Home > POSITION DESCRIPTION – Ikayuq (Assistant/Helper)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Ikayuq (Assistant/Helper)
Location: First Alaskans Institute, Anchorage (Office and Remotely) Reports to: Vice President & Indigenous Operations Director FTE / Wage: 1.0 Regular Full-Time Equivalent / DOE FSLA Designation: Non-Exempt
Core Purpose of this Role
The Ikayuq (“Assistant/Helper” in Yugtun, the language of the Yup’ik people) position plays a critical role within the First Alaskans Institute (FAI) team as the first point of contact for the community, supporting day-to-day Indigenous Operations and providing support throughout our various initiatives (Indigenous Operations, Alaska Native Policy Center, Indigenous Leadership Continuum, and Community Engagement). This position is anchored in Indigenous Operations – the heartbeat of our efforts – circulating administrative and financial process support through all FAI endeavors so we can do the work of our peoples and advance our vision, mission, and values of FAI in anIndigenized team environment.
To effectively advance our vision and mission, the organization must run smoothly. The Ikayuq providesadministrative support services across initiatives with the professional skills necessary to nurture relationships both internally and externally to FAI. This position is an excellent role for a person who enjoys: working with people, being helpful behind the scenes, supporting smooth and efficient processes, keeping things organized, jumping in to help with all that needs to be done, is able to cross-train across positions, and is comfortable being trained in FAI’s dialogue hosting process to help when needed on a range of topics that often include trust-building, racial equity, and intergenerational trauma and healing. This position is designed for a person who is excited to be part of a team focused on Indigenizing our work and advancing our Native community.
We look to the Ikayuq for a great and professional attitude, as well as a strong work ethic that exemplifies the high expectations of our Native values. Essential to our team approach is finding members who are the right fit and bring the flexibility, capacity, passion and experience necessary to contribute to the work we are honored to do for our Native community. All FAI staff members are expected to grow their understanding of and advocacy for our Native peoples, including addressing social justice issues that face our communities, intergenerational trauma and healing, and uplifting our relationships, cultures, and languages. The Ikayuq must have access to a personal cell phone andinternet in order to effectively work virtually and/or in person.
Duties and Responsibilities
Carries out day-to-day administrative functions and operations of FAI, including checking and routing mail;
Answers phones, routes messages, and coordinates to ensure phone coverage at all times;
Works closely with the Finance Director to expedite check and invoice requests, deposits, etc.; trackingcheck requests as necessary;
Assists the Finance Director with audit preparation;
Arranges travel and related logistics for FAI Staff, Trustees, and other FAI participants as needed;
Coordinates and supports virtual and/or in-person organizational meetings as directed (this may includescheduling, finding space, serving as a point of contact, disseminating meeting information, orderingcatering, ensuring tech needs are met, taking notes, etc.);
Maintains ongoing organization and stocking of the copy room, storage and kitchen areas, and othercommon areas within the office;
Shopping, ordering and coordinating delivery of supplies or other necessary materials as needed;
Drafts letters, types minutes and other note taking responsibilities as directed, including Board of Trusteemeeting minutes upon request;
Supports the preparation for and success of FAI gatherings and events as directed;
Identifies efficiencies and opportunities to build connections between FAI initiatives to increase impact;
Coordinates with FAI Directors to support relevant needs of initiatives; and
Other duties as assigned or necessary to support and sustain success for FAI.
General Performance Capacities Needed for Position
Perform varied tasks to ensure smooth functioning of FAI, able to effectively multitask and prioritize;
Be organized, friendly, and efficient, especially when answering phone calls, greeting visitors, and handlingrequests from Trustees, staff, partner organizations, donors, Elders, and community members;
Perform miscellaneous office duties in a professional and proficient manner including typing, filing, faxing,photocopying, and collating and distributing materials, etc.;
Be proactive in identifying and carrying out tasks needed to support the success of our work;
Maintain the office in a presentable and appropriate manner, coordinate with other team members to keep this collective effort organized;
Be proactive in setting goals and deadlines to achieve efficiencies in work and service support;
Occasional travel as necessary to support the work; and
Be adaptable to a changing work environment in order to best support the collective work of FAI.
Skills/Knowledge
Highly organized and detail-oriented, able to manage and prioritize multiple tasks;
Exhibits excellent judgment and a positive attitude in all aspects of this role;
Is tactful, ethical and trustworthy;
Comfortable with trying new approaches and flexible with organizational needs;
Strong writing, engagement, interpersonal and communication skills with a variety of audiences;
Self-starter, strong time management skills – must be able to work well both independently and as anintegral member of a team;
Works with integrity; highly accountable to tracking, following through and completing responsibilities;
Proficient with standard software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook;
Open to humbly receiving direction, incorporating personal feedback, and working well under pressure;
Able to nurture relationships with other FAI staff and supporters, members of the community, otherorganizations and institutions;
Strong knowledge, appreciation, experience, and commitment to working with and for Alaska Native people and statewide Native organizations;
Knowledge of political, social organizations and the cultural ways of life of Alaska Native peoples and thecommunities and cultures we live and work in is preferred; and
Ability to work in and add to an Indigenous environment focused on perpetuating Alaska Nativeknowledges, identities, ways of life, spirit, languages, as well as other areas of indigenizing ourorganization and our outcomes through our vision and mission.
Education/Work Experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience in administrative support, accounting and/or finance support, andexperience in general coordination is necessary.
FAI is a dynamic organization changing as needed to best address its goals. This job description isrepresentative of duties at a moment in time and is intended as a “living document” updated periodically to reflect changes in job responsibilities and/or emphasis. It is not intended or implied to be an employment contract but is a method of communication to explain responsibilities, advertise the job, identify performance measures and potential training needs.
