Position Announcement: Receptionist


October 2, 2013

Background: Founded in 1953 and independently endowed by William and Maude McKnight, the Minnesota based family foundation has assets of approximately $2 billion and granted about $85 million in 2012. McKnight concentrates resources in the arts; early literacy; the environment; the region and communities; neuroscience and crop research; and select efforts in Southeast Asia and East Africa. McKnight subscribes to the Minnesota Council on Foundations’ “Principles for Minnesota Grantmakers.”

Position Purpose: The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant reports to the meetings and events manager and will provide support in Foundation interactions with visitors, grantees, and the public, while creating a strong, positive public image for the Foundation. This individual will provide administrative support to Foundation staff.

Key Areas of Responsibility:
  • Provide service to guests and grantees contacting the Foundation by phone or in person:
    • Greet and direct guests and handle inquiries by phone and in person.
    • Process mail, faxes, and deliveries as needed.
    • Provide guest meeting support, including making signage, calling taxis, and printing documents.
  • Provide administrative support to the broader Foundation:
    • Maintain inventory of office supplies in meeting rooms and office supply areas, including business cards, letterhead, and stationary.
    • Coordinate operations-related services, including off-site records storage, name plates, laundry, and shredding.
    • Assist with facility maintenance, including communicating with the building management company and building engineer, and calling for repairs and services.
    • Assist communications team to produce quarterly board book.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively interpersonally and in group settings.
  • Ability to handle heavy workload and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work with high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat
  • Ability to work efficiently in a team environment with staff, as well as independently or with little supervision.
  • Ability to use good judgment and make appropriate decisions when routing calls or greeting visitors; excellent listening and troubleshooting skills.
Required Education and Experience: In addition to the above knowledge, skills, and abilities requirements, the ideal candidate for this position will also possess a high school diploma and a minimum of 3 years related full time professional work experience in a nonprofit setting, or a combination of equivalent experience and training.

Personal Attributes needed in this Position:

  • Reliability, approachability, composure, and discretion.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:
  • Work is normally performed in an office work environment.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds is required.
  • Bending, reaching, and lifting over head is required.
  • Regular operation of normal office machines (computer, copier, and fax) is required.

Click here to apply for this job

Applications accepted through October 23