About ECOnorthwest

ECOnorthwest is a public policy consulting firm headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with offices in Seattle, Bend, Eugene, Denver, and Los Angeles. For 50 years, policymakers and business leaders have trusted ECOnorthwest to inform the complex issues that shape communities. ECOnorthwest has worked with a diverse range of over 2,000 public, private, non-profit, and foundation clients in the United States and around the world to craft effective and feasible solutions. To answer the complex questions of our time, we integrate economic analysis with complementary disciplines to provide a more complete understanding of how policy choices affect peoples’ lives.

Overall purpose of the position

As our Office Assistant, you’ll play a key role in keeping our office operations running seamlessly. From keeping the office tidy and stocked, keeping calendars and travel plans on track, to troubleshooting IT issues, you’ll make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This role calls for someone highly organized, detail-oriented, a creative problem solver, and great at anticipating needs before they arise. You’ll be the friendly face staff and clients rely on, bringing positive energy and excellent customer service to everything you do.

This is a part-time position expected to average 20–25 hours per week, with in-office work required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at our downtown location. Specific working hours are flexible and will be determined during the selection process.

Essential functions of the position

• Serve as the first point of contact for clients: answer phones, return or distribute voicemails, and provide general office support.
• Manage office supplies and snacks: track inventory, place orders, and coordinate needs with the Seattle office liaison.
• Support staff with office equipment (meeting technology, printers/copiers, phone systems) and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Partner with our IT consultant to troubleshoot issues, maintain equipment, and submit support tickets
• Maintain calendars, schedule meetings, and arrange travel for select firm leadership.
• Support meeting and event planning, including scheduling, logistics, and coordination for client meetings, staff lunches, conferences, and all-staff events.
• Keep office common areas (conference rooms, whiteboards, kitchen) organized, professional, and tidy.
• Act as liaison with building management on maintenance, facilities, and communication for all office locations.
• Track, reconcile, and process expense reports and reimbursements for select firm leadership.
• Anticipate challenges and proactively address issues that may arise in day-to-day operational activities.
• Other related tasks as requested
  
  

Required competencies

• Exceptional organization and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy across administrative tasks.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effectively engaging with staff, leadership, clients, and vendors.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities with a knack for anticipating needs and addressing operational challenges before they arise.

Location

• This position will be based out of our downtown Portland office and collaborate with other team members across all of our office locations. You will be working from our downtown office three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) with the option to work remotely on other days if needed. 
• Quarterly travel to our downtown Seattle office. May visit other offices as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work for long periods at a computer.
• Ability to carry/lift boxes of supplies up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to reach low and high shelves for occasional cleaning and restocking.

ECOnorthwest is committed to the work of improving its diversity and inclusiveness as a workplace. Our best work draws on teams within and beyond ECOnorthwest who have diverse backgrounds and experiences that reflect the multifaceted communities we work in. Thus, we encourage applicants who would expand the diversity of lived experiences within our team and who share our values and commitments to advancing equity through research and data justice.