Senior Program Assistant - Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences
Washington, DC 
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Posted 29 days ago
Job Description
Job Description Summary:The mission of the Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences (DEPS) is to provide independent and authoritative science, technology, engineering and related policy advice to the federal government and to the nation and to promote communications between the science and technology community, the federal government, and the interested public.

DEPS seeks to assess the role of science and technology in important public policy issues and to advance science and engineering, identifying needed research as well as improvements in data and research methods. In these ways, it fosters better science and technology and their use to support decisions on public policies and programs.

DEPS' work is organized around four broad areas:
*Unique government missions in defense, space, aerospace, and national security
*National infrastructure challenges such as energy and environmental systems, information and telecommunications, manufacturing and engineering design, civil engineering, and the constructed environment
*Science and engineering disciplines such as physics, astronomy, computer science and engineering, materials science and engineering, and the mathematical sciences and their applications.
*Continuing assessments of federal government laboratories and research programs

The Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board, established in 1967, provides advice and insight to the federal government (primarily NASA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Congress, and the White House), the aerospace community, and the general public. The scope of its investigations includes issues, technologies, and policies related to a broad range civil and commercial aviation (including aircraft, operations, and air traffic management) and space (including launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft, and surface vehicles for the Moon and Mars). Issues of enduring importance include safety; the development of new technologies, systems, and operational concepts; and the incorporation of these advances into operational air and space vehicles.

The Board on Physics and Astronomy, established in 1983, provides advice and insight to the federal government (primarily the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, and the White House), the scientific communities that encompass physics and astronomy (including astrophysics), and the general public. The BPA builds bridges among physics, astronomy, and other related disciplines. The scope of its investigations includes issues and policies related to topics such as nuclear fusion, biological physics, astrophysical phenomena, the nature of matter, plasma science, and the impact of radiofrequency interference on the ability to conduct high-quality astronomical observations. Issues of enduring importance include ground- and space-based experiments and facilities, the nature of scientific advances and discoveries in physics and astronomy, and the implications of these advances for other scientific disciplines and the development of advanced technologies.

The Space Studies Board, established in 1958, provides advice and insight to the federal government (primarily NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Congress, and the White House), the space science community, and the general public. The scope of its investigations includes issues and policies related to all aspects of space science. The SSB projects that have the most impact nationally and globally are series of decadal surveys on astronomy and astrophysics, biological and physical sciences, Earth science and applications from space, planetary sciences and astrobiology, and solar and space physics. The SSB also supports standing committees that provide interim guidance on all of the above disciplines; conducts focused, ad hoc studies, workshops, and other activities to supplement the guidance provided by the decadal surveys and standing committees; and serves as the U.S. National Representative for the Committee for the International Council for Science Committee on Space Research (COSPAR).

JOB SUMMARY:
Performs complex clerical and administrative duties for assigned program(s) or project(s) 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. May participate in research efforts including collection, assembly, and tabulation of data, as well as researching and summarizing literature. May guide work of program assistants and temporary staff.

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. Incumbent may lead and provide functional guidance to lower level support employees.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Performs routine and complex clerical and administrative tasks including word processing, copying, faxing, filing, answering and screening calls, writing and editing correspondence, and compiling and coordinating mailings. Creates, maintains, and updates records, databases, and files. May serve as timesheet coordinator.

2. Coordinates logistical arrangements for committee meetings, forums, workshops, etc. Assembles and reproduces agenda books and briefing materials. Provides administrative support for meetings. Coordinates travel and lodging arrangements. Selects menu and arranges for support services. Registers attendees. Provides assistance at meetings and resolves issues.

3. Performs basic research activities, including literature searches for staff and committee members. Gathers references. May participate in other research efforts including collection, assembly, and tabulation of data and summarizing literature.

4. Prepares vouchers and reviews and processes travel expense reports in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

5. Inputs edits and proofreads reports. Formats text and publications. Coordinates with printers/publishers to have materials printed.

6. Responds to inquiries and follows-up on communications. Communicates with members, sponsors, or other external customers, answering questions and providing information.

7. Performs administrative-related Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) compliance tasks.

8. Attends meetings, training classes, and workshops.

9. Mentors and trains new support staff. Coordinates temporary help and may supervise work of temporary staff.

10. Updates applicable databases and systems on a timely basis and ensures documents and files are accurately maintained and archived. Maintains email and distribution lists.

11. Where applicable, updates and maintains web pages.

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 40%, with occasional travel between National Academies' facilities and to off-site meeting/sponsor locations.

Compensation Range: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine support equity, fairness, and transparency in our compensation programs. An estimated compensation range for this position is $22.15 - $30.46 per hour. Compensation offered to the selected candidate will be based on the candidate's relevant knowledge, skills, and work experience, commensurate with compensation of current employees in comparable positions with similar knowledge, skills, and work experience, and subject to budget parameters. Note it is not typical for a candidate to be hired at the higher end of the range.

The National Academies' Statement on Diversity and Inclusion:

We, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (the National Academies), value diversity among our staff, members, volunteers, partners, vendors, and audiences. We recognize that talent is broadly distributed in society and that many perspectives enhance the quality of our work and drive innovation and impact.

We pledge to cultivate a workplace culture and climate that promotes inclusion, belonging, accessibility, and anti-racism; upholds equity; and values the participation of all who are engaged in advancing our mission. By embracing the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our programs, institutional policies and practices, and products, we will be able to better advise the nation on the most complex issues facing society and the world.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

It is the policy of the National Academies to recruit, hire, transfer, compensate, and promote people in all job categories and to administer all other personnel actions, terms and conditions of employment in a manner that is consistent with equal employment, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, medical condition for which a person has been rehabilitated or cured, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, matriculation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. It is also the institution's policy to recruit, hire, promote, and provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and covered veterans who are otherwise qualified.

Any qualification to be considered equivalent, in lieu of stated minimum, requires the prior approval of the Office of Human Resources.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Some functions in this description may be specific to a particular unit of the National Academies and not applicable to other units.

Job Family:

PROG

Employee Type:Employee

Scheduled Weekly Hours:37.5

City/State:Washington, District of Columbia
The National Academies are committed to providing equal and non-discriminatory employment opportunities for everyone it employs and serves. The National Academies take affirmative action to ensure that employees and applicants for employment receive fair and equal consideration and treatment, regardless of race, ancestry, creed, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition , marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, political affiliation, personal appearance, citizenship status, matriculation, unemployment status, military status veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

 

Job Summary
Start Date
As soon as possible
Employment Term and Type
Regular, Full Time
Required Education
High School or Equivalent
Required Experience
4+ years
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