Good News Garage Administrative Assistant

Help us Build a Thriving New England! 

Good News Garage is a member of Ascentria Care Alliance. Ascentria employees and volunteers take pride in their impact on the people they serve. It’s more than just a job; it’s an opportunity for our employees to care for and share in the lives of people who greatly need and appreciate their presence. Ascentria Care Alliance focuses on every child, elder, disabled person, refugee, endangered teen, or teenage mom to build stronger communities one person at a time. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the operations of a $135m non-profit social services organization with programs throughout New England.   

Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofits in New England and one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. 

Good News Garage launched in Burlington, Vermont in 1996 as one of the nation’s first car donation nonprofits providing affordable and reliable transportation options for people in need. Now expanded to Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Good News Garage has provided over 5,000 New England families with reliable vehicles.

The Ready To Go program at Good News Garage provides van transportation to individuals and families, enabling them to access essential life activities, including work, job training and childcare.

 

Position Overview: 

The Administrative Assistant is responsible for interacting with donors and clients, efficiently and professionally facilitating vehicle donations and awards, maintaining electronic and physical filing systems, completing billing and financial reporting requirements and performance measuring, oversight of the Burlington, VT Good News Garage office, and all related paperwork and recordkeeping.

  

• Provide office operations support for the Good News Garage program, including communication, scheduling, and coordination.
• Assist the Program Manager with issuing and collecting surveys, managing expense reports, and coordinating reporting.
• Input and manage accounts payable invoices and bill clients, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Maintain and manage spreadsheets to track program metrics and other administrative needs.
• Uphold a high level of confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding to donor or recipient inquiries promptly and professionally, ensuring a positive experience for all.
• Responsible for assisting with weekly, monthly, and year-end reporting, ensuring the smooth flow and accurate documentation of donations and program activities.

 

Analytical & Problem-solving:

 

• Troubleshoot issues that arise, applying good decision-making skills to resolve problems promptly.
• Coordinate with various parties to troubleshoot logistical challenges and timely processing of donated vehicles.

 

Independent Work & Prioritization:

 

• Act as the first point of contact in the vehicle donation process, interacting with potential donors and mechanics to facilitate smooth and efficient donations.
• Work independently to serve as a backup to the Program Manager as needed, ensuring continuity of operations and support.
• Willingness to participate in organization committees as needed, providing input and support to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Work independently to manage multiple tasks, ensuring deadlines are met and work is prioritized effectively.
• Represent Good News Garage at community events as needed, ensuring professional and positive representation of the organization.

 

Organization & Office Management:

 

• Ability to maintain current electronic and physical filing systems to ensure easy access and retrieval of information.
• Manage office supplies and coordinate with program leadership for timely replenishment and maintenance of office equipment.
• Coordinate with Program Leadership to evaluate and decide whether to accept vehicles donated to Good News Garage.

 

Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate's degree preferred.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of administrative and customer service experi