Staff Assistant - Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

OverviewThe mission of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University (HNRCA) is to promote healthy aging through nutrition science to empower people seeking to enjoy long, active, and independent lives. HNRCA investigators conduct the world's most advanced studies on nutrition and aging. The research focuses on determining the nutrient and physical activity requirements necessary to promote well-being for older adults. HNRCA scientists examine how nutrition and physical activity play a major role in the prevention of the major chronic degenerative conditions and diseases associated with aging. What You'll DoThis is a grant funded position and is not eligible for severance pay.  Under limited supervision, the Staff Assistant performs complex and diverse duties for the department and serves as a source of information and problem-solving for students, investigators, staff and other constituents. They will provide general guidance and explanation of departmental policies and procedures and may communicate on behalf of manager(s) to explain or disseminate information. The Staff Assistant will also provide administrative support including organizing files systems for office, coordinating meetings and travel arrangements, as well as producing, proofreading and editing complex reports, documents and spreadsheets. Submits information on scientific manuscripts according to ARS requirements. Monitors, tracks expenditures, resolves problems and reports on department budget and/or grants. They will coordinate planning and logistics for meetings and special events including tracking responses, working with speakers on materials and set up. May also coordinate department projects or programs, which may entail assisting with development of materials and brochures, updating web information and assisting with content and design. Serves as primary department contact for customers:Serves as primary department contact and resource for internal and external customers; may communicate on behalf of lead scientist/manager(s) to explain or disseminate informationWorks with scientific staff to submit manuscripts and publications for approvalCoordinates on-boarding of new employeesProvides general guidance and explanation of departmental policies and proceduresResearches and resolves customer problems and concerns; recommends enhancements to improve department and customer serviceMay handle confidential or sensitive informationProvides administrative support and coordinates office operations:Organizes and schedules appointments and meetingsEvaluates and organizes file systems for departmentOrders and maintains office supplies, works with Tufts Procurement team to purchase scientific equipment and supplies, works with vendors to maintain equipment and contractsCompletes expense reports, purchase orders, capital equipment approvals and requisitionsCoordinates sometimes complex travel arrangementsScreens, sorts and distributes mail; responds to routine email correspondenceMay hire and train student and/or temporary workers and provide work direction to office staffMay process employment actions including hire, separation and change transactionsRecommends changes or enhancements to office operationsProduces complex documents and spreadsheets:May prepare and draft letters, memos, and other written materials for departmentMay proofread documentsResearches and organizes information to produce a variety of documents or reports for the departmentMay creates and maintains spreadsheets and databases and prepares reports, tables and chartsCoordinates Meetings or Special Events:Plans dates, coordinates invitations and tracks responses, determines venue, coordinates materials, audio-visual or other set-up needsWorks with and supports speakers or presenters, arranges for payment or honorariumAssists with creation of marketing materials and publicityCoordinates logistics on-site during event or programProgram or Project Coordination:Provides information and answers questions about department Programs or ProjectsAssists with development of materials or brochuresUpdates web information and drafts content for postingTroubleshoots basic problems and refers more complex questions or concerns to the correct individual What We're Looking ForBasic Requirements:Knowledge and experience typically acquired by:High School Diploma /GED and 2-4 years of administrative experience OR a college degree with 1-3 years of administrative experience.Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including word processing, editing, graphics, spreadsheet and database knowledge. Pay RangeMinimum $23.00, Midpoint $27.35, Maximum $31.70   Salary is based on related experience, expertise, and internal equity; generally, new hires can expect pay between the minimum and midpoint of the range.