We’re Hiring!

Job Title: Program Assistant

Rate of Pay: Full-Time position, pay starting at $24/hour.

Job Description and Summary:

The Program Assistant plays a vital role in advancing the Commute Options mission to increase access to transportation options across Oregon. This role involves assisting in the Safe Routes to School (SRTS), Oregon Friendly Driver (OFD), and Get There Rewards (GTR) programs. These programs support all community members, including those from diverse and marginalized backgrounds, in getting from here to there through access and knowledge on transportation options that provide affordable, safe, efficient, and equitable ways to access schools, jobs, services, and key destinations, improving communities across Oregon.

Key responsibilities include engaging in community outreach and events, promoting our programs, and actively engaging with the community. In particular, the Program Assistant plays a pivotal role in assisting in engaging diverse community members to enhance service delivery, expanding access to resources, and ensuring that the perspectives of underserved populations are integrated into program planning. The SRTS program creates fun, convenient, and safe opportunities for children to walk and roll to and from school. The OFD program educates people who drive on what to expect from people walking and rolling to improve roadway safety for all users. The GTR program manages rewards for employees at partner companies who use Transportation Options to and from work.

The Program Assistant reports to the Education Program Manager and is an instructor for both SRTS and OFD. Duties involve traveling to job sites, including schools and various venues to help deliver SRTS to students K-8 and OFD to teens and adults. GTR program support involves managing and compiling data and responding to user inquiries online.

This position is vital to our work ensuring our programs are inclusive, culturally competent, and address intersectional disparities in getting from here to there, in order to enhance equity in transportation access. We seek a committed individual who embraces our mission, vision, and values, and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and trauma-informed approach in all interactions and program implementations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate cultural competence, engage effectively with diverse communities, and contribute to creating an environment that respects and values diverse backgrounds and experiences. This position is crucial to ensuring our programs are inclusive and culturally responsive, enhancing the overall impact on the communities we serve.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES & FUNCTIONS – These can be performed with or without an accommodation.

Support program planning and implementation of activities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all community members. Prepare program documents and maintain accurate records.
Ensure that implemented objectives and activities comply with grants and contract requirements.
Instruct informative, engaging, and inclusive SRTS and OFD program safety education, assisting in ensuring materials are accessible to all participants, including those with disabilities or language access needs.
Completes tasks described in the OFD program contract, including, but not limited to, instructing in-person classes and data collection.
Support Outreach Activities: Assist in outreach events outside of regular instruction time, including but not limited to encouragement events, bike nights, walk/roll to school events, May challenge events, and community events, assisting in ensuring activities are inclusive and accessible to all community members, including those from marginalized backgrounds.
Collaborate with other team members to ensure the success of outreach initiatives and activities.
Event Attendance and Assistance: Attend various events and assist as needed. Help provide logistical support such as transporting materials to and from events, ensuring all necessary items are prepared and organized.
Assist in data collection and customer inquiries about the Get There Connect platform and rewards, accommodating diverse user needs.
Report on deliverables accurately and promptly each quarter to the Oregon Department of Transportation, City of Bend, and any other relevant contracts or required reports.
Demonstrate a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively mitigating bias.
Exhibit proficiency in and dedication to promoting racial equity and social justice in all job responsibilities.
Support our DEIA Working Group in ensuring equitable experiences, strengthening inclusion, showing good judgment, and cultivating a culture of inclusivity and belonging that values the contributions of all team members.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Education Program Manager for the agency’s further development.

COMPETENCIES

Stress Management – Accepts pressure and maintains composure and perspective in tense situations and under deadlines with funders, community partners, members, the Board, and staff.
Detail-Oriented & Quality Focus – Verifies all work. Recognizes and addresses flaws or errors through thorough analysis and proactive problem-solving. Receives constructive criticism and seeks to improve.
Interpersonal Communication – Builds rapport with a positive and collaborative attitude with all levels of people within the organization and outside. Able to present information effectively to groups.
Nonprofit & Job-Specific Knowledge – Understands transportation issues and related standards, practices, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

