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We’re Hiring!
Who We Are
Restore Mass Ave (RMA) is a small, volunteer-run nonprofit engaged in restoring the full tree canopy and historic landscape of Embassy Row, the two miles of Massachusetts Avenue NW from Wisconsin Avenue east to Dupont Circle.
This route is Washington’s most famous diplomatic street and likely the last Grand Avenue in the United States. Its geometry, parks and statuary embody Pierre L’Enfant’s vision for the capital city. But our goal is not only to restore the street’s former beauty but also to create a sustainable street for thousands who travel on it every day.
RMA is a network of US and foreign neighbors along the avenue, plus civic-minded people from all over. We’re actively engaged with DC Urban Forestry, the National Park Service, DC government and others. Our unique role is recognized, such as by the World Forum on Urban Forests.
Over 18 years we’ve arranged planting of hundreds of trees towards our goal of full canopy. Our program aims to sustain mature trees to keep the Grand Avenue’s character and to control stormwater, provide shade and help wildlife.
RMA has run almost entirely on volunteers. But as we approach our twentieth year, we should grow up. The challenges include new US owners and diplomats who have moved to Embassy Row. RMA should engage directly with new neighbors and those already here. We need them to learn about the avenue’s green legacy and our program. Reaching wider, we should hold public events like tree tours and also hands-in-dirt Treekeeping. Thanks to our visible success, other groups want to partner with us.
RMA’s management capacity must grow beyond what volunteers can handle. We need “next gen” skills to help extend relationships, refresh our expertise, and for more professional administration.
Executive Assistant
Restore Mass Ave seeks an Executive Assistant who is knowledgeable about DC trees and landscape and has a track record in non-profit administration. We seek someone who can easily visit RMA’s project area on Embassy Row to view the trees and engage with local owners while, internally, improving RMA's administration.
The position is part-time; weekend hours are fine, though some meetings may have to be in M-F working hours. We strongly prefer candidates who can easily visit our project route, which is Massachusetts Avenue NW from Dupont Circle to Wisconsin Ave. The organizaton’s office is by Mass Ave and California Street. Monthly Board meetings are by Zoom.
Tasks
External:
- Represent RMA externally on tree and landscape issues along the Avenue as desired and agreed. Though we work through emails, many owners prefer to share an issue with a knowledgeable RMA rep. We seek an EA who knows enough about DC trees and regulations, and what trees need, to help or find help and build good relations. The CEO is the group's main expert and will guide/accompany the EA i this role.
- RMA’s network needs good messaging. The EA will do some emails and brief letters with embassies and others, schedule follow-up with a Board member and/or others. The goal is continuity and effective relationships.
- Organize occasional small events hosted by RMA, such as public tree tours (pictured) or Treekeeping sessions, as desired and agreed. RMA Board members arrange these, but organizing by the EA will improve outreach and outcomes.
Internal:
- Schedule and circulate materials for monthly Board meetings; attend virtually or in person; take brief minutes and circulate.
- Manage Board Action List and Program/Project Tracker. Follow up as needed.
- Research grants and assist with applications & reporting.
- Support donor engagement by coordinating year-end fundraising drives and assisting with RMA events.
Requirements
- Outgoing, takes initiative, good communicator, clear writer.
- Practical about project arrangements, logistics, team assignments.
- Good at meeting summaries, spreadsheets, follow-up.
- Recent track record in non-profit administration, including accounting.
- Able to work independently and consistently.
Preferred
- International background and/or professional interest.
- Social media (Mailchimp, Canva, Instagram, X). Though doing social media is not required for this job, candidates are welcome to submit examples.
Opportunities
- Meet important stakeholders. This is an opportunity to build relationships with embassies amd us neighbors and with foresters and urban planners. The President is often RMA’s representative. But the EA can be as good (or better) as the voice/face of RMA.
- Washington DC history. RMA’s twentieth anniversary in 2027 may build on our 2026 Sheridan Circle initiatives. We may feature the unique cultural history of the two-mile Grand Avenue. L’Enfant’s layout for the city, then the City Beautiful movement’s emphasis on parks and trees, and the Gilded Age mansions. Candidates for this job may focus on cultural landscape or know others who might help.
- Main Opportunity Meet a lot of great people and have fun in one of the most beautiful public spaces in the nation’s capital.
Expected Time Commitment
Eight hours a month, including monthly Board meetings, which are on the third Monday of the month 5:30 - 6:45 pm, nearly always by Zoom. We expect some projects to take additional time, as desired and agreed.
Location
The Executive Assistant should be able to visit Embassy Row part of Mass Ave easily, to be familiar with trees and landscape and see how the various stakeholders are involved. She/he should be able to attend meetings at RMA headquarters at 2500 Massachusetts Avenue, when in-person is convenient for all.
Yes! I want to help.
Please complete the form below to apply.
Diversity
RMA celebrates the rich diversity of Washington, D.C. We are committed to listening to the experiences of all Washingtonians. We seek new perspectives on how our work can advance environmental sustainability and human dignity. We will continue to partner with residents, community groups, embassies, and city government to create a greener, healthier city for all.
RMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, ethnicity, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Questions?
Send questions on opportunities with RMA to jobs.team@restoremassave.org.
Thank you for your interest in greening Embassy Row to create a more sustainable city!