effectively. 

·       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, be flexible and responsive to changing organizational needs and to give attention to multiple projects

·       Commitment to the values and mission of the Dorothy Cotton Institute, including nonviolence, reconciliation, restoration, and grassroots leadership development. 

 

Ø  We are looking for creative people, clear communicators and highly organized individuals who are passionate about social justice, human rights, community and civic engagement. Knowledge and/or interest in democracy, climate justice and community organizing are a plus. 

 

Ø  Successful applicants will:

·       Have dedication to undoing racism and other systemic injustices

·       Be comfortable working both independently and in diverse collaborative community settings.

·       Have experience in event coordination, graphic design, community organizing and fundraising

·       Show interest in DCI’s educational content and developing facilitation and presentation skills

Hours and Pay Range 

Part-time, 20 hours per week.  (May occasionally involve weekends or evenings.)

Pay is $25 per hour 

 

Benefits 

Health insurance, dental insurance, 403b participation, vacation time, sick and safe time 

Application Process: 

To apply for this position, please submit the following documents to laurabranca0@gmail.com: 

· Your resume, including relevant work experience and education. 

· A cover letter highlighting your qualifications and explaining your interest in the position. 

· Three professional references. 

The Dorothy Cotton Institute values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We actively encourage individuals from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and ability, to apply for this position. We believe that a diverse team enriches our work and fosters a more vibrant and effective organization. 

 

Application Deadline: July 11, 2025  

 

CTA is an equal opportunity employer. Employees are hired based on their merit, ability, experience, and training without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, size, religious affiliation, genetic make-up, military/veteran status, domestic violence victim/survivor status, sexual and other reproductive health decisions, or past participation in the discrimination complaint process. We are committed to being an inclusive organization and encourage people from diverse communities to apply.