Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Administrative Assistant

at Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

🏢 About Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national organization uniquely focused on mobilizing white people to participate in racial and economic justice movements. By building a 'white flank' of multiracial majorities, SURJ leverages shared interests to challenge the Far Right and support communities of color, making it a powerful and distinctive force for social change.

About This Role

As the Development Administrative Assistant, you'll be the backbone of the Development Team, providing crucial support to the Development Director and ensuring smooth operations. Your work will directly enable fundraising efforts, helping to secure the resources needed for SURJ's national organizing and base-building projects, thus amplifying the organization's impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start by checking email and coordinating the Development Director's calendar, scheduling meetings across time zones. You'll then assist with donor communications, prepare materials for meetings, and update the CRM with donation data. Afternoons could involve project managing fundraising events or supporting the team with research and reports, all while staying connected via Slack and video calls.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Is Looking For

  • Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced remote environment.
  • Proactive and anticipatory, able to foresee the needs of the Development Director and team, and act as a 'calm in a storm' during high-pressure situations.
  • Excellent communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with staff, donors, and partners.
  • Committed to racial justice and aligned with SURJ's mission, with a willingness to work in a unionized, values-driven environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

1

In your resume, highlight specific administrative and project management experience, using metrics (e.g., 'managed scheduling for a team of 5, coordinating 20+ meetings per month').

2

Tailor your cover letter to explicitly mention SURJ's mission and how your skills can support their development team, referencing their focus on organizing white people for racial justice.

3

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote work tools (e.g., Zoom, Slack, Asana, Google Workspace) and your ability to stay productive and connected virtually.

4

Research SURJ's recent campaigns and achievements (e.g., their work on the Far Right, local chapters) and mention one in your application to show genuine interest.

5

Proofread your application meticulously; as an administrative role, attention to detail is critical, so avoid any typos or formatting errors.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express your passion for racial justice and how SURJ's unique approach of engaging white people resonates with you personally.", 'Describe your experience in administrative support, specifically your ability to manage complex calendars, coordinate projects, and handle confidential information.', "Highlight your proactive nature and problem-solving skills, giving an example of how you've anticipated a manager's needs or improved a process.", 'Mention your comfort with remote work and your ability to build relationships and communicate effectively in a virtual environment.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore SURJ's website, especially their 'About' page, to understand their theory of change and current campaigns.
  • → Read SURJ's recent annual report or financial statements to understand their funding sources and how the development team contributes.
  • → Look into SURJ's involvement in national movements (e.g., Black Lives Matter, immigration justice) to see how their work manifests in practice.
  • → Check SURJ's social media channels to get a sense of their tone and the issues they're currently amplifying.
Visit Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)'s Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you prioritize tasks when supporting multiple team members with competing deadlines?
2 Describe a time you had to handle a difficult or sensitive situation with a donor or colleague. How did you manage it?
3 Why are you interested in working for SURJ specifically, and how does your commitment to racial justice align with our mission?
4 How do you stay organized and manage your time while working remotely? What tools do you use?
5 What strategies would you use to proactively support a busy director, and how would you anticipate their needs?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter that could apply to any administrative role; tailor it to SURJ's mission and this specific position.
  • Avoid overlooking the unionized aspect of the role; don't express negative views about unions or collective bargaining.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of remote work skills; if you lack experience, don't ignore it—instead, highlight transferable skills like self-discipline and communication.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)!

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