Background: Since its establishment in 1999, the Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment (aka EmpowerLA) has grown into the nation’s largest and most innovative initiative in civic engagement and citizen-based government. Through a network of 99 Neighborhood Councils, the City promotes public participation in government and works to improve government responsiveness to local concerns.
Duties: Project Assistant will be responsible for assisting in the coordination of Neighborhood Council election and selection activities and outreach in conjunction with Neighborhood Council Boards and the Office of the City Clerk. This position will also assist in promoting civic participation in government and in the system of Neighborhood Councils, including the Charter of the City of Los Angeles and the Plan for a Citywide System of Neighborhood Councils, and assisting in the development of informal training.
Additionally, this position will be tasked with responsibilities associated with the Financial Operations and Access Team that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Provide support in preparing and monitoring the Department's annual budget.
- Assist with developing funding proposals.
- Prepare correspondence and respond to requests for budget information.
- Assist with coordination and implementation of RFP, RFQ, RFI, AFE and Sole source contract development and board reports.
- Assist department staff with procurement of services in accordance with purchasing and contract requirements and procedures.
- Track division administrative functions and contract status.
- Provide back up to Project Coordinator in preparation of monthly Financial Status Reports.
- Provide training and orientation support to Neighborhood Council members on. Neighborhood Council outreach and communication subject matters.
- Provide administrative assistance to the Neighborhood Councils and the public in general, processing complex requests and generating reports on work progress.
- Interfacing with representatives from the Office of the Mayor, City Council, City Departments, Commissions and agencies of the City of Los Angeles who wish outreach and collaborate with Neighborhood Councils.
- Supporting the Department’s administrative responsibilities, including work related to personnel matters, accounting matters, public records requests, facilities requests, budgetary projects, ADA accommodation requests, and contract development.
Requirements: A minimum of two years of experience (paid or unpaid) working in a professional office environment, processing complex requests through various business systems, interacting with the public, and providing status reports to management teams.
Desired Qualifications: Experience supporting budget administration, accounting, contract administration, procurement, fiscal operations, or administrative functions.
Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, Economics, or a related field.
Experience working within a municipal, government, nonprofit, or public-sector environment.
Advanced proficiency in the Google Suite, including Sheets, Docs, Slides, or Microsoft Office equivalents, including experience with formulas, spreadsheets, data tracking, presentation and reporting tools.
Selection Process: Applications are subject to review. The most qualified candidates will be invited for an interview.
