Research Administrator

Public Policy Institute of California; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is seeking a Research Administrator to support its research group. The role handles administrative functions, budget tracking, and coordination across PPIC’s departments, reporting to the Senior Research Operations Manager.

The position collaborates with researchers, coordinates meetings and events, and helps manage grants and development activities. A strong focus on detail, organization, and teamwork is essential to advance PPIC’s mission in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of administrative experience in a research environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate meetings for multiple research groups.
• Manage events and research seminars for staff and interns.
• Support grant management and development activities.
• Maintain internal databases and liaison with the UC Berkeley library.
• Process invoices, staff expenses, and timesheets.

Skills

Administrative support

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM

Project management

Job description

The Research Administrator supports the PPIC research group in their mission to inform and improve public policy in California through independent, objective, nonpartisan research. The position takes responsibility for administrative functions of the research group and maintains the consistency of administration and operations across PPIC’s largest department. This position works closely with PPIC’s researchers across a variety of policy topics and collaborates closely with other members of the research operations team to carry out the administrative functions of the research group. In particular, the Research Administrator provides critical support to internal and external research group activities, budget tracking, impact and assessment processes, and development activities. The Research Administrator also collaborates with key staff across PPIC including Communications, Development, Finance & Administration, Government Affairs, and the President’s Office, and participates in selected institute strategic initiatives. The position reports to the Senior Research Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Schedule weekly and monthly meetings, research brown bags, and outline and impact meetings for the Criminal Justice, K-12 Education, Safety Net, and Understanding California’s Future groups
• Manage events, including workshops, research seminar series, research group meetings, and the staff summit
• Schedule and coordinate internal and external meetings of research staff
• Provide support for external events, including meetings, workshops, convenings, and public events
• Assist in research project management, supporting the Research Operations Manager and, as needed, the Associate Director of the Water Policy Center
• Assist in facilitating effective management of grants and other development activities
• Support institutional processes to identify and evaluate strategic impact
• Coordinate program logistics for the PPIC Summer Intern Program
• Maintain internal databases and share information, such as Salesforce for tracking researcher’s outreach, Workfront for project management, and internal websites
• Act as PPIC’s liaison with the UC Berkeley Intergovernmental Studies Library
• Process invoices, staff expenses, and timesheets
• Provide administrative assistance to research staff
• Other duties, as needed

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• At least one year of administrative experience, with a track record of success, preferably with research organizations.

Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and exceptional interpersonal skills are required, as are the ability to work independently, to collaborate as a team member, to prioritize and multitask, and to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Flexibility, organization, and the ability to work well with others will be important attributes for success in this position.

Technical

• Solid organizational skills and computer skills including the use of Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint are required, and an interest in learning new computer software is desirable. Experience with CRM and project management tools is a plus.

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills are essential for communicating on behalf of the Research Department.

Collaborative Style

• Adept at building relationships with diverse groups of colleagues across the institute, including working with accounting and nonaccounting functions.
• Able to effectively manage key internal and external relationships.

Learning Orientation

• Able to adapt positively to change with an orientation towards continuous improvement. Pursue new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Resourceful

• Able to take initiative, maintain focus, and work independently to manage multiple deliverables and timelines. A problem-solver who is proactive, motivated, and well-organized with keen attention to detail.

PPIC values the wide variety of backgrounds and experiences of our staff, and key elements in the consideration of qualified candidates include excellence; diversity of talents, backgrounds, and viewpoints; and a strong fit with the institute’s mission, values, and goals.

Application and Compensation Details

The budgeted salary range for this position is $60,000 - $73,000, dependent on experience. In determining an offer level for a candidate, PPIC considers a variety of factors including but not limited to the specific role and associated responsibilities; internal equity; and a candidate’s work experience, education, training, skills and other expertise.

In addition to the salary, the role offers a generous benefit package, excellent work environment, and an exciting mission that will inspire you daily! The comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employee and dependents. PPIC contributes the equivalent of 9% of the salary towards the retirement plan. The organization provides 14 paid holidays and 28 days of PTO annually (PTO balance increases with tenure), and more!

Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement:

PPIC celebrates diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a team that represents the backgrounds, perspectives, identities, and skills of California. No matter who you are, we invite you to apply for this role.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer.