Job Opening: Programs & Publications Assistant

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The Programs & Publications Assistant provides support to ASAN’s Operations team in event planning and in publication formatting. They will work closely with ASAN’s Operations Manager and Digital & Print Media Coordinator. The job is a salaried position paying $50,000/year with comprehensive health insurance and three weeks of paid time off per year. The Programs & Publications Assistant will work at ASAN’s Washington, DC office.

Job responsibilities

Publications & Graphic Design (50%)

  • Assist the Digital & Print Media Coordinator in formatting Easy Read toolkits and other ASAN publications. Specific job tasks may include:
    • Laying out text and graphics using Adobe InDesign;
    • Creating new Easy Read icons to illustrate specific concepts using Adobe Photoshop/Illustrator;
    • Writing image descriptions for graphics;
    • Organizing/maintaining our library of icons in Adobe Bridge, including acquiring new images from a variety of sources;
    • Using Adobe Acrobat’s accessibility tools to finalize documents for publication; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Programs & Events (50%)

  • Assist the Operations Manager in planning & coordinating events, including the Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) program, Disability Day of Mourning vigils, and annual Gala. Specific job tasks may include:
    • Managing event logistics (e.g. disability accommodations for attendees, reserving a venue, arranging catering, setting up meetings etc.);
    • Ongoing communication with event hosts, volunteers, speakers, or other event participants;
    • Arranging travel and housing for event participants if necessary;
    • Developing presentations;
    • Coordinating staff, materials & schedules on site during an event;
    • Provide ongoing technical assistance to leadership programs alumni throughout the year, assisting in their skill development and activism;
    • Provide ongoing technical assistance to ASAN’s affiliated self-advocacy organizations throughout the year; and
    • Other duties as assigned.

Skills needed

    • Proficiency with Adobe Suite graphic design programs including InDesign and either Illustrator or Photoshop; demonstrated skill in graphic design.
    • Strong organizational and planning skills. Some experience in event planning and/or project management preferred
    • Ability to work on multiple logistically complex long-term projects simultaneously
    • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps
    • Strong phone, email, and written communication skills (using AAC or other communication supports as necessary)
    • Familiarity with the disability rights, self-advocacy, and neurodiversity movements
    • Ability to work flexible and nonstandard hours, including some evenings and weekends
    • Ability to take direction, take initiative, and work in a team
    • Track record of discretion and reliability in work and advocacy environments
    • Willingness to learn about and respect the different access needs of self-advocates and work colleagues.

We strongly encourage people of color, AAC users, and members of the LGBTQ community to apply. Interested parties should send their resume, cover letter, and portfolio to zgross@autisticadvocacy.org.