Program Assistant, CFP and Teaching & Learning

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The American Political Science Association seeks a full-time Program Assistant, Congressional Fellowship Program and Teaching & Learning Program to support the Congressional Fellowship Program (CFP), a highly selective, nonpartisan program for mid-career professionals that sends 30-40 individuals each year to serve placements on Capitol Hill. The Program Assistant primarily provides administrative and logistical support for CFP, including helping with organizing and promoting Congressional Fellowship events and activities for fellows, political scientists, and program alumni. The Program Assistant also provides support to other members of the Teaching & Learning and Professional Development department for their administrative and logistical needs. Strong candidates will have experience working with diverse populations and will provide evidence of being committed to furthering a climate of inclusivity and collaboration. Please include a cover letter in your application.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The examples of essential functions listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position. Duties and responsibilities are also subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Congressional Fellowship Program (60%)

• Support logistical and administrative efforts for CFP, including helping organize catering, taking meeting minutes, updating documents and materials, and corresponding with venues, speakers, and fellows.
• Assist the Director, Congressional Fellowship Program with large-scale CFP events, including the annual Canada Exchange, Spring Seminar Series, in-person fellows’ orientation in November, and CFP events at APSA’s Annual Meeting.
• Update CFP content on APSA website.
• Support development and implementation of outreach efforts for CFP alumni, including expanding the CFP presence on social media channels and the bi-annual CFP alumni newsletter.
• Field routine e-mail inquiries from fellowship applicants, current fellows, and program alumni.
• Coordinate with and assist other departments with CFP-related efforts (i.e., Finance, Publications, Communications, Meetings).
• Assist the Director, Congressional Fellowship Program with the fellows’ recruitment cycle, including supporting outreach strategies and the selection process for fellows.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Teaching & Learning (40%)

• Support logistical and administrative efforts for Teaching & Learning events and programs, including helping organize catering, coordinating payment requests, drafting marketing materials for emails and social media posts, collecting and organizing submissions for the Campus Teaching Awards, and providing support for the TLC at APSA and TLC conferences.
• Support logistical and administrative efforts for Professional Development programs and events, including helping organize catering, coordinating payment requests, drafting marketing materials for emails and social media posts, collecting and organizing submissions for the annual Dissertation List, tracking Dissertation Workshop acceptance emails, and providing support for Professional Development annual meeting events such as the Career Open House.
• Provide committee support, such as scheduling, taking meeting minutes, updating rosters, and honoraria, grant & travel reimbursement processing.
• Update Teaching & Learning and Professional Development content on APSA’s websites, including committee APSA Connect pages, department APSA website pages, and APSA Educate.
• Coordinate and assist other departments with teaching and learning and professional development related efforts (i.e. Finance, Publications, Communications, Meetings, and Membership).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience required. Major in political science, public policy, or general familiarity with higher education and political science preferred.
• One year of experience in a professional setting handling administrative duties preferred.
• Experience working with databases.
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and adherence to deadlines.
• Sound judgment and initiative related to independent action and problem-solving.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely.
• Adaptability and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment.
• Superb interpersonal skills and customer service mindset that will contribute to a friendly but highly professional environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality while working on sensitive tasks.
• Strong computer and software knowledge with proficiency in MS Suite, mail merge programs.
• HTML/CSS; familiarity with WordPress and/or Stata a plus.
• Willingness to travel for conferences and other APSA events (less than 10% of time).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This job description is subject to change at any time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information. The employee frequently is required to remain in a stationary position and constantly operate computer and other office productivity machinery.

• Generally good working conditions with little or no exposure to extremes in noises or temperature.
• Minimal lifting.
• Work performed in an office setting.
• Hybrid schedule (at least 2 days a week in the office) as well as in-person fellows’ orientation in November, activities on Capitol Hill, and for other external events in the DC area.
• All team members are required to adhere to the APSA vaccination policy.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Report to: Director, Congressional Fellowship Program (primary) and Senior Director, Teaching & Learning and Professional Development (secondary)

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

No supervisory responsibilities

FLSA STATUS:

This position is considered non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is therefore eligible for overtime pay.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Hourly rate: $28.08-$32.31, which equates to approximately $51,100-$58,800 annually with our 35-hour work week.

APSA offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes substantial employer contributions towards medical, dental and vision plans for employees, dependents and spouses/domestic partners, disability and life insurance, paid family and medical leave, a 35-hour work week, a hybrid work environment, professional development and public transportation stipends, a 403(b) retirement plan with a generous employer contribution, and robust time off policies, including paid time off for the week between Christmas and New Years.

APSA is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.