career opportunities at ceda

CEDA is an exciting place to work. We attract talented people, many of whom are bilingual, and are interested in working for a vital center of action. Our team introduces policymakers to the realities in Cuba and Latin America more broadly, enabling them to rethink our country’s relationship to the people and governments throughout the hemisphere.

CEDA’s mission to promote engagement across countries and borders based on a foundation of respect extends to its hiring processes. CEDA values the unique skills that diverse candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities bring to the table. We strongly encourage minority candidates to apply. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, religious affiliation, sex, pregnancy status, national origin, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

Current Openings

  • Location: Washington, DC preferred, but all U.S. locations will be considered

    Reports to: Executive Director

    Job Type: Full-Time

    Compensation: $56,500-$60,000 dependent on years of experience

    Start Date: As soon as possible

    About us:

    The Center for Engagement and Advocacy in the Americas (CEDA) is a strategy and advocacy organization that brings a regional perspective and approach to U.S. policy towards the Americas based on thoughtful engagement, partnerships, and mutual respect. We do this by undertaking grounded research to build deep understanding, engaging our stakeholders to cultivate awareness & dialogue, and creating community across government and civil society to inspire collaborative problem-solving. We are a trusted organization sought by donors/funders, media, governments, and civil society for its authentic and critical regional perspective and approach to regional migration, US-Cuba relations, and other evolving policy issues in the Americas. We are a small but mighty team that elevates voices in diplomatic circles to support the rights, dignity, and well-being of people in the Americas. CEDA recently undertook an organizational strategy review in which we have updated our name, value proposition, structure, and culture, as well as outlined a vision for 2025. We are in the process of rolling out our new look and name; stay tuned!

    Position Overview:

    As a part of this organizational refresh and rollout, we are seeking an operations assistant to oversee office operations to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization. The ideal candidate would be a detail-oriented person interested in foreign policy and Latin America and the Caribbean, eager to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment in which multiple priorities are juggled simultaneously. This person will be expected to be a self-starting team player who helps execute and also has the confidence to bring new ideas to the table.

    Key Responsibilities:

    Finance and Bookkeeping Support

    ● Manage CEDA’s bookkeeping/accounting, managing/monitoring QuickBooks; including tracking and coding all incoming money and outgoing expenses

    ● Develop and manage CEDA’s cash flow and annual budget.

    ● Manage monthly accounts payable.

    ● Manage CEDA payroll and 401K plan, bank accounts, and credit cards.

    ● Monitor credit and debit card use.

    Operations Support:

    ● Provide general administrative support to the Executive Director, and Director for Advocacy and Strategy.

    ● Event and trip planning, scheduling, and logistical tasks as needed.

    ● Assist in maintaining and ordering office supplies; equipment inventory; and storage unit

    ● Managing incoming and outcoming mail

    ● Coordinate and schedule meetings and appointments

    ● Assist in organizing and executing special projects and events, including annual gala.

    Human Resources Support:

    ● Manage hiring, onboarding and offboarding process for new and departing staff.

    ● Respond to staff questions regarding benefits, payroll, state tax, and other administrative questions.

    ● Support CEDA’s DEI work, including efforts to ensure diverse applicant pools for job openings.

    ● Manage relationships with insurance brokers, payroll vendor, and other vendors.

    ● Manage policy renewals for organizational insurance policies and ensure proper level of coverage.

    ● Ensure compliance with employment law and local taxes, including with remote work employees and contractors.

    ● Help maintain confidentiality and data security in HR and Operations activities.

    Grants Management and Compliance

    ● Track donor database, update Salesforce, produce reports as needed

    ● Donor communication and management such as following up on pledged donations.

    ● Support with the writing and preparation of grant proposals and reports for new foundations or for expanded support from current foundations.

    Minimum Qualifications and Skills

    ● Undergraduate degree preferred or equivalent combination of education, training and proven experience as an administrative assistant or in a similar role.

    ● Prior experience working with QuickBooks and Salesforce is required,

    ● Capacity to Manage down, up and laterally - including via briefing organizational leadership - to make sure tasks are completed well and on deadline.

    ● Strong organizational and multitasking skills.

    ● Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

    ● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

    ● Attention to detail, solid judgment, and discretion.

    ● Logistical acumen and superior communication skills

    ● Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

    ● Comfort engaging with principals – including members of Congress and senior officials.

    ● Ability and desire to be a team-player within a lean, fast-paced, and start-up environment

    ● US Work Authorization

    Preferred Qualifications

    ● Knowledge of HR processes and practices.

    ● Spanish fluency, written and spoken

    ● Passionate about foreign policy and Latin America and the Caribbean

    CEDA’s Core Values

    At CEDA, each staff member applies these values to efficiently carry out their duties and propel our organization's mission forward.

    ● Advance diversity and equity

    ● Make connections to bridge gaps

    ● Experiential learning

    ● Respect humanity

    ● Informed policy

    ● Collaborative problem-solving

    ● Authentic, trusted partner

    ● Sticky agility

    Competitive benefits including an employer-paid health, dental, and vision plan, 401(k) plan, four weeks paid annual leave, home office stipend, and more.

    Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and examples of successful fundraising or communication campaigns to info@democracyinamericas.org. Please include "Operations Assistant, Application" in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

    CEDA is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.