Staff Assistant

Number of Vacancies: 1

Area of Consideration: Open to the Public

Position Status: Full-time, Regular

Pay Plan, Series & Grade: 301/DS0095/11

Salary Range: $56,555.00 – $65,035.00

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Location: 4200 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington DC, 20008

Brief Description of Duties

The Staff Assistant of the College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES) of the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is an integral part of the visionary team of professionals that support the mission of CAUSES to

“…offer research based academic and community outreach programs that improve the quality of life and economic opportunity for people and organizations in the District of Columbia, the nation, and the world.”

The Staff Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the mission of CAUSES and the broader strategic vision of UDC to be a national model for urban student success, a hub for workforce and economic mobility, and a leader in community impact and innovation. This position ensures operational excellence and strategic alignment across academic, research, and outreach initiatives.

The incumbent will provide administrative support to one of CAUSES’ program units while collaborating with the broader administrative team to promote cross-functional coordination. The role requires professionalism, initiative, and a commitment to equity, innovation, and service.

Strategic Alignment
This position supports UDC's strategic pillars by:
- Enhancing student achievement through efficient program support.
- Contributing to workforce alignment via administrative support for career-readiness programs.
- Advancing community impact through outreach coordination and public engagement. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate daily operations (40%)
   • Schedule internal and external appointments, meetings, and workshops.
   • Make travel arrangements and coordinate logistics for events and outreach activities.
   • Manage incoming and outgoing correspondence, ensuring professionalism and accuracy.
   • Draft meeting agendas, minutes, and official communications.
   • Select and supervise work study students and interns.
2. Support procurement and office processes (20%)
   • Enter requisitions for approved purchases and track timely delivery of materials.
   • Reconcile the office purchase card and maintain accurate purchasing records.
   • Order, secure, and stock office supplies and equipment.
   • Provide budget tracking support and interface with CAUSES procurement staff.
3. Maintain accurate records and support assessment (10%)
   • Create, update, and manage data files, office records, and program documentation.
   • Collect and compile accurate internal and external information and program data.
   • Assist with academic assessment activities as needed.
4. Draft communications and documentation (10%)
   • Prepare professional correspondence, memos, and meeting documentation with correct grammar, spelling, and style.
   • Serve as a point of contact for inquiries, responding with clarity and professionalism.
5. Assist in academic and outreach program delivery (5%)
   • Ensure proper setup, materials, and supplies for classes, workshops, and outreach programs.
   • Support diverse work environments including office, classroom, and occasional outdoor settings (e.g., Firebird Farm, Urban Food Hubs).
6. Serve as liaison and information resource (5%)
   • Provide information to students, faculty, staff, residents, agencies, and community collaborators about CAUSES programs and activities.
   • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
7. Identify and resolve operational challenges (5%)
   • Proactively identify administrative or logistical issues and recommend practical solutions.
   • Collaborate with managers and peers to ensure smooth operations across CAUSES units.
8. Exercise discretion and judgment (5%)
   • Uphold confidentiality and handle sensitive matters with professionalism.
   • Represent CAUSES in a professional manner in interactions with internal and external partners.

Professional Development & Expectations

• Participate in training aligned with UDC's strategic goals and CAUSES' mission.
• Engage in continuous learning to support innovation and excellence.
• Maintain awareness of university policies and safety standards.

Minimum Job Requirements

- Two or more years of experience in a similar administrative role.
- Associate degree or equivalent post-secondary education preferred.
- Familiarity with office management systems and procedures.
- Ability to quickly learn UDC, Federal, and District policies and regulations.

Information to Applicant

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is in the collective bargaining unit represented by AFSCME local 2087 and you may be required to pay an agency service fee through direct payroll deduction.

Employment Benefits : Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the University of the District of Columbia' s retirement plan (TIAA-CREF).

Equal Opportunity Employer: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.

Notice of Non-Discrimination: In accordance with the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977, as amended, D.C. Official Code, Section 2-1401.01 et. seq., (Act) the University of the District of Columbia does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination which is also prohibited by the Act. In addition, harassment based on any of the above protected categories is prohibited by the Act. Discrimination in violation of the Act will not be tolerated. Violators will be subject to disciplinary action.

Veterans Preference:  Applicants claiming veteran's preference must submit official proof at the time of application.

Visa Sponsorship: At this time, the University of the District of Columbia does not provide sponsorship for visas (e.g. H-1B). This position is also ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Residency Preference: A person applying for a position who is a bona fide District resident at the time of application for the position, may be awarded a 10-point residency preference over non-District applicants, unless the person declines the preference points. If selected, the person shall be required to present no less than 8 proofs of bona fide District residency on or before the effective date of the appointment and maintain such residency for 7 consecutive years from the effective date of the appointment. Failure to maintain bona fide District residency for the 7-year period will result in forfeiture of employment
.

Drug-Free Workplace: Pursuant to the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the individual selected to fill this position will, as a condition of employment, be required to notify his/her immediate supervisor, in writing, not later than five (5) days after conviction of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace.

Background Investigation: Employment with the University of the District of Columbia is contingent upon a satisfactory background investigation. The determination of a "satisfactory background investigation" is made at the sole discretion of the University of the District of Columbia. The University may refuse to hire a finalist, rescind an offer of employment to a finalist or review and may terminate the employment of a current employee based on the results of a background investigation.

Disposition of Resume: Resumes received outside the area of consideration and/or after the closing date will not be given consideration. You must resubmit your resume to receive consideration for any subsequent advertised position vacancies. For the purpose of employment, resumes are not considered job applications. Therefore, if selected for employment a UDC application will be required.

Job Offers: Official Job Offers are made by the University of the District of Columbia, Office of Talent Management only.

Contact Information: All inquiries related to employment and job applications should be directed to UDC Office of Talent Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

The University of the District of Columbia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution. Minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For a full version of the University’s EO Policy Statement, please visit: