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

Middlebury Snowbowl; Middlebury (VT); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

Middlebury College's James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies seeks an office assistant / research assistant to handle administration and research tasks under the Executive Director's guidance. The role is hourly, part- or full-time, starting at $26.32/hr, with a temporary contract through 31 December 2026 and potential extension.

Expect 60% office support and 40% research duties, plus event coordination and guest services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science or international relations, or equivalent experience.
• Strong research and report writing skills.
• Excellent organizational, oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to plan and coordinate events domestically and internationally.
• Ability to work as part of a team on complex research projects.
• Willingness to adapt to changing technologies and systems.
• Willingness to comply with Institute policies and mandates.
• Ability to perform overtime as needed.
• Expert user of standard office and audio-visual technologies, including videoconferencing.
• Ability to use digital and social media tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and logistical support to CNS projects and activities.
• Promote CNS through social media and drafting and posting content to CNS websites.
• Organize in-person and virtual events, including webinars and meetings.
• Supervise interns.
• Organize event logistics, including travel arrangements.
• Welcome guests at the Middlebury in DC center and monitor visitors.
• Coordinate course and event logistics for CNS DC events.
• Interface with vendors and accounts payable at Middlebury.
• Provide local IT support and handle conference room equipment.
• Interface with building management and security.

Skills

Research skills

Report writing

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Event coordination

Team collaboration

Tech adaptability

Policies compliance

Videoconferencing tech

Digital tools

Education

BA in political science / international relations

Tools

Google Drive

Oracle Cloud Applications

Job description

Under the general guidance from the Executive Director of the James Martin 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

• 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.

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.