Administrative Assistant, Center for Data Science

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Department:

School of Public Affairs

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Casual

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description:

Summary:

The Center for Data Science seeks a part-time Administrative Assistant to support day-to-day operations, grants administration, event planning, and communications. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic academic environment. 

Essential Functions:

1.) Administrative Operations and Recordkeeping

• Collect and process graduate student timesheets for Center-funded students. 

• Manage Center space and resources, including Kerwin Hall 109 and Hurst building support issues. 

• Organize and maintain Center file records and assist in preparing administrative reports. 

• Handle administrative requests and provide general support to the Director and Center staff.

2.) Event, Program, and Travel Coordination

• Manage logistics for Center-sponsored events (e.g., workshops, short courses, January 10-Day Institute), including catering, room reservations, and A/V needs.

• Organize lodging, transportation, and support arrangements for visiting speakers and scholars.

• Prepare and submit travel expense reports for Center faculty and staff.

• Coordinate student enrollment for Center-sponsored programs.

3.) Grant and Financial Administration

• Assist Center faculty with paperwork coordination with WIPAR (SPA grant application support), the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP), and Grants and Contracts Accounting (GCA).

• Track general expenditures for the Center and assigned research funding.

• Conduct online searches for grant opportunities (training provided).

4.) Communications and Website Management

• Maintain and update the Center’s webpage in collaboration with SPA web staff and update the Director’s homepage as needed (training provided).

• Manage and update Center faculty profiles on platforms such as Google Scholar, Mendeley, ResearchGate, and LinkedIn.

• Communicate and coordinate with the Center’s counterpart at Harvard’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS). 

5.) Other Duties as Required

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• 15 - 20 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $24.04 - $25.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• ​​Associate's degree.​ 

• ​​1 - 3 years of relevant experience​. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and basic website management (training provided). 

• Ability to learn and use grant and research management tools. 

Preferred Education and Experience:

• ​​Bachelor's degree​.

• ​​2 - 4 years of relevant experience​.

• Experience working in an administrative or academic environment preferred.