Join Our Team

Office Manager

Advocates for the West is seeking a self-starter Office Manager to support our work to protect public lands, water, fish, and wildlife across the American West. Use your passion for nature and your strong organizational skills to help us win for the West!

Background

Advocates for the West is a leading non-profit public interest environmental law firm with twelve staff in Idaho, Oregon, and Colorado. We provide free legal counseling and representation to a wide array of conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and activists, with dozens of pending cases across the West and in Washington, D.C.

We have a strong track record of success, winning or favorably settling 85% of the many dozens of cases we have brought. Learn more about our work at www.advocateswest.org.

Summary of Position

The Office Manager (OM) is responsible for the smooth business operations of Advocates for the West’s offices. The OM has primary responsibility for day-to-day financial operations and office coordination. The OM manages QuickBooks and works closely with the external bookkeeper to maintain monthly bookkeeping, and assists in implementing human resources and organizational projects. The OM oversees all technology, office contractors, business vendors (including soliciting bids for services when needed); monitors and re-stocks office supplies; oversees facility maintenance; and maintains all business files. The OM provides support to our attorneys, development and communications staff, the Executive Director, and Board of Directors, as requested. The OM reports to the Deputy Director.

Position Responsibilities

Financial Coordination (45%)

  • Manage receivable and payable accounts
  • Track all payable invoices, monthly bills, and ensure timely payments
  • Review checks and invoices for approval and signature
  • Prepare and make bank deposits
  • Input all income and expenses in QuickBooks, and work with the external bookkeeper to complete financial reporting packages
  • Assist in annual audits conducted by external CPA

Office Coordination (45%)

  • Plan for and maintain efficient office functions including the following: internet/phone services, printers and copy machines; purchase and inventory of office equipment; monitoring and restocking office supplies
  • Coordinate organization-wide technology and ensure security compliance
  • Collect mail at post office daily and relay correspondence to appropriate employees
  • Oversee facilities management of offices
  • Coordinate office and workspace changes and upgrades
  • Maintain off-site and on-site records
  • Manage organization-wide staff timesheet records and prepare related reports
  • Solicit bids for organizational services, including insurance, maintenance, and technology
  • Coordinate human resources for staff, including benefits enrollment and onboarding
  • Manage Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Calendars
  • Provide clerical and court filing assistance to attorneys
  • Communicate with the public and supporters

Staff and Board of Directors Support (5%)

  • Coordinate venues, meals, lodging, and other logistics for regular meetings and retreats of the staff and board of directors

Administrative/Other (5%)

  • Attend staff meetings, retreats, and trainings
  • Support public education and outreach activities
  • Submit receipts and expense reimbursement requests in a timely manner
  • Perform other duties, as needed

Location

The position is based in our Boise, ID headquarters. The OM will predominantly work in-office with some flexible remote work possible.

Qualifications

Education: College degree in business, organizational development, or related field; or demonstrated, comparable experience.
Prior Experience: Two or more years of experience working in a business or nonprofit office.
Knowledge: Understanding of general operational practices.
Skills and Abilities: Proficient in QuickBooks, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office. Detail-oriented and reliable, with excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Compensation

Starting salary is $50,000/annually. We also offer discretionary annual bonus and employer retirement plan contributions. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental insurance, disability insurance, pre-tax medical savings plan, and generous vacation and leave policies, plus a sabbatical program after seven years of employment.

Advocates for the West is committed to becoming more representative of the communities we serve and encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, region, and socioeconomic background. We value a wide range of relevant experiences within and outside of the non-profit environmental sector. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the organization and in the environmental movement.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and two references to hiring@advocateswest.org with the subject “Office Manager” by August 5, 2022.

Paralegal

Advocates for the West is seeking a self-starter Paralegal to support our legal team litigating cases to protect public lands, fish and wildlife, and communities across the American West. Use your passion for nature and your strong organizational skills to help us win for the West!

Background

Advocates for the West is a leading non-profit public interest environmental law firm with offices in Idaho and Oregon. We provide free legal counseling and representation to a wide array of conservation groups, Native American Tribes, and activists, with dozens of pending cases across the West and in Washington, D.C.

We have a strong track record of success, winning or favorably settling 85% of the many dozens of cases we have brought to protect western public lands, fish and wildlife, and communities.

Position Responsibilities     

The Paralegal reports to the Executive Director. The Paralegal will assist attorneys with a wide range of litigation tasks and provide other support to the legal team, as follows:

Litigation Support (80%)

  • Assist attorneys with all aspects of cases in federal and state courts;
  • Help with court filings by editing, proofreading, cite-checking, creating tables, etc.;
  • Draft notices, declarations, discovery and FOIA requests, and correspondence;
  • Ensure compliance with local court rules and procedures in multiple states;
  • Organize, review, and analyze agency records, FOIA responses, discovery responses,  and other documents

Administrative and Other Support (20%)

  • Prepare, mail, and e-file pleadings, courtesy copies, and other documents;
  • Track, calendar, and help attorneys manage case-related deadlines;
  • Provide assistance to attorneys related to technological issues;
  • Attend staff meetings, retreats, and trainings; and
  • Support public education and outreach activities.

Qualifications and Experience

  1. College degree or paralegal degree/certification;
  2. Experience supporting attorneys or judges in a litigation setting is preferred;
  3. Passion for protecting nature and the American West;
  4. Ability to work independently and follow attorney direction;
  5. Detail-oriented, exceptional organizational skills, and able to consistently meet deadlines;
  6. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google products, PACER/ECF systems, and document-management databases or services;
  7. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Advocates for the West is committed to providing equal employment opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy, medical condition, veteran status, religion, or socioeconomic background.

Advocates for the West is committed to becoming more representative of the communities we serve and encourages people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. We value a wide range of relevant experiences within and outside of the non-profit environmental sector. Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice within the organization and in the environmental movement.

Location

The position is based in our Boise, ID headquarters, but staff work both in-office and remotely.

Compensation

The Paralegal is a full-time (40-hour/week) salaried, exempt position. Starting salary is $55,000 for 2022, with annual increases reflecting cost-of-living, performance and other considerations. We also offer discretionary annual bonuses, and an employer-funded retirement plan. Our generous benefit package includes medical, vision, dental, and disability insurance, and a pre-tax medical savings plan. Time off includes paid vacation, sick days, family leave, winter holiday break, federal holidays, and a sabbatical program. Occasional work during evenings and weekends––often with very short notice––may be required.

Advocates for the West is committed to providing a fulfilling professional experience for our staff. Investing in our employees, supporting their professional growth, and creating a workplace that is committed to excellence and works to create lasting change for the West is the foundation of our work. All Advocates for the West employees have access to professional development opportunities relevant to their position and career goals.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to hiring@advocateswest.org, subject: Paralegal. Position open until filled.