Administrative Assistant III (Research Operations)

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

The Howard University College of Medicine currently seeks a full-time Administrative Assistant III; Manager of Research Operations (AAIII/MRO) to develop, execute, and refine an operational infrastructure that subserves the Office of Research’s R1 research mission. Established in 1971, the Office facilitates the creation and expansion of comprehensive biomedical research programs- inclusive of a biomedical graduate science program, collaborative summer research programs with other institutions, and intramural research collaboration with NIH- that advance humanity’s most urgent social, technological, and scientific needs though groundbreaking discovery. By leveraging a holistic, interdisciplinary approach with a focus on historically underrepresented peoples, the Office not only pursues truth and excellence but also curates novel solutions that are accessible to all. To that end, the AAIII/MRO will collaboratively create and implement standard operating procedures, systems, and management tools/resources that promote achievement of the College of Medicine’s short-term and long-term research milestones.

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversee the infrastructure development and management of a R1 research portfolio that aims to develop novel, innovative solutions to society’s most urgent social, technological, and scientific needs in an evidence-based, scalable manner
• Spearhead scoping of and outreach with national healthcare organizations, federal funding organizations, philanthropic organizations, community advocates, and people with lived experience of mental illness aligned with the Office of Research’s vision
• Develop and implement qualitative methodologies (e.g., Delphi studies, key informant interviews, surveys) that evaluate said stakeholders groups’ perspectives regarding acceptability and feasibility of research conduct, implementation, and scalability in a diversity of settings
• Iteratively integrate key findings from said methodologies into emerging standard operating frameworks for research implementation (inclusive of conduct, monitoring, reporting, and scaling)
• Develop and implement standard operating workflows for research implementation- including but not limited to pre-award planning and submission, clinical research conduct, post-award monitoring, and research building/facilities management- in accordance with institutional, HIPAA, and/or Good Clinical Practice standards
• Generate planning and monitoring resources (i.e., feasibility assessments, essential documentation templates, regulatory binder templates, centralized monitoring dashboards) that optimize research implementation relative to Office of Research timelines and key performance indicators
• Generate data collection and management tools (i.e., electronic capture databases, case report forms, participant-reported outcomes, etc.) that optimize research implementation relative to Office of Research-defined success criteria
• Iteratively translate evaluation data regarding research implementation and/or research staff satisfaction into high-impact dissemination content (i.e., publications, presentations, case studies, etc.)
• Develop and implement competency-based hiring, training, and performance evaluation models for both paid and volunteer positions that will subserve infrastructure development

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:       

• Advanced  knowledge  of  office  and  administrative  practices  and principles.
• Skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access).
• Knowledge and skill in accounting and budgeting procedures and techniques. Ability to problem solve and make decisions.
• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population.

• The ability to establish and maintain effective harmonious work relations with faculty, staff, students and the general public. Excellent verbal and written communication
• Excellent command over prioritization and organization
• Ability to adaptably and empathetically collaborate with numerous stakeholders across a diversity of backgrounds

• Ability to take initiative, working both independently and within a team environment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:         

Qualified candidates will hold a BA/BS in a related discipline plus 5 years of relevant professional experience.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Previous experience in oversight of high-impact, multi-million dollar research portfolios inclusive of a diversity of funding sources
• Previous experience in the development of research methods and corresponding analysis plans
• Previous experience in the interdisciplinary project management within higher education institutions

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $80,000 - $85,000