UPDATE – POSITION FILLED

The Canal Corridor Association is accepting resumes for an Office Manager at the new CCA office in Lemont, Illinois. This is a full-time position that is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the office, as well as administrative support for the Executive Director and organization.

Founded in 1981, the Canal Corridor Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that preserves history, protects nature, and creates destinations where people can learn and have fun in the I&M Canal National Heritage Area (IMCNHA). The Canal Corridor Association was designated by Congress in 2006 as the local coordinating entity for the I&M Canal National Heritage Area, the nation’s first national heritage area. From Chicago to LaSalle/Peru, 60 communities are within the IMCNHA boundaries.  Now with downtown locations in Lemont and LaSalle, CCA strives to engage as many partners as possible to enhance the mission and share the work and fun.  The I&M Canal Boat and Visitor Center in LaSalle is owned and managed by CCA. 

If you are interested in our mission to preserve and promote the region’s natural resources, history, and nationally significant stories, please consider joining the Canal Corridor Association team.

Resumes will be accepted until October 30th, 2023. Send a cover letter describing interest and resume to: [email protected].

Details
TITLE: Office Manager         
LOCATION: CCA Office, Lemont, Illinois
CLASSIFICATION: Permanent, Full-Time (40 hours/week)
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 am – 5 pm; occasional evenings and weekends required

Role
Oversee day-to-day operations of the Canal Corridor Association main office. Answer incoming calls and emails. Work with contacts to book group boat tours and catered events at the I&M Canal Visitor Center in LaSalle. Maintain office to be supplied and in good condition at all times. Support the work of the Executive Director and other staff of CCA by assisting with tasks, projects, meetings, programs, and events. Provide a wide range of administrative support to support the work in the IMCNHA. Proactively greet and engage visitors to the office. Provide an introduction to the I&M Canal National Heritage Area and I&M Canal history. Refer visitors to attractions, events, amenities and services within the IMCNHA. Represent CCA to visitors and local community members, businesses, and organizations. Conduct work in accordance with CCA policies and procedures, while exercising a considerable amount of independent judgment in carrying out assigned duties and responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day operation of CCA office

  • Answer and respond to all phone calls and emails in a professional, prompt manner.
  • Receive, sort, and process all incoming mail and deliveries.
  • Process all out-going mail and shipments.
  • Maintain master CCA calendar for all meetings, group tours, events, programs, and other identified commitments.
  • Create office processes and procedures when necessary, document them, and communicate to all staff.
  • Maintain all equipment in working order, including coordination with vendors for repairs or maintenance work.
  • Become familiar with the I&M Canal story and with local and regional attractions to be able to share information and recommendations on the area to visitors and callers.
  • Ensure the office is well-presented, clean, organized, and accessible at all times.
  • Provide assistance and trouble-shooting related to the bike rental program throughout the IMCNHA.
  • Solicit and stock brochures of I&M Canal National Heritage Area attractions and services, in coordination with the Visitor Center Manager.
  • Maintain brochure rack in an organized, accessible, up-to-date, and attractive matter.
  • Order, purchase, and/or prepare any supplies needed for the office, meetings, or events.

Manage reservations for group boat tours and catering at I&M Canal Visitor Center

  • Respond to all inquiries in a prompt and professional manner.
  • Answer customer questions and work through details regarding proposed tours.
  • Complete reservation and contract process according to CCA procedures.
  • Collect and process payments.
  • Communicate reservation, catering orders, and other pertinent information to all necessary staff and vendors.
  • Monitor calendar and provide updates, reminders, and information as each tour approaches.

Support the work of the Executive Director

  • Draft documents, spreadsheets, and other digital products for Executive Director.
  • Receive, create, file, and store digital files and hard copy records in an orderly fashion and according to the process laid out by the Executive Director.
  • Retrieve files or materials from nearby storage location, upon request.
  • Schedule meetings and appointments for Executive Director and other CCA staff.
  • Assist in preparations for annual reports, audits, grants submissions, and other significant projects.
  • Provide other administrative support requested by Executive Director.

Perform additional duties as required

  • Communicate all questions, concerns, needs, and requests to Executive Director in a prompt and timely manner.
  • Assist at Lock 16 Visitor Center, off-site meetings, programs, and events, when needed.
  • Work non-standard days or hours to staff CCA or partner programs and events.
  • Collaborate and work in cooperation with other CCA staff on assigned projects and duties.
  • Attend occasional CCA and industry related meetings.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Must be self-directed and able to function at a high level with or without direct supervision
  • Organized, motivated and customer-focused approach to work
  • Enthusiastic, friendly and confident manner
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
  • Problem-solving ability and sound judgment
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with the I&M Canal National Heritage Area
  • Proficient computer user; able to use a variety of common software, programs, and applications on an Apple Mac-based system (Microsoft Suite, Google Docs, Zoom, etc.), as well as Point of Sale system and other common office equipment and phone systems.  
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, work independently, meet schedules and deadlines, plan and organize work.
  • Effectively multitask and prioritize tasks and responsibilities

Training & Experience

Minimum requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in related field, preferred (History, Tourism, Parks & Recreation, Education, Business, or similar)
  • At least 2 years of experience in an administrative assistant or clerical support role in a non-profit or other customer-focused business or organization
  • At least 5 years of work experience with experience in one or more areas of responsibility required for this position (customer service, tourism, hospitality, public-facing position in non-profit organization, or similar)
  • Demonstrated administrative or clerical office experience and related computer skills
  • Must possess and maintain a current valid Driver’s License and have access to reliable transportation to get to and from work site

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Executive Director

Works closely with: Communications Manager, Visitor Center Manager, and CCA Volunteers

Occasionally interacts with: CCA Board of Directors, Partner Organizations, Local Officials, and other National Heritage Area staff from around the country

Working Environment and Conditions

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Manual Dexterity: Ability to move between sitting at a computer/desk, standing, and walking for 6-8 hours. Ability to operate computer, POS, and phone systems. Ability to manipulate, lift, reach, position, and arrange physical objects, such as brochures, merchandise, equipment, and other supplies necessary to complete task.

Physical Effort: Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion

Working Conditions: Primarily indoor conditions. Ability to work out-of-doors with occasional                 exposure to moderately disagreeable weather.

Hazards: Negligible

Salary and Paid Time Off (PTO)

Salary: $47,500 (2,080 hours annually)

Paycheck: Biweekly

Paid time off: 12 days per year to be used for sick, vacation, or other planned time off. Some holidays will be additional paid time off, as determined by Executive Director.