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Operations Coordinator (a.k.a. Office Ninja) – OEFFA

MJ Eckhouse, February 20, 2020

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association (OEFFA) is seeking a highly motivated, organized, and broadly experienced individual to serve as Operations Coordinator who will be responsible for a variety of administrative functions including human resources, benefits administration, office and property management, and IT. The Operations Coordinator will play a key role in maintaining a productive and efficient work environment for OEFFA staff and others. The successful applicant will join a dedicated team of experienced and passionate professionals who are committed to advancing organic and sustainable agriculture, family farmers, and rural communities.

OEFFA takes pride in a staff that exhibits these core values: excellent work ethic; exceptional organizational skills; capacity for multitasking; effective verbal and written communication; the maturity to responsibly handle sensitive information and situations; strong interpersonal skills; solid critical thinking and problem-solving abilities; a genuine desire to collaborate; and a strong environmental ethic and commitment to sustainability. These are qualities we seek in all OEFFA staff and so the successful applicant can to expect to be surrounded by colleagues who are also strong in these areas.

Duties of the Position
Collaborating with program area supervisors and business office staff, example responsibilities of the Operations Coordinator are:

Serve as chief human resources administrator (approximately 40% of time).
 Assist in the hiring process, including posting open positions and coordinating reference checks
 Coordinate employee on-boarding and exiting
 Maintain up to date personnel information and files
 Maintain updated job requirements and job descriptions for all positions
 In coordination with Business Office, manage and administer employee benefits (including health insurance, retirement plan, supplementary insurance, etc.), working with both employees and vendors
 Respond to requests for information and submit paperwork, as needed, to external agencies such as Bureau of Workers Compensation, Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, verification of employment, etc.
 Maintain employee handbook, contribute to policy development and revision, and ensure compliance of policies with applicable employment laws
 Participate in disciplinary and termination meetings

Maintain OEFFA’s office and property (approximately 40% of time).
• Building management
 Act as primary facilities manager, ensuring the space remains safe, clean, and workable
 Be primary contact for OEFFA and building tenants regarding leases, rent, and maintenance needs
 Communicate with facilities management service, prioritize needs for the service technician
 Stock building supplies
• Office management
 Stock and order adequate supplies and furniture for programs and general office operations
 Maintain and update office technology as needed, including phone systems, copiers, computer hardware, and software
 Ensure that lease vehicles are properly maintained

Coordinate business operations (approximately 15% of time).
 Ensure that all state and federal business reports are filed in a timely manner
 Manage registrations for OEFFA’s annual conference

Provide executive support (approximately 5% of time). As requested, assist the Executive Director with:
 Research and follow up on incoming issues and concerns

In short, this position is responsible for our office: its appearance, upkeep, supplies, and operations, making sure that the people on our team have what they need to get their work done.

Qualifications
In addition to the core qualities we seek in all team members (listed above), specific to this position, we look forward to working with an Office Ninja who has:

• Ease in managing multiple projects simultaneously, working independently and under a deadline, prioritizing responsibilities, taking initiative, and protecting confidential information
• Experience in the human resources field, experience or familiarity with Ohio employment law and regulations
• A strong customer-service orientation
• Careful and sensitive professional judgment
• Comfort and interest in using technology, and substantial experience using Microsoft Office suite’s advanced features (such as mail merge, working with forms and fields, etc.)
• Previously managed office phone systems, computer networks, and/or provided desktop support in their workplace
• Been responsible for a property, as manager or owner (residential or commercial)

We consider it a plus if you have:
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• 2-5 years office management or other relevant experience
• Prior experience working in a non-profit, school, or socially responsible organization

Physical and Cognitive Requirements
• Must be able to effectively operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine, fax/printer, and telephone, as well as, be proficient in Microsoft Office (eg. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote)
• Must be fluent in English
• Must be able to work cooperatively with others
• Must be able to arrange transportation for offsite duties during the workday, on occasion
• Must be able to occasionally work evening and weekend hours including overnight travel
• Must be able to sit at a desk for long periods of time maintaining concentration with frequent interruptions
• Must be able to ascend/descend stairs multiple times a day
• Must comply with all company policies and procedures and maintain regular and punctual attendance
• Must be able to occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions
• Must be able to meet project and report deadlines

The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association is an equal opportunity employer.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and includes health insurance, paid time off, holidays, and sick leave. We anticipate that the position may begin at .75 FTE and increase to full time later this year. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio. Telecommuting is not an option.

Deadline for Applications: Review of applications begins on June 22, 2020. Interested candidates are advised to apply by this date to receive full consideration, although the position will stay open until filled. (If this posting is removed from the OEFFA website, we are no longer accepting applications.)

Your application should be addressed to Carol Goland, Executive Director, and consists of three items assembled in a single document: a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references with phone number and email (indicate their relationship to you). In your cover letter please tell us how your experience and background make you the perfect Operations Coordinator for OEFFA. Please combine these as a single PDF file and submit via email to jobs@oeffa.org with subject line Operations Coordinator. Electronic submissions only; incomplete applications will not be considered.