Program Assistant

Description:

The Program Assistant reports to a Director and serves as a vital linkage and communication source to keep the program/department informed and aligned to its priorities. The position is accountable for providing confidential administrative and secretarial support for a program/department, following administrative policies and procedures and organizes the day-to-day administrative operations to ensure accurate and timely delivery of administrative services. Coordinates the flow of information, maintains the integrity and confidentiality of all information which flows through, communicates internally and externally to respond to inquires and clarify details, coordinates appointments and meetings, attends and records management meetings, arranges travel and accommodation, coordinates meeting logistics, submits HR and Finance information, and maintains office equipment and supplies. Designs, creates and maintains correspondence, documents, presentations, orientation packages, and spreadsheets (including data entry) for authorization by the management team; processes confidential and sensitive documents. The Program Assistant supports leadership in setting a positive, collaborative, efficient tone for the program/department.

What you’ll do
Responds to verbal and written communication and liaises internally and externally to respond to, share information, clarify details, and ensure follow-up by relevant personnel on emergent issues. Discusses inquiries for information with a variety of internal and external contacts in order to obtain and disclose information. Effectively triages visitors, telephone calls, correspondence and incoming materials by screening and prioritizing for immediate attention, distributing as appropriate, taking and relaying messages, and directing visitors.
Prepares and updates various documents such as reports, correspondence, presentation materials, spreadsheets, and website materials in an accurate and timely manner including material that is confidential or sensitive in nature. Utilizes a variety of software applications to ensure professional standards are maintained, relevant and current data is used and end product is appropriately and professionally formatted. Enters and collects data, and compiles relevant statistical information and reports.
Maintains a consistently updated and accurate meeting schedule for the program/department as required. Coordinates meetings ensuring well-defined and timely agendas, identification of and notification to interested parties, compilation of background information and supporting materials and preparation of packages/summary documents and meeting facilitation. Coordinates administrative meeting logistics and makes catering, travel and accommodation arrangements. Attends and acts as a recorder for confidential meetings such as management meetings and follows-up on action items and in-services as required.
Authorizes expense reimbursements and invoices up to a pre-determined limit, and utilizes an expenditure tracking system to ensure expenditures and invoices are authorized and processed in a timely and accurate manner. Completes purchase requisitions/online purchasing and forwards for processing, and ensures invoices are authorized for payment and submitted for payment. . Ensures appropriate supplies and support materials are available and equipment is in working order. Coordinates and standardizes the implementation of technology (new and existing) within the program.
Completes and submits eForms for designated Leaders; processes timekeeping for assigned staff; and liaises with Finance, Payroll and Human Resources as necessary.
Initiates follow-up processes with staff and others. Resolves day-to-day problems as required, evaluates operating procedures, and advises management as necessary. Provides assistance on projects by collecting data requiring the evaluation and determination of available sources. Actively participates in team meetings and provides input to new policies, processes, quality improvement activities, and the development of strategies.

What you bring

Qualifications
A level of education, training and experience equivalent to Grade 12 plus graduation from a formal secretarial program plus three (3) years recent related experience.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively, resolve administrative issues/problems, prioritize workload, and to be flexible to meet and adapt to changes in organizational priorities. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office applications, including word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, at an intermediate level. Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload and work under time pressures to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including the ability to respond professionally, courteously, and in a clear manner. Demonstrated interpersonal and time management skills. Demonstrated ability to record and transcribe minutes of meetings.
Ability to type 60 words per minute.
Skills & Knowledge
Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).