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Research Department Administrative Assistant, Defense and Political Sciences Department (DPS) Department

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Government & Politics
  • Los Angeles
  • Quick Apply

AI generated summary

  • You need strong skills in Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Excel, plus 5-8 years of experience. Excellent communication, discretion, and ability to work under pressure are essential.
  • You will assist with onboarding, manage personnel files, support budget tracking, handle sensitive materials, coordinate meetings and travel, and collaborate with research staff across locations.

Requirements

  • The position requires an advanced knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Excel; use and knowledge of Workday (PPT tracking, letter agreements), SharePoint fluency, and web-based tools a plus. It also requires excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; candidates must be able to demonstrate tact, courtesy, and judgment in working with individuals within and outside of RAND.
  • Candidates must be able to work independently and remain calm under pressure in a demanding, fast-paced work environment. A strong sense of discretion is required in dealing with sensitive and confidential issues. Availability to complete time sensitive tasks with occasional overtime as needed.
  • Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
  • Experience:
  • Minimum: 5 years. Preferred: 6-8 years

Responsibilities

  • The RDA also will be responsible for assisting with the on-boarding of newly hired research staff in the Boston, Pittsburgh, Santa Monica and Washington, DC offices; organizing and maintaining personnel and project files; and interacting with research staff to update databases. The RDA will work closely as a team member with other Research Department Directors (RDDs) and ARDDs and their assistants located across sites and may be asked to provide back-up coverage to RDA colleagues, as needed.
  • Collegiality, collaboration, and mentoring colleagues are essential skills as part of the RDA team. The RDA may also assist other research staff in various activities, such as coordinating information flow, preparing materials for distribution for department and organization-wide distribution, assisting with department management tasks (such as budget tracking), completing and process expense reports, reimbursements, and other forms, handling and processing sensitive and/or classified materials, processing proposals, documents, reports, and files. The RDA also coordinates calendar of appointments, meetings, travel arrangements, and itineraries as needed. Some assistance may also be provided to support research projects of ARDDs.

FAQs

What is the job title for this position?

The job title is Research Department Administrative Assistant for the Defense and Political Sciences (DPS) Department at RAND.

What are the primary responsibilities of the Research Department Administrative Assistant?

Major responsibilities include coordinating the administrative aspects of the Global Research Talent, managing the recruiting process (scheduling seminars and interviews, travel arrangements), maintaining performance reviews for research staff, assisting with onboarding of new hires, organizing personnel and project files, and supporting departmental management tasks.

Is experience with certain software required for this position?

Yes, the position requires advanced knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and Excel. Familiarity with Workday, SharePoint, and web-based tools is also a plus.

What educational qualifications are preferred for this role?

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required, while an Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred.

How many years of experience are required for this position?

A minimum of 5 years of experience is required, with 6-8 years preferred.

What is the work location for this position?

This is a hybrid role, requiring 2-3 days each week onsite at a RAND office in Santa Monica, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; or Arlington, VA. Fully remote work is not available.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary range is $62,700 - $93,500.

Are candidates required to obtain a security clearance?

Yes, candidates must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which requires U.S. Citizenship. Those with an active clearance are preferred.

What benefits does RAND offer for this position?

RAND provides strong benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, paid time off, and more.

What qualities are important for a candidate to succeed in this role?

Important qualities include excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently, maintain discretion, remain calm under pressure, and manage time-sensitive tasks effectively.

What is the expected work environment for the Research Department Administrative Assistant?

The work environment is demanding and fast-paced, requiring the ability to handle sensitive and confidential issues with tact and judgment.

We help improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.

Government
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
1946
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND researchers and analysts continue to be on the cutting edge of their fields, working with decisionmakers in both the public and private sectors to find solutions to today's difficult, sensitive, and important problems. The high caliber of our researchers is well-known, as evidenced by the many Nobel Laureates who have been affiliated with RAND, either as employees, consultants, or in an advisory capacity. RAND provides an exciting intellectual environment and opportunities for career growth. We hire highly qualified applicants and provide challenging assignments. Diversity is an essential operating principle at RAND. We look for unique backgrounds, original views and diversity in academic training, work experience and ideological outlook. We are committed to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.