Senior Program Assistant - Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture Program

nas; United States; Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

The National Academies seeks a detail-oriented administrative professional to perform clerical duties, coordinate meetings, and format routine correspondence. The role involves interface with committee members, travel logistics, and ensuring accurate records in databases.

Under minimal supervision, you will plan administrative aspects of unit activities, support virtual and in-person events, and help with travel vouchers and post-meeting tasks.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to plan and support extensive meeting activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.
• Experience with travel and meeting logistics preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and complex clerical and administrative tasks including scheduling and correspondence.
• Coordinates logistical arrangements for internal and external meetings and workshops.
• Updates databases and distributes meeting materials.
• Assists with formatting, editing, and proofreading publications.
• May perform basic research activities and summarize literature.

Skills

Microsoft Office Suite

Meeting planning

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

Zoom

Job description

Job Description Summary:

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The Center for Health, People, and Places advances scientific understanding and translates research into applications that support human well-being, their social and economic systems, and the environment that sustains all life on the planet.

The Food, Nutrition, and Agriculture program area convenes experts and leaders in food science, food safety, and food quality; nutrition and health; agricultural sciences and natural resources management to provide independent and cross-sector guidance to address a range of challenges in the food and agricultural system.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Performs complex clerical and administrative duties under minimal supervision. Coordinates logistical and administrative aspects of meetings. Writes, edits, and formats routine correspondence. Interfaces with committee members and performs duties involving committee activities. Plans administrative aspects of unit and committee, forum, and other types of meeting.

Under minimal supervision, primary function is the performance of clerical and administrative tasks requiring the consideration of multiple variables to determine proper course of action. Secondary function may involve basic research activities. Uses pre-determined guidelines to assist in decision-making.

Job Description:

***COVER LETTER REQUIRED***

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• 1. Administrative : Performs routine and complex clerical and administrative tasks including but not limited to detailed scheduling activities, writing and editing correspondence, compiling and coordinating mailings, taking meeting notes, and facilitating follow-up actions. Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived. Maintains email and distribution lists.
• 2. Event Planning and Management : Coordinates and executes logistical arrangements for internal and external meetings and workshops in both virtual and in-person settings. For in-person meetings, coordinates travel and lodging arrangements, selects menus and arranges catering, arranges for support services (e.g. AV), and registers attendees. For virtual meetings, organizes and sets up virtual meeting platform (e.g. Zoom) according to the needs of the meeting, and coordinates with participants. Whether virtual or in-person, assists at meetings and resolves issues. Assembles meeting materials and briefing books and distributes to meeting participants in advance of meeting. Coordinates and executes post-meeting tasks, such as preparing vouchers and reviewing and processing travel expense reports in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• 3. Communication, Dissemination, and Information Management: Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived. Maintains email and distribution lists, and coordinates website updates. Responds to inquiries and follows-up on communications. Communicates with members, sponsors, or other external customers, answering questions and providing information.
• 4. Publications: May assist with formatting, editing, and proofreading publications, as well as coordinating with printers/publishers to have materials printed.
• 5. Research Support: May perform basic research activities, including gathering citations and performing literature searches for staff and committee members. May participate in other research efforts including collection, assembly, and tabulation of data and summarizing literature.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to plan and support extensive meeting activities. Ability to solve problems with supervisory consultation or by following procedures. Ability to prioritize work and the flexibility to change directions as the job dictates. Ability to work successfully in a team environment. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers and employees in other National Academies' departments through effective communication. Good communication and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.

Minimum Education/Training Requirements: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent knowledge.

Minimum Experience: Four years of related experience.

Physical Capabilities: Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: None.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls: Reports to program coordinator/officer/director. Supervisor is available to organize work, set objectives, and to assist in problem resolution.

Work Environment: Hybrid Office/Telecommute environment, expected onsite percentage 60%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation & Benefits: Compensation