Non-Profit Animal Sanctuary Admin & Office Assistant

Sisu Refuge Farm Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal sanctuary caring for 100+ rescued animals in Eastern North Carolina. We are seeking a mature, experienced Part-Time Office Assistant / Office Manager to support daily administrative operations, communications, and organizational follow-through.

This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, dependable, and comfortable handling sensitive information, while working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. The position is on-site during the training and probationary period, with the opportunity to transition to hybrid once trust, systems knowledge, and reliability are established.

Applicants must be comfortable around large animals and willing to be present on-site as part of a working sanctuary environment.

Position Overview:

The Office Assistant / Office Manager is responsible for ensuring that administrative systems run smoothly, communication is handled professionally, and important tasks do not fall through the cracks. This role supports the Executive Director, Board President, founders, and staff by managing office operations, records, scheduling, donor and volunteer coordination, and external communications.

This is not an entry-level role. We are looking for someone with proven administrative experience, strong judgment, and excellent follow-through.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Office & Administrative Operations

• Organize and maintain office operations, procedures, and systems to ensure efficiency.
• Check, organize, and respond to emails; schedule private tours, volunteer days, meetings, and appointments.
• Provide administrative support to the Executive Director and staff.
• Coordinate office activities and schedules for staff and volunteers.
• Ensure office equipment and supplies are stocked and functioning properly.
• Manage inventory and tracking of supplies, including medications, equipment, office supplies, and merchandise.
• Assist with bookkeeping tasks, including recording expenses, monitoring bank transactions, making deposits, and preparing documents for tax filing.
• Maintain organized filing systems (digital and physical), including animal medical records and healthcare documentation.

Communications, Media & Development Support

• Monitor and manage email inboxes and sanctuary phone; route inquiries to the appropriate party or director.
• Assist with donor management and fundraising support, including mailing sponsorship packets, handwritten thank-you notes, and cards.
• Coordinate with journalists, schedule interviews, podcasts, or articles, and assist with press communications.
• Experience with grant writing, press releases, or media outreach is a strong plus.
• Support event planning, including on-site and off-site events, tours, and community outreach opportunities.

Volunteers, Events & On-Site Support

• Schedule, coordinate, and oversee volunteer or tour groups.
• Greet visitors and assist during orientations, tours, and on-site events.
• Assist with merchandise handling, including order pickup, packaging, mailing, and point-of-sale during events.
• Assist during events with merchandise sales and donation collection.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in office administration, office management, or administrative support
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple tasks reliably
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with leadership
• Professional judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information
• Comfortable following written systems and procedures
• Reliable, dependable, and consistent with deadlines
• Comfortable working in a busy, nontraditional office environment (working farm)
• Comfortable around large animals and willing to assist on-site as needed
• Reliable transportation and ability to be on-site during scheduled hours

Preferred / Bonus Experience:

• Grant writing
• Press releases and media coordination
• Interview or podcast scheduling
• Nonprofit administration
• Donor management or fundraising support

Schedule & Compensation:

• Part-time position (approximately 10–20 hours per week) with potential for FT
• Flexible schedule
• On-site required during training and probationary period
• Opportunity to transition to hybrid work after demonstrated competence and trust
• Pay based on experience and skill level
• Paid training provided

Hiring Process:

• Initial Zoom or phone call interview
• On-site orientation and working interview
• Paid training and trial period (one week)
• Job offer

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Experience:

• Social media management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Administrative: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Albertson, NC 28508