Descendants Project Community Engagement Fellow

The Descendants Project Community Engagement Fellow at the Student Conservation Association in Vacherie, LA, seeks a Personal Assistant to support day-to-day operations and community initiatives focused on environmental justice and historical preservation. Responsibilities include schedule management, communication, event support, travel coordination, and community engagement. The position is hybrid or remote for the right candidate and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays.
Position Summary

Blanchard House Institute/The Descendants Project Personal Assistant: Louisiana Heritage Tourism Corridor The Descendants Project is dedicated to advancing the well-being and advocacy of the Black descendant community in Louisiana’s river parishes, focusing on environmental justice, historical preservation, and community empowerment. We are seeking a committed and detail-oriented Personal Assistant to support our founders and team members in managing day-to-day operations, coordinating initiatives, and streamlining administrative processes. This role is ideal for someone who values community-centered work and is passionate about social and environmental justice. The Assistant will work on site with The Descendants Project at St. John’s Baptist Parish, 45 miles north of New Orleans, LA. This Fellow will work in collaboration with The Descendants Project and Blanchard House Institute, as well as many of their partners and community groups. This position is 40 hours per week and requires work on holidays, weekends and hours other regular business hours as necessary.. Based in Louisiana, with hybrid or remote options possible for the right candidate.

Location: Vacherie, LA

Schedule

May 5, 2025 – April 17, 2026

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Schedule Management: Maintain the calendars for founders and key team members, ensuring efficient scheduling of meetings, events, and travel.
• Communication: Manage emails, draft correspondence, and liaise with community partners, stakeholders, and media contacts as needed.
• Event Support: Assist in organizing community events, meetings, and engagements, coordinating logistics and materials.
• Travel Coordination: Arrange travel for speaking engagements, conferences, and project site visits.
• Research and Reporting: Conduct research on relevant topics, including historical, environmental, and community-related issues, to support project objectives.
• Administrative Support: Handle essential administrative tasks, including documentation, expense tracking, and database management.
• Community Engagement: Serve as a point of contact for local community members, responding to inquiries and supporting community outreach initiatives.
• Project Management Support: Assist in tracking project timelines and ensuring deliverables for ongoing initiatives related to environmental advocacy and historical preservation.
• Be able to work across socio-economic, ethnic, and diverse backgrounds
• Be able to work in different temperature and work environments including extreme heat
• Be able to understand and embrace the full history of the site
• Create and maintain a safe service and project environment
• Log outcomes in SCA’s database
• Uphold a positive representation of Blanchard House Institute, The Descendants Project, and SCA

Marginal Duties
• Support with reporting and materials development as needed
• Maintenance that could include vegetation removal, weeding, and pruning
• Additional support provided to site partner as needed

Required Qualifications
• Previous experience in an administrative or personal assistant role, preferably in a non-profit or advocacy-focused organization.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience in community-centered communication preferred.
• Proficient in office software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.
• Familiarity with the region
• Collaborative approach to work
• Experience working with community members
• Must be minimum of 21 years of age
• Must have the ability to legally work in the U.S.
• Must be able to lift and/or move 25 pounds or more
• Ability to work at a desk with a computer or laptop
• Minimum of a two-year college degree
• State-issued Driver’s License; personal vehicle

Hours

40 per week

Living Accommodations

The Fellow would need to find their own living accommodations. Blanchard House Institute/The Descendants Project could assist as needed.

Compensation

Compensation is $900/week – Health insurance is offered with this position – One-time relocation allowance of $650

All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.

Personal Vehicle Information

Recommended

Additional Benefits

Health Insurance

AmeriCorps: Not Eligible

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.

Physical requirements and working conditions specific to the position are available in the full job description.