Special Assistant, IS-0301-09

About the role

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking a Special Assistant to the Director and Senior Management. In this highly visible role, you will serve as a central liaison for the Director, managing calendars, coordinating meetings, preparing correspondence and briefing materials, and supporting a variety of strategic and administrative initiatives. This full-time position provides exceptional opportunities for professional development and career growth at a world-class institution with an international reputation for excellence and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Schedule meetings and maintain calendar for the Director
• Assist in creating meeting agendas and preparing presentations
• Attend meetings, take notes, prepare summary and action items
• Receive and screen communications and provide requested information or refer to Director or appropriate personnel for response and action
• Serve as a liaison to other Smithsonian offices for certain administrative matters
• Prepare travel authorizations and vouchers for Director and Senior Management, make travel and hotel reservations, prepare background information for trips
• Assist with campus tours and special events coordination
• Perform additional administrative and program tasks as directed by management to support SERC operations

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required. Candidates may qualify for this position through a combination of education, demonstrated knowledge, and related professional experience.

Skills

• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Excellent communications skills, both orally and in writing/emails
• Knowledge of proper spelling, grammar, punctuation and standard business letter writing to prepare correspondence
• Ability to interact diplomatically and effectively with a variety of people, including senior-level personnel within the Smithsonian and from external organizations
• Ability to work in a team setting with senior-level personnel and to communicate their guidance and instruction to other staff to advance SERC programs and priorities
• A strong foundation of administrative skills, and knowledge of concepts, principles, processes and practices to help facilitate the procedural operations for an effective and efficient office
• Significant experience with Microsoft Office Suite applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to manage diverse tasks simultaneously and to adjust in response to changing circumstances and timelines
• Ability to manage an office filing system
• Strong self-motivation and ability to work independently

Benefits

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Transit/Commuter Benefits
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Annual and Sick Leave
• Family Friendly Leave
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants
• Credit Union
• Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care)
• Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care)

Pay: $70,623 - $77,687 / year

Schedule: Full Time