Executive Assistant - Gulf Research Program

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine•Town of Johnstown, NY

5d•$73,760 - $92,190•Hybrid

About The Position

The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine works to enhance offshore energy system safety and the protection of human health and the environment. The program advances understanding of the Gulf region’s interconnected human, environmental, and energy systems and supports the application of that knowledge to benefit Gulf Coast communities and ecosystems. The Gulf Research Program seeks an Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Director (ED) and the GRP Executive Office (GRPEO). The Executive Assistant manages the ED’s calendar and travel, coordinates executive and Division Committee meetings, supports institutional review and nomination processes, manages selected financial and office administrative activities, and serves as a key point of contact with staff, committee members, and NASEM administrative units. The position requires sound judgment, strong organization, attention to detail, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.

Requirements

Ability to solve problems of variety and complexity using originality and ingenuity.
Ability to operate with appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action.
Experience working in a complex environment with a high degree of organizational effectiveness.
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.
Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of employees.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage complex calendars, meetings, travel, records, and multiple competing priorities.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn and use NASEM administrative and technology systems.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization, provide responsive service to internal and external contacts, and communicate administrative requirements clearly and professionally.
Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.
Five years of related professional administrative/office management experience.

Responsibilities

Manages the ED’s calendar, daily agenda, appointments, and travel logistics. Schedules meetings, coordinates availability, prepares or assembles meeting materials as needed, and follows up on administrative details. Provides administrative support to the ED and other GRPEO staff. Handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion and exercises judgment in responding to requests and resolving routine administrative issues.
Schedules and staffs Executive Office-led meetings, including Program Unit Lead meetings, all-staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Coordinates meeting logistics, including scheduling, room or virtual meeting arrangements, invitations, summary meeting notes, materials, and related communications. Manages logistics for Division Committee meetings; serves as the primary administrative point of contact for committee members; coordinates meeting dates and arrangements; handles the preparation, distribution, and retention of meeting notes, and maintains the committee roster and related records.
Oversees the administrative review and quality control of Division Committee nomination packages, Governing Board project materials, and other submissions prepared by program units before they are provided to the Executive Director and advanced for institutional review. Reviews materials for administrative completeness, required documentation, proper format, accuracy of administrative information, and adherence to NASEM policies and procedures. Identifies issues and follows up with program staff to obtain missing information or request corrections and revisions as needed. For submissions originating from the Executive Office, directly coordinates preparation, completion, and submission of the required materials and tracks items through the review process.
Prepares and processes travel expense reports, credit card reconciliations, invoice vouchers, and related financial paperwork. Reviews documentation for completeness and compliance with applicable policies and procedures and ensures expenses are within established budget parameters. Coordinates travel arrangements for the ED and other Executive Office-related travel as assigned.
Supports efficient office operations by maintaining office supplies and coordinating equipment needs. Serves as the GRP liaison to NASEM-wide IT user groups and as a primary administrative liaison with IT for staff technology needs, including computer and phone setup, troubleshooting coordination, and related requests. Coordinates software licenses for staff. Creates, maintains, and updates administrative records, rosters, files, and email or distribution lists.
Provides administrative support to Executive Office staff and assists with division-wide administrative activities and special projects. Coordinates administrative aspects of onboarding new employees and works with appropriate NASEM offices to ensure necessary arrangements and resources are in place for their arrival. Provides administrative support for staff activities, including staff recognition and morale activities. Performs other administrative duties necessary to support the effective operation of the Executive Office.