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Engagement & Operations Assistant (part time)

Orion magazine

OtherFull Time$25 / hour
Location
Great Barrington, MA (Hybrid)
Posted
September 29, 2026

Job Description

Orion magazine is seeking a part-time Engagement & Operations Assistant to help manage support for subscribers, donors, and other stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to work at an award-winning nonprofit literary magazine and help Orion engage with our loyal readers and valued supporters. The position assists in the managing, analyzing, and growing of our subscriber base; supporting donor acquisition and fundraising; reshaping our broader audience engagement strategy as we enter our 45th anniversary in 2027.

We're seeking a motivated self-starter to join Orion's team – someone who cares about the natural world, about environmental storytelling, about climate and culture. This is a hybrid position, 20 to 25 hours per week. Reporting to Orion's Business Manager, the ideal applicant will be able to work roughly 8 hours per week (negotiable) in our office in Great Barrington, MA.

Responsibilities

  • Manage reader/customer queries via email and phone
  • Process incoming subscriptions (mail, email and phone) and conduct data entry in WooCommerce and Salesforce
  • Process and perform data entry for incoming donations and support fundraising campaigns and donor acknowledgements in coordination with the development team
  • Work with Database Manager and Business Manager to resolve data issues (such as discrepancies or duplications between online customer accounts and our database)
  • Troubleshoot problems with customer online accounts (WooCommerce / WordPress)
  • Assist Database Manager with subscription renewal and gift subscription programs (direct mail and online/email)
  • Assist Database Manager with newsstand and retail sales processing
  • Assist Business Manager with shipping magazines, books, and other merchandise; assist with contributing writer/editor contracts; resolve address changes, assist with billing updates, process payments
  • Help refine and improve customer experience on the website; assist with external subscription marketing and communications; communicate with staff on subscriber/donor feedback
  • Develop systems protocol manual after training period

Qualifications

  • Excellent written, verbal, and customer service skills
  • Salesforce or CRM experience, including data entry and database management
  • Experience with WordPress (esp. WooCommerce) and troubleshooting online issues
  • Experience processing subscriptions, donations, payments, or other similar transactions
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to analyze and resolve data issues
  • Strong organizational, multitasking, and computer skills
  • Interest in nonprofits, fundraising, environmental issues, climate, culture, and literary storytelling
  • Experience with Google Workplace, Zoom, and Slack a plus

Compensation and Benefits

  • $22 to $25 an hour
  • At least 20 hours a week – possibly more during peak holiday season
  • Four-day work week (closed on Fridays)
  • Occasional opportunity to write for Orion and to represent Orion at events
  • Work closely with veteran editors and award-winning writers
  • Free Orion subscription
  • Discounts on writing workshops, books, merchandise

What we're looking for

  • A team player and self-starter, someone who can hit the ground running, someone with experience working for magazines and/or nonprofits
  • This is an entry-level position but, for the right candidate, there is a potential path to full time
  • We welcome candidates with an interest in Orion's mission to nurture a community of caring for the planet

Additional details

  • Preference will be given to candidates able to commute to and work in Great Barrington roughly 8 hours a week – i.e. those who live nearby or are willing to commute (from the Hudson Valley, Albany, northwest Connecticut, or Western Mass.)
  • Note that Orion's core staff is remote, except for our in-person Business Manager in Great Barrington

Application Information

  • Email a resume and one-page cover letter – combined into a single PDF – to apply@orionmagazine.org
  • Use the subject line "Engagement and Operations Assistant"
  • Tell us why this role is right for you, and why you're right for Orion
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with preference given to those received by October 10
  • The ideal candidate would be able to start by late October