Special Projects Coordinator

ABOUT NO ONE LEFT BEHIND

No One Left Behind (NOLB) was established in 2014 when former Afghan interpreter and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipient Janis Shinwari took $35,000 raised for him through a GoFundMe campaign and founded an organization to help others like him. Janis saved five American soldiers as an interpreter in combat yet waited years for his SIV application to be approved. Today, NOLB is the only national organization solely dedicated to assisting SIVs. NOLB directors, advisors, staff, and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the United States meets its moral obligation to protect those who risked their lives in support of it abroad.

BACKGROUND

The “Mission Paradox” of nonprofits is the ability to launch new programs and resource existing ones while avoiding the real constraints of implementation around existing programs and initiatives. Failing to resolve the paradox risks mission impact, threatens competitiveness, and undermines internal cohesion in nonprofit organizations, allowing opportunities to pass.

THE POSITION

No One Left Behind is seeking a skilled and entrepreneurial Special Projects Coordinator. Working across all departments, the Special Projects Coordinator (SPC) will support the Executive Director in securing resources from external relationships, including but not limited to foundations, companies, and partners while coordinating internally with development colleagues on prospecting and the programs team to assure initiatives align with existing programs and resource requirements. The SPC will need to have excellent writing and research skills, along with super listening and team building assets to work across the organization so that we can exploit opportunities that arise. The individual should possess exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills, and have the confidence and competence to actuate on input from colleagues across the organization, particularly because they will be working cross-functionally with internal and external teams and stakeholders. The individual should possess competencies in the following areas:

● Monitor and track projects, providing regular updates to the Executive Director, COO, CDO, and other internal stakeholders.

● Possess solid listening skills to partner with program and other staff in grasping and pursuing the growth of existing programs.

● Possess the ability to transform general and sometimes abstract new program ideas into tangible design(s) in collaboration with program and other staff, while also assuring their effectiveness.

● Working alongside operations and other team members, develop and implement project management methodologies, tools, and best practices to improve project efficiency and effectiveness.

● Evaluate project performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing corrective actions as needed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Identify and Pursue Opportunities (30%)

● Work closely with the ED prior to meetings, prep any research and presentations prior to meetings to assure a responsible and informed dialogue; conducts research to identify potential resources and opportunities as further the organization’s objective.

● In collaboration with Development, work with the ED, to scout foundation and company opportunities. When opportunities exist, write, submit, and manage grant and company proposals, ensuring applications meet proposal requirements and deadlines.

● Collaborate with various departments to gather necessary information and documentation for proposals, including grant and concept proposals.

● Work closely with the ED after meetings, to assist with drafting proposals.

● Follow up with miscellaneous inquiries sent to the Executive Director and assess the opportunity for follow up.

Co-design and Implement Awards (30%)

● Working with program leads, assure that design and framing of proposals for opportunities mirrors their core needs.

● Plan and execute relevant proposals from initiation to, coordinating closely with relevant and assigned staff, and minimizing their day-to-day time investment prior to any program launch.

● With successful proposals, work with the relevant staff to lay groundwork for proper execution. This may include program kick-off meetings where a formal transfer occurs.

Special Projects (30%)

● Take a leading role in working with ED to explore and implement AI practices to improve efficiency and impact on mission.

● Contribute to special projects relevant to NOLB objectives.

● In relevant instances, engage with volunteers and interns to meet objectives in these project portfolios.

Administrative (10%)

● Provide high-level administrative support to the ED, including managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.

● Prepare and edit communications, presentations, and reports for executive-level distribution.

● Organize and maintain files and databases confidentially.

● Manage complex travel arrangements and itineraries for the ED.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

● Strong interest in, understanding of, and dedication to No One Left Behind’s mission; knowledge of the critical needs facing SIV applicants and recipients and their families.

● Strong background in project and program management with proven success meeting set timelines and budgets

● Experience in development with some background in building networks and fostering networks to further changes in policy and public opinion.

● Ability to gather input, consolidate data points and make quick, effective decisions.

● Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and decentralized environment.

● A bachelor’s degree

● Possess strong oral and written communication skills; the ideal candidate will possess the ability to present his / her ideas in a clear, concise, and compelling manner to all stakeholders, both internal and external

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

● Exemplifies character in the form of honesty, discretion, and trust;

● Has a problem-solving mindset w/ good project management skills and time management.

● Solution-oriented and unafraid to delve into detailed problem solving.

● Demonstrates humility and flexibility and recognizes achievements of others.

● Possesses strong communication skills up and down the organization and is open to listening to the views of others.

● Possesses ability to produce significant output with minimal wasted effort.

● Advanced proficiency in relevant software and technology tools, including Microsoft Office suite, database management systems, and online research databases.

● Collaborative mindset, working effectively independently and as part of a team, building rapport, and fostering positive relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.

● Proactive and adaptable approach to problem-solving, with a strong sense of initiative, creativity, and resourcefulness in identifying opportunities and addressing challenges.

● Commitment to the organization's mission, values, and goals, with a genuine passion for making a positive impact and contributing to the success of the team and the broader community.

● The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, a creative problem-solver, and a dedicated team player committed to excellence and continuous improvement in grant writing and executive support functions.