Research Department Administrative Assistant, Behavioral and Policy Sciences (BPS)

Position Description

Major responsibilities will include coordination of the administrative aspects of the Global Research Talent (GRT); coordination of the recruiting process including scheduling seminars and interview schedules and making travel arrangements (as applicable) for GRT job candidates, coordination of recruiting efforts at annual conferences; maintaining and assisting with the performance review process for the research staff, and coordinating recruiting efforts with other departments.

The RDA also will be responsible for assisting with the on-boarding of newly hired research staff in the Boston, Pittsburgh, Santa Monica and Washington, DC offices; organizing and maintaining personnel and project files; and interacting with research staff to update databases. The RDA will work closely as a team member with other Research Department Directors (RDDs) and ARDDs and their assistants located in the Santa Monica, Pittsburgh, and Washington, DC offices, and may be asked to provide back-up coverage to RDA colleagues, as needed.

Collegiality, collaboration, and mentoring colleagues are essential skills as part of the RDA team. The RDA may also assist other research staff in various activities, such as coordinating information flow, preparing materials for distribution for department and organization-wide distribution, assisting with department management tasks (such as budget tracking), completing and process expense reports, reimbursements, and other forms, handling and processing sensitive and/or classified materials, processing proposals, documents, reports, and files. The RDA also coordinates calendar of appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and itineraries as needed. Some assistance may also be provided to support research projects of ARDDs.

Other Qualifications

• The position requires an advanced knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Excel; use and knowledge of Workday (PPT tracking, letter agreements), SharePoint fluency, and web-based tools a plus. It also requires excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; candidates must be able to demonstrate tact, courtesy, and judgment in working with individuals within and outside of RAND.

• Candidates must be able to work independently and remain calm under pressure in a demanding, fast-paced work environment. A strong sense of discretion is required in dealing with sensitive and confidential issues. Availability to complete time sensitive tasks with occasional overtime as needed.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent is required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

Experience

Minimum: 5 years. Preferred: 6-8 years

Clearance

Candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship. Candidates with an active clearance are preferred.

Location

Santa Monica, CA (preferred); Washington DC; Pittsburgh, PA