Program Assistant (Research)

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options. The Center’s 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Research team is seeking an on-site Program Assistant for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension). This position provides a wide range administrative and operational support to designated team(s), ensuring assigned programs and activities have the appropriate work coordination, planning, reporting, communications, and budgeting. The incumbent liaises with internal departments, external partners, funders, and stakeholders to ensure effective program delivery and compliance with applicable requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PROGRAM ASSISTANT:

• Prepares program material for staff. Gathers information from program files and other sources and summarizes information in response to requests.  Follows up on work progress to ensure timely response and action.  Brings important matters to the attention of appropriate staff. In absence of individual staff, assumes responsibility for ensuring that requests for action or information are made known to responsible personnel who can satisfy the requests.

• Initiates and prepares a variety of administrative, participant award and fiscal forms, following standard office procedures and checking with appropriate program staff to resolve problems.  Prepares and processes for Fiscal Officer approval purchase orders, authorization for payment, housing requests, travel requests and completion forms, general work requests, Imin requests, IT requests, petty cash, and other payment documents.
• Provides assistance with arrangements for workshops/conferences/meetings including, but not limited to preparing workshop materials, workshop/conference registration, processing requests for payment and other financial or programmatic documentation, arranging coffee/tea service, meeting room set-up (including PowerPoint presentations, recording, and video conferencing), receptions and meals, running errands, handling travel reservations and assisting participants during their stay at the Center. Assists in facilitating virtual programs such as webinars, workshop breakout training rooms, and online briefings through Zoom or other designated platforms.
• Drafts correspondence, documents, reports, proposals, manuscripts, letters, faxes, and memos, from notes and oral instructions. Reviews for proper spelling, grammar, mathematical calculations, format, and arrangement of the final copy.  Performs minor editing as necessary.
• Establishes and maintains program files, modifying as needed for efficient access and retrieval of correspondence, records, documents, and forms.
• Receives and reviews Fellowship email accounts and refers them accordingly.  Ascertains which items can be acted upon personally and takes necessary action. Compiles and records all applications and appropriate documentations for committee’s review.
• Assists with arrangements, including financial or programmatic documentation, and orientation for Visiting Fellows, Visiting Scholars, Research Interns, Professional Associates, Official Visitors and Consultants as necessary. 
• Receives visitors and telephone calls. Ascertains nature of business and based on in-depth knowledge of the program or operation and handles appropriately.  Refers visitors to appropriate program staff.
• Arranges staff travel, prepares transportation and/or hotel reservations, notifies organizations and office to be visited, keeps in touch with those traveling and prepares travel documents in accordance with current policies.
• Receives requests for clerical/administrative services from other staff with the program, noting deadlines and special requirements, setting priorities to accomplish tasks by time needed, checking with appropriate staff to confirm deadlines when there is a conflict; confers with the Supervisory Program Officer when unusual assignments are received or when excessive workload occurs.
• Oversees and maintains office room assignments and office keys.
• Maintains calendar of appointments and activities for program staff. As needed, briefs staff on matters to be considered before scheduled meetings. Facilitates virtual meetings through Zoom or other designated platforms. Reschedules appointments should staff not be able to attend.
• Arranges program reports/publications as necessary. Provides liaison between program staff and printers or publishers to ensure that reports are completed efficiently, in a timely manner, and in the required format.
• Selects from a wide variety of software applications the most appropriate type for a specific need, such as word processing, database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing. Applies knowledge of the functional capabilities of different software types to complete routine and complex formatting and other tasks to include thank you cards, invitations, newsletters, brochures and other documentation as required for program events and activities. Retrieves and manipulates data (into charts, graphs, tables, PowerPoint or other formats) for presentation in program brochures, news releases, reports, applications and publications.
• Assists in the formatting, updating content provided by program coordinators and maintenance of the program website for activities using web content creation and management applications.  Handles social media and blogs posts using content provided by program coordinators.

The position may perform other related duties and tasks not listed as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE ROLE

To be considered for this role, you will need to have the following qualifications and skills:

Education – High School Diploma or equivalent training and experience from which comparable knowledge and ability can be acquired.

Experience - Four (4) years full-time experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this position, or a combination of post high school education and directly related experience which totals four (4) years.

Demonstrated Ability – To organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to work effectively and deal pleasantly and helpfully with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment;  to appropriately handle confidential information; to make arithmetic computations and record figures accurately; to handle detail-oriented assignments with accuracy, to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing and to function effectively as a work leader.

Knowledge - Of routine office practices and recordkeeping procedures; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; of office machines and equipment, including computers, LCD projectors, and emerging technologies; high proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe, Acrobat Pro, or equivalent office computer applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms; and of meeting software such as Zoom and Skype.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

 

When you join our team as a Program Assistant, you will have the opportunity to work for a company that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

 

• Competitive Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $51,501.88 with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a generous company match, paid holidays, as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. As you settle into your role, you will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

• Supportive Work Environment

We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit an electronic application below at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

 

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References 

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, worth ethic and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

 

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

 

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time, in-person role that requires the desired candidate to physically reside in Oahu, Hawaii.