Poverty Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Job Description Summary
The University of Maryland (College Park) Department of Geographical Sciences is among the world's leading academic units dedicated to tackling society's most pressing concerns. Our internationally renowned experts bring satellite data processing and geospatial technologies to the forefront of scientific discovery. Through our research and teaching, our faculty, staff, and students advance cutting-edge solutions for climate change, biodiversity, wildfire, food security, global health, sustainability, and poverty. Research partners include NASA, the National Science Foundation, NOAA, the World Resources Institute, and other sponsors. Geographical Sciences promotes growth in individuals and a healthy work-life balance within a collaborative culture and truly values and is always seeking ways to enhance work-life balance.
The Department of Geographical Sciences, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, is currently seeking to hire a full-time Assistant Director of Administrative Services. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to enhancing operational processes within the Administrative Services department.
The Department of Geographical Science administrative office is responsible for management of approximately 189 accounts as well as roughly 250 full- and part-time staff and faculty. The Administrative staff of the office supports a wide range of tasks, including financial/accounting, operational, administrative/personnel, and procurement actions.
The Assistant Director of Administrative Services will be responsible for managing aspects of the business services of the Department. This includes payroll activities, human resources, procurement, reimbursements, travel, and sponsored research administration.
Physical demands: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. This position is required to have the ability to move freely about the campus to attend meetings multiple times a week. This includes the off-site location for the department.
Licenses/Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Seven (7) years of professional experience in human resources, payroll, budget, finance, facilities management, procurement, or managing business operations. Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.
Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data.
Knowledge of organizational and unit performances measures.
Knowledge of the impact and implications of decisions on leadership objectives.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in data analytics and negotiation.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products.
Ability to research information and analyze/synthesize complex data and information to create reports and presentations with valid conclusions derived from various sources.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Additional Job Details
Preferences:

• Master's Degree.
• Experience with UMD administrative systems, including Workday, Concur, and Priority BA software.
• Sponsored research experience

Required Application Materials:

• Applications should include a CV, a cover letter, and provide the names, addresses, and email addresses of three references.

Best Consideration Date:
August 7, 2026
Open Until Filled: No
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
BSOS-Geography
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$106,320-115,000
Benefits Summary
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice
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