Office Assistant/Research Assistant (AY 26-27 004108)

Middlebury College; Bread Loaf (VT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Middlebury College is seeking an Office Assistant/Research Assistant to support CNS projects in Washington DC. The role combines administrative duties with research tasks and can be part-time or full-time, starting at $26.32/hour.

The position is temporary with an expected end date of December 31, 2026, with potential extensions. The ideal candidate will manage events, coordinate travel, supervise interns, assist with communications, and provide IT and facilities support at the Middlebury in DC

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, or equivalent experience in the field.
• Strong research and report writing skills.
• Excellent organizational, oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate events in domestic and international settings.
• Ability to work as part of a team on complex research projects.
• Willingness to adapt to changing technologies and systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and logistical support to CNS projects and activities, including conferences, meetings, and outreach events.
• Promote CNS through social media and posting content to CNS websites.
• Organize in-person and virtual events, including webinars and meetings.
• Supervise intern assignments.
• Interface with vendors and Middlebury accounts payable for purchases and billing.
• Interface with local IT support and IT staff at Middlebury for technical issues.

Skills

Research skills

Report writing

Organizational skills

Oral & written communication

Event planning

Teamwork

Technology adaptability

Digital & social media tools

Education

BA in political science or international relations

Tools

Oracle Cloud Applications

Job description

Office Assistant/Research Assistant (AY 26-27 004108)

Description

Under the general guidance from the Executive Director of the JamesMartin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Washington DC, the office assistant / research assistant will undertake administration and research assistant responsibilities. This is an hourly position which could be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis depending on what is agreed with the successful candidate. The position will have a starting hiring range of $26.32/hr. This is a temporary position with an expected end date of the end of 31 December 2026 with prospects for extension. More than one person may be hired under this position to support different projects and activities.

Core Responsibilities:

Office Assistant (approximate 60% time)

• Provide administrative and logistical support to CNS projects and activities, including conferences, meetings, and other outreach events, as required.
• Promote CNS through social media and through the drafting and posting of content to various CNS websites
• Organize in person and virtual events, including webinars and meetings.
• Supervise intern assignments.
• Organize in person and virtual events, including webinars and meetings. This will include taking care of all event logistical needs, including arranging travel, where necessary.
• Provide a welcoming experience for guests at the Middlebury in DC center and monitor visitors to maintain the center's security.
• Implement course and event logistics (invitations/registration, correspondence with participants, facilitation of participant travel, setup, catering, A/V support - including operation of videoconferencing equipment, preparation of necessary documents for payment of participant travel reimbursements and engagement fees) for CNS DC events.
• Maintain office, conference, and hospitality supplies, including copier/printer supplies.
• Set up new computer and electronic equipment, including recording office computer use and maintaining inventory logs.
• Interface with vendors and accounts payable department at Middlebury for purchasing and billing.
• Interface with local IT support vendors and IT staff at Middlebury.
• Act as local support for any issues involving computers, conference room equipment, phones, Google Drive, and internet connectivity.
• Interface with building management, security and custodial services.

Research (approximately 40% time)

• Conduct research on the nonproliferation, export control and sanctions issues under the direction of the project lead

Requirements

• B.A. degree in political science, international relations, or equivalent experience in the field.
• Strong research and report writing skills.
• Excellent organizational, oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate events in domestic and international setting.
• Ability to work as a part of a team undertaking complex research projects.
• Strong skills in multi-tasking and working in a challenging, intense, and dynamic environment.
• Willingness and ability to adapt to changing technologies and systems.
• Willingness and ability to comply with Institute policies, procedures, and mandates.
• Ability to perform overtime work, which may require late night or early morning hours.
• Resourceful problem solver.
• Expert user of standard office and audio-visual technologies, including videoconferencing, with ability to support other users at the center.
• Ability to use digital and social media tools.
• Act as local support for any issues involving computers, conference room equipment, phones.
• Any experience working with Oracle Integrated Cloud Applications and Platform Services is a plus.

Experience

• Previous experience in nonproliferation-related projects preferred.
• Previous experience with administrative tasks preferred.
• Previous experience with communication and online event organization preferred.
• Previous experience in organizing domestic and international events preferred.
• Previous experience working in the Middle East preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Position requires light to moderate physical effort and the ability to work at a computer keyboard for extended periods of time.

Benefits

As an employee of Middlebury College, you will enjoy being part of a vibrant supportive community. Middlebury College is an equal-opportunity employer where diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. To this end, the College recruits talented and diverse faculty, staff, and students from across the United States and around the world. Middlebury College encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of other protected classes and historically underrepresented communities. The College also invites applications from individuals who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.