Receptionist

ReceptionistABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in anti-racism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Receptionist’s main focus is providing a welcoming presence at the IP’s main front desk, greeting visitors, and answering phone calls. They may also provide backup support to Office Services in order to ensure that services are provided in an effective and efficient manner. The Receptionist reports to the Office Manager.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about the mission of the Innocence Project and provides a welcoming and helpful presence for our staff, for those who arrive at our offices, and those who call the front desk. They are organized, punctual, and interact effectively and sensitively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

In addition, all Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff. We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

RECEPTION:

• Maintaining a welcoming presence at the front desk and answering phone calls is the main focus of this position
• Welcomes visitors; answers inquiries within their capacity
• Maintains the reception area so as to appear tidy and professional to visitors
• Signs for all deliveries

ANSWERING PHONE CALLS AND EMAILS (simultaneously performed while at the reception desk):

• Answers incoming calls on multi-line telephone and advises callers on case submission procedures and answers other inquiries within their capacities
• Logs voicemail messages from the main VM box into a spreadsheet and returns intake calls
• Transfers calls and forwards voicemails as needed
• Manages main email account (helpscout and volunteer), responding to requests within their capacity and forwarding to staff as needed

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:

• Maintains conference room shared calendars
• Briefs and trains staff designated for covering the front desk when on leave
• Date stamp incoming mail and express packages 
• Assist with the photo ID process for new hires and staff
• Sorts and distributes mail and packages
• Maintains Staff Directory, Quick Phone and Office Information spreadsheets on shared “S” Drive
• Serves as the backup to the Office Manager for maintaining and stocking the office kitchens
• In the absence of the Office Manager, serves as the point person to coordinate set up of meeting rooms

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year of related experience required
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) required
• Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications
• Knowledge of Microsoft suite and software, and internet research
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• Strong interpersonal, diplomacy, and communication skills
• Able to demonstrate initiative, punctuality, and reliability
• Ability to interact effectively and sensitively with a wide variety of people of diverse professional and cultural backgrounds
• Professional personal presentation, hospitality, patience, attention to civility and courtesy 
• Client service orientation 
• Flexible and collaborative work style, resistance to stress, and ability to function effectively in a demanding environment 
• Superior skills in organization, planning and attention to details 
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares in the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered until Friday, November 1st, 6pm EST.** 

SALARY RANGE

$27.34 - $30.05 per hour, salary commensurate with experience