About Laotong Yoga
Laotong Yoga is WV’s prison yoga project and promotes healing and resilience through trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness for those impacted by the criminal legal system in West Virginia DCR correctional facilities and WVARR certified recovery residences.
Our mission is to share meditation, mindfulness, and trauma-informed yoga with incarcerated individuals in West Virginia, as well as others impacted by the legal system, supporting their journey through reentry, recovery, rehabilitation, or employment. We believe activity-based recovery and holistic methods create space for personal healing and growth, and are the most effective, beneficial, and humane way to address crime, substance use, and mental health disorders. We aim to shift how our culture addresses these social challenges by demonstrating the effectiveness of a health-centered approach.
Laotong Yoga, Inc. was founded in 2012 and currently offers trauma-informed yoga and embodied mindfulness programs across southern West Virginia. In addition to our prison programs, we provide classes at WVARR certified recovery residences, are developing yoga teacher training programs, and foster community connection through creation and participation in recovery events.
Position Overview
- We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our nonprofit staff as a part-time Administrative Assistant.
Start Date: April/May 2024
Deadline to Apply: April 15, 2024
Salary: $15-20/hour, based on experience; 20-30 hours per week; may advance to full-time employment with benefits if desired after 90-day probationary period.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
WV’s Prison Yoga Project is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals, regardless of race, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, veterans’ or other protected status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or incarceration history, are encouraged to seek employment with Laotong Yoga, Inc.
Please Note: Those with criminal records are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to the Executive Director, including coordinating materials, preparing and printing documents, and maintaining company records
- Organize company files; File and retrieve documents, records, and reports
- Craft compelling reports, presentations, and documents that captivate and inspire using the canvas of Microsoft Excel and Word (Work requires word processing, spreadsheet, database, and/or presentation software.)
- Receive and document attendance and compile statistics from all weekly classes
- Manage the company office space, perform general office duties, such as ordering supplies, and maintaining records management in database systems
- Answer phone calls and direct calls to appropriate parties or take messages. Send standard responses to correspondence containing routine questions.
- Attend meetings to record minutes as well as prepare for meetings, such as coordinating catering for luncheons, for committee, board, and other meetings.
- Assist the Executive Director to develop and implement company policies and procedures to ensure the smooth delivery of our programs.
- Assist with development of annual report highlighting program activities, finances, and pertinent information.
- Maintain a quarterly e-newsletter and mailing list.
- Serve as a liaison between our nonprofit donors and the organization, addressing any inquiries or concerns promptly and effectively.
- Send out gift acknowledgement and end-of-year donation summaries in a timely manner.
- Support the Executive Director in evaluations of program effectiveness, using the feedback from participants and stakeholders to inform program enhancements.
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and implement strategies for program improvement and expansion throughout the region and the state.
- Assist in the coordination of fundraising event logistics, including scheduling, venue arrangements, partner communications, and donor mailing.
- Assist in developing training for new board members, new yoga program facilitators, staff, and/or organizational volunteers as needed.
- Represent our organization at meetings, recovery events, and conferences related to our yoga programs.
Qualifications
- Alignment with Laotong Yoga’s “Vision, Mission, and Purpose”
- Experience or confidence interacting with government & institutions: Department of Corrections staff, WV DHHR, Bureau of Behavioral Health, WVARR etc.
- High school diploma and driver’s license required; Training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree preferred, but not required
- Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken word in a friendly, articulate, and professional manner to represent the company appropriately
- Commitment to ethical communication and respectful relationship building
- Ability to work remotely, including meeting via Zoom, Facetime, or MS Teams
- Strong competency with Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms
- Strong competency with online organizational tools, such as MailChimp, Canva, Eventbrite. Meta Business Suite
- Embrace the flexibility of a hybrid schedule, ready to rise to the occasion with occasional availability outside of regular business hours.
- Joy in filing, organizing, and/or decorating a plus.
- Experience in nonprofit management preferred but not required
- Experience with trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices; Laotong Yoga certificate preferred, 200-hour or greater yoga teacher training certification preferred, yoga therapist certification, or other mental health certification/licensure preferred
Additional information:
Salary & Benefits: Hourly wage is based on experience and performance. Hours are flexible. Working from the office is encouraged but not mandatory. We work Mon-Fri.
90-day probationary period required to achieve full-time and to receive employee benefits.
Full Time Employee Benefits:
Professional Development Assistance
Flexible Schedule
Paid Time Off
Health Insurance or Stipend
Cell phone service or stipend
Location: The candidate for the position must be based in or near Charleston, WV
How to Apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Final Application Date: April 15th2024
Interview Question(s) to consider:
- How has yoga, meditation, or mindfulness practice influenced your life?
- What do you want your life to look like in 5 years?
