Foundation Assistant

ABOUT WAYFARER FOUNDATION

Wayfarer Foundation partners with nonprofits to co-create a unified world where all people work together for peace, justice, and prosperity. Wayfarer launched in 2021 as a Bahá’í-inspired organization. Steve Sarowitz, a Bahá’í philanthropist, Founder and Chairman of Paylocity (Nasdaq: PCTY), Director of Payescape, and partner in Wayfarer Studios, started Wayfarer to be the philanthropic engine for his spiritually based giving. In 2023, Wayfarer awarded over $19 million in grants,  with over 50% supporting Black, Brown, Indigenous and Native-led, grassroots organizations. For more information about us, please check out wayfarerfoundation.org.

POSITION DETAILS

We seek a Foundation Assistant to support the Events department with external events and day-to-day administrative needs of our growing organization. This person will be organized and administratively minded, possess the interpersonal skills needed to interact with various constituents, and be an assertive and proactive problem solver. 

• Salary Range: $45,500 - $52,477
• Progression:  This position will progress to a Sr. Foundation Assistant ($52,477 - $63,543)
• Position Details:  

Events Coordination

• Assist the Executive Manager with planning and executing external events.
• Manage logistics for all internal team gatherings, including coordinating schedules, food, travel, space rental, etc.
• Serve as the Wayfarer liaison to the local community. 
• Plan, create agendas, and record minutes for all team meetings. Follow up with team members regarding status and completion of assigned tasks is communicated and recorded after meetings.  

Administrative

• Act as receptionist and scheduler for the Wayfarer office, greeting and directing visitors, answering questions, and responding to the needs of our potential and existing partners.
• Performing basic office tasks, such as data entry, answering phones, taking messages, sorting mail, maintaining and updating both digital and physical filing, operating office machines, and arranging equipment maintenance and repairs.
• Order and distribute office supplies; maintain inventory of event supplies, such as food, beverages, and event supplies.
• Distribute communications, such as memos, emails, reports, and other correspondence. 
• Support the operations department with new hire onboarding logistics.
• Train the Executive Assistant to serve as a secondary receptionist and scheduler for the Wayfarer office in this position’s absence.
• Assist the Sr. Director of Programs, Sr. Director of Communications, and the Chief of Staff with administrative needs upon request and routine operational processes.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to and passion for Wayfarer’s mission: “We partner with nonprofits to co-create a unified world.”
• 3+ years of experience in a similar role with a nonprofit, foundation, educational institution, or other related organization. Direct experience working with BIPOC communities is a plus. 
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as a lens for all of your work. 
• Appreciation for the spiritual dimensions of mission-driven work, especially Baháʼí-inspired practices.  
• Excellent and creative verbal and written communication skills in English. 
• Strong attention to details and the ability to multitask effectively.
• Demonstrates a collaborative, caring and self-starter working style.
• Flexibility and adaptability, as we strive to provide clear roles all while navigating the process of being a new and quickly growing nonprofit. 
• Willingness to be vulnerable, emotionally intelligent, and service-oriented. 
• Proficiency in and/or willingness to quickly learn WF tech platforms: Google apps, major social media platforms, Foundant (grant management system), Slack, Canva, Airtable (project management system), etc.
• Do I have to be a Baháʼí to apply? 

While we are guided by the spiritual principles of the Baháʼí faith, we respect and celebrate all religious devotions and differences and provide equal employment opportunities for all. We only ask you to come to the role with an open heart, mind, and interest in learning more about Baháʼí beliefs and the role diverse spiritual traditions can play in creating social change. 

WORKING AT WAYFARER

• Benefits: We offer a holistic package that aims to care for our team in body, mind, and spirit; it includes:
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage 
  • Retirement savings plan (after one year)
  • Time off:
    • Unlimited PTO and National Holidays
    • Baha’i Holy Days (up to 9/year)
    • 4 days/year for community service (1/quarter)
    • Organization-wide Winter Break
  • Professional development stipend (conference, books, trainings, etc.) wellness stipend (spiritual retreats, body care, therapy, etc.), “boundary bonuses,” and matching nonprofit donations. 
• Culture: You can expect
  • The mindfulness of a house of worship: We engage in spiritual practices as a team, explore how spirituality can drive social change, and strive to treat one another with compassion and kindness. 
  • The energy of a startup: As a new organization, we are in an organic learning mode and value risk, innovation, and experimentation. 
  • The passion for justice of a grassroots non-profit: We celebrate the gifts of diverse individuals, communities, and institutions. We also stand up for justice for those excluded because we know that together, without -isms, we can find solutions to our most pressing problems.
• Where will I work?

This position is required to be in person Monday through Friday at our office in Wilmette, IL (easily accessible by the CTA purple line). You will also be expected to travel ~15% of the time. 

TO APPLY

We will review applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled.  We anticipate that this person will begin in late September or early October of 2024. 

1) A brief cover letter. Please do not repeat what is written on your resume. In your cover letter include the following:

• Why do you want to work with us?
• Please describe your previous work with BIPOC communities.
• What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
• What are your thoughts about working in this kind of workplace that centers spirituality, and how might you see yourself both using it for your growth and contributing to it as a leader/staff member?

2) A 1-2 page resume with 3 references listed. 

Wayfarer Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and we strongly encourage BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+, Baháʼí, and other underrepresented applicants. We value diverse candidates; your gifts and lived experience matter more to us than titles or numbers. 

TO APPLY

We will review applications on a rolling basis until this position is filled.  We anticipate that this person will begin in late September or early October of 2024. 

1) A brief cover letter. Please do not repeat what is written on your resume. In your cover letter include the following:

• Why do you want to work with us?
• Please describe your previous work with BIPOC communities.
• What are the responsibilities of the individual in regard to issues of social justice?
• What are your thoughts about working in this kind of workplace that centers spirituality, and how might you see yourself both using it for your growth and contributing to it as a leader/staff member?

2) A 1-2 page resume with 3 references listed.