Program Administrative Specialist

University of Maryland • College Park, MD

2d

About The Position

The Program Administrative Specialist serves as a critical operational, administrative, and programmatic lead for the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) within the Division of Research at the University of Maryland, College Park. Over time, this role has evolved beyond traditional front-office administration to include ownership of systems, processes, communications, and cross-functional coordination that support DLAR’s mission of humane animal care, regulatory compliance, and research excellence. The position requires a high level of independence, judgment, initiative, and problem-solving, and functions as a trusted point of continuity within the department. The Administrative Specialist proactively identifies operational gaps, implements improvements, and ensures consistency, efficiency, and reliability across departmental functions. This is an essential position supporting the animal care program and may occasionally require work during weekends, holidays, or emergency closings (e.g., inclement weather). The position is eligible for overtime pay and reports to the DLAR Assistant Director, Finance. Physical Demands: Sedentary work performed in a normal office environment; exerts up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Ability to attend meetings both on and off campus. Spending long hours in front of a computer screen.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree and Four years experience in administrative staff work.
• Working knowledge of reference and research methods and techniques used in collecting, compiling, and organizing data and information, working knowledge of analytical and statistical principles and techniques.
• Skill in the use of office automation software and its applications, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships, to handle sensitive materials with discretion and tact, to present ideas and information clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; to perform mathematical computations; to present statistical material in chart and graph form.
• Ability to independently handle multiple tasks and set priorities.
• Except for qualifications established by law, additional related experience and formal education in which one has gained the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for full performance of the work of the job class may be substituted for the education or experience requirement on a year-for-year basis with 30 college credits being equivalent to one year of experience.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to demonstrate strong ownership and accountability for departmental operations and administrative systems.
• Ability to apply systems thinking to improve workflows, documentation, and tracking processes.
• Incumbent serves as a reliable institutional knowledge holder and point of continuity for DLAR operations.
• Ability to communicate effectively across diverse stakeholder groups, including researchers, faculty, staff, leadership, and vendors.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Incumbent proactively anticipates needs, resolves issues, and supports leadership with minimal oversight.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and digital content and tracking tools.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees