Faculty Specialist

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

3d•$73,940 - $96,637•Onsite

About The Position

The Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) is a joint center of the University of Maryland and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center that supports research, teaching, and career training in Earth system science. ESSIC also administers the Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS), a joint center with NOAA’s NCEP and NESDIS that conducts satellite research focused on weather and water forecasting models and predictions. By fostering close integration within the university community and among federal partners at NASA and NOAA, ESSIC serves as a unique collaboration hub within the national Earth System Science research community. This position reports to the ESSIC Director and coordinates program development, project delivery, and departmental operations by performing a broad range of professional administrative duties in support of the Center Executive Management team. The Faculty Specialist works closely with Center leadership to advance strategic planning, maintain and update organizational documents, coordinate scientific contributions to institutional proposals, coordinate events and initiatives, and undertake other assignments as needed. Furthermore, the role coordinates the PTK faculty merit review and promotion processes under the supervision of the ESSIC Associate Director. The role also serves as a liaison for sponsor-related activities, in particular concerning ESSIC’s main Cooperative Agreements with NASA and NOAA. It is anticipated that the role will take on the coordination role for the ESSIC governance structure which is currently being reviewed and updated. Communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation. Success in this role requires excellent organizational skills and ability to assess and respond effectively to complex and varied situations, interpret and apply policies and procedures, organize and analyze data, and present clear, concise reports. The position also demands sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.

Requirements

U.S. Citizenship or Green Card holder or applicant from a non-designated country due to restrictions at Government facilities.
Minimum of three years of program management or administrative experience in research and higher education.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and coordinate meetings, conferences, and multi-institutional grant proposal activities.
Experience managing projects, including planning, tracking progress, and coordinating deliverables.
Experience leading or coordinating the development of large-scale scientific research proposals involving multiple collaborators.
Good skills in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of ESSIC’s main activity areas, its mode of operation and its role in the national landscape of Earth system science an advantage.
Familiarity with UMD's Office of Research Administration policies and procedures would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

Coordinate program development, project delivery, and departmental operations.
Perform a broad range of professional administrative duties in support of the Center Executive Management team.
Work closely with Center leadership to advance strategic planning.
Maintain and update organizational documents.
Coordinate scientific contributions to institutional proposals.
Coordinate events and initiatives.
Coordinate the PTK faculty merit review and promotion processes.
Serve as a liaison for sponsor-related activities, particularly concerning ESSIC’s main Cooperative Agreements with NASA and NOAA.
Coordinate the ESSIC governance structure.
Communicate information that requires some explanation or interpretation.