Faculty Specialist

umd; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 97,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Maryland, College Park's Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) seeks a Faculty Specialist to support the Center Executive Management team with program development, project delivery and operations.

Reporting to the ESSIC Director, the role coordinates governance, sponsor activities (NASA/NOAA), and preparation of proposals, with emphasis on policy interpretation, data analysis, and discreet handling of sensitive information.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder or applicant from a non-designated country due to Government facilities restrictions.
• Minimum of three years of program management or administrative experience in research and higher education.
• Knowledge of ESSIC’s main activity areas and its mode of operation is an advantage.
• Experience coordinating large, multi-institutional grant proposal activities.
• Familiarity with UMD's Office of Research Administration policies would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate program development, project delivery and departmental operations.
• Coordinate ESSIC governance structures and reporting.
• Serve as liaison for sponsor-related activities (NASA/NOAA).
• Coordinate events and initiatives for ESSIC.
• Prepare clear, concise reports and handle sensitive information with discretion.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Microsoft Office

Independent judgment

Policy development

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural sciences

Master's degree in ESSIC-relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center(ESSIC) is a joint center of the University of Maryland and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center that supports research, teaching and career training in Earth system science. ESSIC also administers the Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS), a joint center with NOAA’s NCEP and NESDIS that conducts satellite research focused on weather and water forecasting models and predictions. By fostering close integration within the university community and among federal partners at NASA and NOAA, ESSIC serves as a unique collaboration hub within the national Earth System Science research community.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position reports to the ESSIC Director and coordinates program development, project delivery and departmental operations by performing a broad range of professional administrative duties in support of the Center Executive Management team. The Faculty Specialist works closely with Center leadership to advance strategic planning, maintain and update organizational documents, coordinate scientific contributions to institutional proposals, coordinate events and initiatives and undertake other assignments as needed. Furthermore, The role coordinates the PTK faculty merit review and promotion processes under the supervision of the ESSIC Associate Director. The role also serves as a liaison for sponsor-related activities, in particular concerning ESSIC’s main Cooperative Agreements with NASA and NOAA. It is anticipated that the role will take on the coordination role for the ESSIC governance structure which is currently being reviewed and updated. Communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation. Success in this role requires excellent organizational skills and ability to assess and respond effectively to complex and varied situations, interpret and apply policies and procedures, organize and analyze data, and present clear, concise reports. The position also demands sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Preferences

Licenses/ Certifications: N/A

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in natural sciences required. Master’s degree in field of direct relevance to ESSIC preferred.

Qualifications and Experience

• U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder or applicant from a non-designated country due to restrictions at Government facilities.
• Minimum of three years of program management or administrative experience in research and higher education. Knowledge of ESSIC’s main activity areas, its mode of operation and its role in the national landscape of Earth system science an advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and coordinate meetings, conferences, and multi-institutional grant proposal activities.
• Experience managing projects, including planning, tracking progress, and coordinating deliverables.
• Experience leading or coordinating the development of large-scale scientific research proposals involving multiple collaborators.
• Familiarity with UMD's Office of Research Administration policies and procedures would be an advantage.

Skills and Abilities

• Good skills in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Cover Letter, curriculum Vitae (CV) and List of References

Best Consideration Date: 09/19/2026

Posting Close Date: N/A

Open Until Filled: Yes

Financial Disclosure Required

For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.

Department

CMNS-Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center

Worker Sub-Type

Faculty Regular

Salary Range

Salary Range :$73,940 - $96,637

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Faculty benefits, select this link.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground checkinformation. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Resources

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