Must embrace the mission of Commute Options and demonstrate a commitment to promoting safe, accessible, and equitable transportation options.
Competency in bike riding.
Maintains professional conduct in all interactions with community members, partners, and colleagues.
Must be able to communicate effectively with others, including writing and speaking.
Experience in presenting or public speaking.
Organized with a demonstrated ability to follow through on tasks and goals, such as planning events and reporting on program outcomes.
Possess the skills to work collaboratively within a diverse team environment and participate with a focus on collaboration.
Employment is contingent upon verification of eligibility to work in the United States as required by federal law.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of transportation industry principles and laws.
Experience in community outreach, particularly with diverse and marginalized communities.
Demonstrated cultural competency and the ability to engage effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds.
Proven skills in building rapport and relationships across different communities.
Ability to foster safe, inclusive, supportive, and collaborative environments for individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Commitment to providing equitable transportation options and understanding systemic barriers to mobility.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills using trauma-informed language and practices in interactions with community members and colleagues.
Lived experience as a bike commuter.
Demonstrated expertise and a strong commitment to apply racial equity and social justice practices in all aspects of program support and community engagement.
Fluency in two or more languages.
Experience instructing youth or teaching skills.
Experience with data entry and basic data analysis.

BENEFITS

Extensive benefits package and PTO: 100% employer-covered health insurance, Vanguard 403(b) retirement account – employer contribution, cell phone stipend.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays
Paid personal and professional development opportunities: we invest in the growth and advancement of our employees by offering financial support for activities such as attending conferences, workshops, training programs, or pursuing further education, especially in areas such as unconscious bias awareness, cultural competency and responsive communication, and trauma-informed practices.
This benefits package demonstrates Commute Option’s commitment to supporting its employees’ well-being, financial security, and professional development.

WORKING CONDITIONS, ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Working Environment

This position involves working both in an office setting and outdoors on roadways, sidewalks, bike paths, parks, school grounds, and parking lots.

Essential Physical Requirements & Effort

Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
The person in this position needs to move safely in both inside and outside environments, including roadways, sidewalks and bike paths, and work atop varying terrain.
Regularly operates a bicycle, and office equipment, including computers, printers, and telephones.
Ability to transport, position, move, and safety handle equipment or materials up to 50 pounds (i.e. bicycles).
Capability to discern, perceive, and identify hazards and provide directions in dynamic environments.
The role requires comfort with riding a bike while managing groups of students during program activities.
This role involves the motor skills required to do basic bike adjustments (i.e. adjusting quick releases) and perform basic bike maintenance (i.e. adding air to bike tires). Additionally, the position requires the ability to walk, stand, bend, twist, run, and ride to complete demonstrations and support students during pedestrian and bike drills.

Exposures

Exposed to various environmental factors such as weather conditions (e.g., sun exposure, rain, wind), temperature variations (e.g., hot summers, cold winters), moderate to loud noise levels (e.g., traffic, outdoor events), and various lighting conditions (e.g., daylight, night-time events).
Exposure to various physical conditions, including navigating uneven terrain and surfaces, managing traffic hazards and safety precautions, physical exertion required for biking and lifting equipment, and engaging with diverse community environments.

Travel Requirements

Must have a reliable means of transportation. This role is responsible for transporting materials and equipment (including shade canopy & table) to events throughout Central Oregon.

Commitment to Inclusivity, Equity, and Accessibility:

At Commute Options, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where every voice is heard and every contribution matters. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. Our workplace culture prioritizes safety, inclusivity, and belonging, particularly for marginalized professionals.

Reasonable Accommodations:

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure that all employees, including those with disabilities, can perform the essential functions of their job. If you require any accommodations during the application or employment process, please contact info@commuteoptions.org to discuss how we can support your needs.

Universal Design and Accessibility:

We embrace universal design principles to ensure our recruitment and hiring processes are accessible to all individuals. As part of our commitment, candidates invited to interview will receive a copy of the interview questions in advance to promote equitable preparation and participation. This practice ensures that all candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate their qualifications fully.

EEOC Statement:

Commute Options is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and your resume to info@commuteoptions.org. BIPOC, LGBTQIA, women and Latino community members are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Commute Options

Commute Options is organized as a private non-profit community development corporation and has charitable tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our Board of Directors provides leadership and direction for the organization, and our executive director (ED) manages the daily functions of the organization. Commute Options is dedicated to innovative transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. We champion active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options.

There’s a lot going on at Commute Options which brings together a dynamic group of people with many different talents, all working together to pull everything off successfully. Join the Commute Options team to interact with a great group of co-workers, board members, program users, donors, partners, and vendors. Through building positive relationships based on mutual respect, support and trust in each other, we can all succeed in our work we do together each day. Be a part of our mission to be a community leader and educational resource.