Volunteer Receptionist

The ACLU of Washington is a nonprofit organization devoted to defending and extending civil rights and civil liberties. Its staff and numerous volunteers work in a fast‐paced, friendly, and professional office. The Volunteer Receptionist can choose a regular schedule working a minimum of 1 shift per week, either mornings or afternoons, 9a-1p or 1-5p. The Volunteer Receptionists report to the Administration and Technology Assistant.
 
Overview
The ACLU of Washington is a leader among state affiliates of the American Civil Liberties Union, the country's premier guardian of liberty. We work in courts, legislatures, and communities to protect and extend American rights to freedom, fairness and equality. The ACLU is both nonprofit and nonpartisan.  The ACLU-WA’s staff of 40+ employees and numerous volunteers work in a fast-paced, friendly and professional office in downtown Seattle. We are supported by more than 80,000 members, activists, and donors.
 
The ACLU is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture.  The ACLU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, or record of arrest or conviction.
 
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Serve as front desk receptionist, field incoming phone calls and direct them to the appropriate staff. Greet and direct visitors, including people seeking help, committee members, allies, and sales people. Provide general information about the ACLU. Calmly respond to people who are seeking ACLU’s help.
  • Retrieve and distribute mail; receive and sign for deliveries.
  • Handle typing, copying, data‐entry, collating mailing materials and other assignments.
  • Assist in research.
  • Ensure that the front door and the phones are open and/or closed according to schedule.
  • Keep the In/Out Board updated, and post the daily conference room schedule.
  • Help facilitate smooth running of the office. Ensure the neat appearance and organization of the reception.
  • Help maintain a positive, respectful, welcoming, and professional work environment for employees, interns and other volunteers.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
  • A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; a personal approach that values the individual and respects differences.  
  • Understanding of and enthusiasm for civil liberties.
  • Excellent communication skills over the phone and in person. Spanish language skills are a plus.
  • A welcoming, confident, and professional working manner, including the ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people. Good judgment and discretion are required.
  • Computer proficiency with PCs, Microsoft Word, Outlook and the Internet preferred. Attention to detail is a must.
  • Ability to multi‐task and work efficiently in a fast‐paced environment, to work under pressure.
  • We are also interested in volunteers who will be available to pick up additional volunteer reception hours when needed.
  • A minimum 6‐month commitment is preferred.
 
 
REWARDS
Exposure to important, cutting-edge issues with a lively and skilled team of advocates at the nation’s premier civil liberties organization. 


TO APPLY
To apply, email a letter of application and resume to [email protected] and include in the subject line of the email:  your last name and Volunteer Receptionist. In your letter, please indicate where you learned of the posting. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, at which time the job announcement will be removed from our website at https://www.aclu-wa.org/volunteer-opportunities.
 
We look forward to hearing from you and we thank you for your interest in volunteering your time and skills with the ACLU of Washington.
 
 
The ACLU of Washington comprises two separate corporate entities, the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, Inc. and the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation. The two corporations share the same overall mission, office space, and employees. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “ACLU of Washington.”