Systems and Operations Assistant

Who We Are

Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power. It’s an approach that has worked for five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We’re part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.

To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy and social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value people and the environment. 

Position Summary 

The Systems and Operations Assistant provide administrative and logistical support to help maintain the smooth functioning of Friends of the Earth's offices and operational systems. This entry-level role is ideal for a detail-oriented and initiative-taking individual who is comfortable working in an environment with changing priorities and is interested in learning about nonprofit operations, office administration, and facilities coordination. The Systems and Operations Assistant will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Senior Operations Coordinator, and Compliance Manager to provide logistical support for daily office needs, vendor coordination, and administrative tasks. 

The hourly rate for this full-time hybrid position is $27.18-$29.23. This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position.

Probationary Period 

The first three (3) months of employment are considered a probationary period.

Essential Functions: 

Office & Facilities Support: 

Manages office supply inventory and replenishment, supports mail and shipping functions, and helps ensure shared office spaces remain organized.  

Support building access and security procedures, including badge management. 

Liaise with building engineers and property management for basic maintenance needs. 

Administrative Support: 

Reconcile monthly travel credit card statements and manage receipts and invoice filing for operational and compliance needs. 

Help maintain IT asset tracking systems and inventory records. 

Support updates to operational and compliance documentation in collaboration with the Senior Operations Coordinator and the Compliance Manager. 

Assist with internal communication of compliance reminders, policy updates and operational notices. 

Provide administrative support to the COO, including scheduling, meeting coordination, document preparation, and expense reporting. 

Assist with preparing and submitting nonprofit compliance reporting documents. 

Organizational Systems Support: 

Provide workflow and technical support for compliance and operations systems, including data entry, deadline tracking, system maintenance, and legal review coordination. 

IT & Equipment Coordination: 

Assist with basic troubleshooting of office equipment (e.g., printers, phones, conference room technology). 

Assist in IT infrastructure projects.  

Support device setup and distribution for new hires.  

Staff Support & Onboarding: 

Support new hire onboarding logistics, including workspace and device setup, supplies, and welcome materials. 

Maintain scheduling and coordination of in-office meeting requests for DC and Oakland offices. 

Respond to basic operational requests submitted through the Operations email line. 

Assist with coordinating travel bookings and logistics as needed. 

Required Qualifications: 

1–3 years of administrative or office support experience. Internships or volunteer experience welcome.  

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail. 

Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.  

Experience coordinating schedules and managing calendars. 

Clear written and verbal communication skills. 

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint 

Ability to manage multiple tasks and maintain follow-through in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. 

Ability to commute to the Washington, DC office a minimum of 2 days per week.  

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience working in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. 

Familiarity with office equipment and basic IT or technology support tasks. Interest in learning about operations, technology, compliance, and facilities management. 

Perks and Benefits:

We’re proud to be a generous, people-first employer that invests in your growth and well-being. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally:

37.5-hour work week to support work-life balance

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (80% for eligible dependents)

Disability and life insurance for added security

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Generous paid time off, including:

25 vacation days to start

15 paid holidays

20 sick days

3 floating holidays

Summer Fridays (the last two Fridays in July and all Fridays in August)

Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year’s)

Parental leave, sabbatical options, and more

Professional development and IT stipend

Education reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, people of color, and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff. In compliance with federal law, all people hired will be required to verify identity and complete eligibility verification upon hire.