Careers at Upward Scholars

+ Operations Associate

Title: Operations Associate

Reports to: Operations & Finance Senior Manager

Supervise: None

Type: Part-time (10 hours per week), temporary 6-month position, with possibility of continuation

Category: Non-exempt, hourly

ABOUT UPWARD SCHOLARS

Education and community belonging are the shortest paths to integration for immigrants coming to the U.S. as adults, and they are crucial to their economic advancement. Upward Scholars supports students' access to higher education and full integration into U.S. society by helping them overcome financial, academic, career development, and holistic barriers to achieving their educational, professional, and leadership development goals and increasing their economic mobility and opportunities for civic engagement. Learn more about our impact here.

Job Summary

Upward Scholars is a mission-driven organization that helps students overcome the financial and academic barriers that may limit their success. Whether it’s immigration status, lack of a college degree, or being stuck working multiple low-wage jobs just to make ends meet, Upward Scholars students face insurmountable obstacles to earning a family-sustaining wage. All staff create and support a high-performing work culture that centers the people directly impacted by Upward Scholars’ work and is characterized by equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

The Operations Associate will support the Upward Scholars team, students, volunteers, and donors in achieving Upward Scholars’ goals and advancing our mission by assisting with the company's daily, behind-the-scenes activities to ensure efficiency, smooth workflows, and organizational productivity. The Operations Associate will serve as a key support to management, handling administrative tasks, monitoring operational processes, managing vendor relationships, and implementing procedures. Also, will provide operational assistance to the organization, supporting the team and collaborating with community partners.

This is an administrative position; the ideal candidate will have tact, organizational skills, attention to detail, responsiveness, and creativity to fulfill the role's duties.

Responsibilities

Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the Executive Director, Director, and Sr. Managers.
• Process incoming mail, including check handling, bank deposits, and completion of donor acknowledgment workflows in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain and organize digital and physical receipts, deposit slips, and grant award letters.
• Support internal teams with basic project coordination, tracking tasks, timelines, and supply needs.
• Additional operations and administrative needs as required

Office & Facilities Management

• Welcome visitors upon arrival at the office and at events, serving as a professional and friendly first point of contact.
• Maintain an organized, welcoming, and efficient office environment that supports staff, students, and visitors.
• Act as the primary on-site liaison for office facilities, including repairs, maintenance needs, and communication with the facility manager.
• Oversee office operations, including printing, preparation of materials, mailings, purchasing, inventory management, and replenishment of office and program supplies.

Technology & Equipment Support

• Troubleshoot basic IT issues related to laptops, printers, copiers, and other office equipment to support daily operations; secure volunteer or contractor support for needs beyond internal capacity.
• Provide technical support for setting up, refreshing, and preparing laptops for student use, ensuring devices are fully operational.
• Collect, track, and responsibly recycle laptops and other technology equipment in alignment with environmentally sustainable practices.

Events & Community Engagement Support

• Coordinate with staff and provide on-site operational support for events involving students, donors, and community members, including Conversation Club and fundraising events.
• Order, coordinate, and secure food delivery or pickup for meetings and events as needed.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships.
• Quick learner with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing needs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe, Salesforce, or similar software platforms.
• Comfort and experience in finding solutions to colleagues’ technology needs.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Passion for education and a strong alignment with Upward Scholars’ mission.
• Sensitivity to the challenges faced by underserved populations and immigrant adults.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and organizations from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, ideological, and religious backgrounds.
• One to three years of relevant professional experience; experience or interest in IT support is preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule as needed to support staff, donors, volunteers, and events.
• Access to reliable transportation and possession of a valid California driver’s license.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods and work at a computer.
• Ability to lift up to 24 pounds as needed.

Compensation

This is a part-time, 10 hours per week, temporary 6-month position with the possibility of extension. The hourly rate is $30, depending on experience and qualifications. The role requires on-site work on Mondays and Wednesdays, with occasional additional days or evenings as needed and by mutual arrangement. It includes prorated holidays. While applicants outside the San Francisco Bay Area are encouraged to apply, relocation or housing assistance is not provided.

Location: Position is 100% in-office in Redwood City, two days per week, currently Mondays and Wednesdays.

To Apply

The position is available immediately. Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@upwardscholars.org.

Upward Scholars is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.