Programs Assistant (Consultant)

Hours: Approximately 20–30 hours per month

Compensation: 1099 Independent Contractor – $25 per hour

Position Summary

The Programs Assistant provides administrative, operational, and project coordination support for the Black Public Defender Association's (BPDA) programs and initiatives, including fellowships, trainings, conferences, membership engagement, and special projects. Working closely with the Programs team, this position helps coordinate day-to-day program operations by managing project logistics, maintaining organized systems, supporting communications, and tracking deliverables to ensure projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and enjoys supporting multiple projects simultaneously. This individual is comfortable working independently, communicating with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to the successful implementation of mission-driven programs.

Essential Responsibilities

Program Coordination & Project Support

• Coordinate administrative and logistical support for fellowships, trainings, conferences, membership initiatives, and other programmatic activities.
• Maintain project timelines, work plans, and task trackers to ensure deadlines are met.
• Organize and maintain project files, shared drives, templates, and program documentation.
• Update project management systems and monitor the completion of assigned tasks.
• Assist with meeting scheduling, calendar coordination, agenda preparation, and meeting notes.
• Track action items and follow up on outstanding deliverables.

Communications & Stakeholder Support

• Draft and distribute routine communications to participants, speakers, fellows, vendors, and partners.
• Monitor shared program inboxes and route inquiries appropriately.
• Coordinate follow-up communications regarding required forms, presentation materials, contracts, and other program documentation.
• Support participant communications before, during, and after trainings, conferences, and fellowship activities.

Fellowships, Trainings & Conferences

• Collect and organize speaker biographies, headshots, presentation materials, and session information.
• Assist with registration management and participant tracking.
• Maintain accurate records for speakers, fellows, participants, and program activities.
• Prepare and organize digital and printed program materials.
• Support virtual and in-person event logistics as needed.
• Assist with post-event follow-up, evaluations, and documentation.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Perform data entry and maintain accurate program records and databases.
• Create, update, and maintain spreadsheets, trackers, templates, and reporting tools.
• Assist with compiling program metrics and administrative reports.
• Support special projects and other operational or administrative duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• One (1) to three (3) years of experience in administrative support, project coordination, nonprofit operations, event coordination, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
• Experience using project management software such as ClickUp, Asana, Airtable, Trello, or similar platforms preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent follow-through and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong customer service and relationship management skills.
• Comfortable collaborating with staff, consultants, volunteers, and external partners in a remote work environment.
• Interest in supporting nonprofit programs, professional development initiatives, public defense, or racial justice organizations.

Compensation & Engagement Details

• This is a 1099 independent contractor position.
• Compensation is $25 per hour for approximately 20–30 hours per month.
• This position does not include employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, or other employer-provided benefits.
• Contractors are responsible for their own tax obligations and compliance with applicable independent contractor requirements

Work Location & Travel

• This is a remote, 1099 independent contractor position averaging 20–30 hours per month.
• While work hours are flexible, the consultant must be available during 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, as needed, to attend meetings, collaborate with team members, and support program activities.
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to support trainings, conferences, meetings, or other programmatic events.
• Travel may be requested for up to three (3) BPDA events per year, including conferences, trainings, retreats, and other organizational meetings. While travel is not a required component of the position, candidates should be comfortable with occasional travel to support BPDA programs and events when needed. Approved travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with BPDA/NLADA policies and the terms of the consulting agreement.

About BPDA

The Black Public Defender Association (BPDA) is a national membership section of the National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) dedicated to strengthening public defense and advancing racial justice by supporting, developing, and connecting Black public defenders and all who support the defense function. Through leadership development, professional training, policy advocacy, community engagement, and mentorship, BPDA works to improve the quality of legal representation provided to low-income communities.

Guided by its four pillars—Lead. Train. Advocate. Inspire.—BPDA brings together attorneys, investigators, social workers, mitigation specialists, client advocates, policy advocates, law students, and other public defense professionals to build a stronger, more equitable public defense community. Through innovative programs, fellowships, conferences, trainings, and strategic partnerships, BPDA cultivates leadership, promotes professional excellence, and advances justice for the communities its members serve.