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If you would like to become involved in the work White Bird is doing, but are not interested in becoming an employee, we hope you'll visit this page to learn more about our rewarding volunteer and internship opportunities.

Please contact Graham Cole, Executive Director, at graham@whitebird.org with any questions about employment with White Bird. No phone calls at this time, please.
 

Administrative Assistant

White Bird, a dance-presenting organization based in Portland, Oregon, is seeking a motivated, passionate individual to fill its part-time position of Administrative Assistant.

 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
 

White Bird Mission Statement


White Bird is committed to bringing the best Portland-based, regional, national, and international dance companies to Portland, Oregon and to fostering the growth of dance in the region. Through presenting established and emerging companies and choreographers, commissioning and co-commissioning new work, as well as collaborating with other arts organizations in Portland and the region, we are able to make these dance performances possible.  White Bird strongly believes in making dance exciting, educational, equitable and accessible to everyone, young and old, of all social backgrounds, and through contributed income and sponsorships, is able to facilitate outreach to schools and keep ticket prices affordable. A passionate advocate for dance, White Bird strives to broaden audienceship and diversify its programming through the lens of its Equity Commitment.

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White Bird Profile


White Bird was founded in 1997 in Portland, Oregon by Walter Jaffe and Paul King. To date, we have presented over 270 dance companies from around the world in 750 performances before a total audience of 525,000. Each season we present a subscription series as well as non-subscription performances.  We have supported the growth of dance by commissioning 40 new works. We are committed to expanding the audience for dance through extensive community engagement activities, including our Annual Outreach Project with Portland Public Schools. Through our innovative Equity initiative, the NEST (No Empty Seats Today) Program, we distribute hundreds of free performance tickets each year to Portlanders in need.

 

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JOB DESCRIPTION:

 

The Administrative Assistant will aid White Bird’s Executive Director and Director of Patron Services and Communications in fortifying and expanding the nonprofit organization as it navigates one of the most transformative year in its 24-year history. The Administrative Assistant will have the opportunity to steward well-established dance company performances and community programs, as well as guide new projects. The Administrative Assistant reports directly to White Bird’s Executive Director.
 

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Work collaboratively with White Bird staff to update White Bird’s social media, website, and social media channels, as well as generate content.

  • Provide warm, friendly service to White Bird subscribers, donors, ticket holders, and volunteers, both in-person and over the phone.

  • Assist White Bird Executive Director in maintaining well-organized financial records and patron databases.

  • Help White Bird prepare for a move into a new office space in early 2022.

  • Collaborate with White Bird Director of Patron Services and Communications to ensure smooth load-in, load-out, and front-of-house flow during performance runs.

  • Work with White Bird staff to brainstorm, plan, and execute initiatives to improve company operations.

  • As needed, assist White Bird staff in meeting deadlines on special projects.

  • Together with White Bird Executive Director, research and catalog nonprofit funding opportunities.

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Successful applicants will be familiar with, or motivated to learn about, the following:

  • Database/Customer Relationship Management (Arts People experience a plus)

  • The Arts generally, and Dance specifically

  • Teamwork and collaboration tools (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Outlook experience a plus)

  • Social Media Account Management

  • Anti-Racism, both in philosophy and in practice

  • Customer Service and Communications Skills, both written and spoken

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PAY, BENEFITS, AND WORK CONDITIONS:


The starting salary for this position is budgeted between $24,000-$28,000, depending on relevant experience and preferred schedule of the candidate. Benefits include vacation, personal/sick days, and complimentary tickets to White Bird performances.

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The Administrative Assistant will work in close proximity to the Executive Director, Director of Patron Services and Communications, and Co-Founders, as well as numerous volunteers, interns, audience members, and theatre staff. Work will primarily take place at White Bird’s current offices in SW Portland, though White Bird will move into new offices within Portland in early 2022. Additional work will take place at 3rd party performance venues: Portland’5 Center for the Arts and PSU’s Lincoln Hall in Portland, and the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton.

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The expected time commitment for this position is between 20 and 30 hours per week. Though some night hours, weekend hours, and remote work are possible, the Administrative Assistant is expected to complete the majority of their work at the White Bird Offices between the hours of 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday. Scheduling can be flexible to accommodate outside work or other obligations. Some night and weekend work will be required to be present for White Bird performances; these required dates are scheduled well in advance and compensated with additional paid time off.

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The safety of its staff, volunteers, and audiences is of the utmost importance to White Bird. All White Bird staff must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and willing to receive all future CDC-recommended vaccines or boosters with urgency, or alternatively present an objection to vaccination for medical or religious reasons. Applicants must be willing to comply with all COVID-19 policies both at the White Bird offices and at performance venues; these policies are created in response to local, state, and federal mandates as well as industry best practices, and are subject to revision as the COVID-19 pandemic develops.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:
 

Please email a resumé, cover letter, and the contact information for 2-3 professional references to Graham Cole, Executive Director, at graham@whitebird.org.

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Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but early application is highly recommended. The anticipated start date for this position is in early December.