Assistant to President - NAS

Job Description

Summary:

About the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) is an independent organization of distinguished researchers elected to membership for their groundbreaking contributions to science. Established by an Act of Congress in 1863, the NAS is charged with providing independent, objective advice on science and technology to the federal government. From its membership and programs to its consensus advisory reports of the National Academies, the NAS is committed to furthering science in America.

About the Position

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) seeks an experienced and highly motivated Assistant to the President to manage the administrative, financial, and personnel operations of the President’s Office. The Assistant to the President ensures the continuity, accuracy, and timeliness of correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other information issued by the President’s Office; prepares supporting materials and briefs the President on meeting topics and other matters;

supervises administrative staff providing support to the President; and advises, supports, manages, and collaborates on initiatives for the President. If assigned, the incumbent may direct operational activities for the President’s Office.

The Assistant to the President independently performs advanced and confidential secretarial and administrative duties requiring broad experience, skill, and comprehensive knowledge of organizational policies, practices, and personnel. The incumbent resolves routine and complex inquiries and exercises a high degree of discretion, independent judgment, and tact. The position may interface with executives on high-level functional issues, providing recommendations and solutions with a full understanding of cross-organizational impact and organizational needs.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Operations and Administrative Management

Manages the operations of the President’s Office by maintaining the President’s calendar and ensuring the effective coordination of meetings, travel itineraries, and related arrangements. Manages the substantial flow of information into and out of the President’s Office, prioritizes and initiates responses, and ensures that correspondence, memoranda, reports, presentations, and other information issued by the office are accurate, timely, and meet established standards.

Maintains required documentation and oversees all financial and administrative activities and records for the office. Approves expenditures, expense reports, invoice vouchers, and other administrative documentation, ensures budget parameters are met, and maintains files and records in an orderly and accurate manner.

Communications and Decision Support

Prepares background materials, briefing documents, PowerPoint presentations, talking points, speeches, and other supporting materials for internal and external meetings. Gathers, analyzes, and summarizes information to assist the President in decision-making and briefs the President on meeting topics and other matters. Drafts substantial correspondence on the President’s behalf and reviews, edits, and proofreads correspondence, reports, presentations, speeches, and other written materials to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and adherence to organizational standards.

Coordinates a variety of sensitive issues involving numerous internal and external parties, remains informed of issues and concerns affecting the President and the organization, and serves as a trusted and effective communications channel for senior management and staff.

Project Coordination and Strategic Initiatives

Develops and maintains an inventory of critical activities requiring the President’s awareness or involvement and oversees ongoing projects to ensure successful progress and completion. Tracks assignments and follows up with staff on action items and deliverables to ensure work is completed accurately and on schedule. If assigned, supports the President in program management, policy making, and planning activities; assists the President and executive team with special projects;

participates in the development of strategic…