Program Assistant Director, Research

Job Profile:

Administrative Operations Specialist 4

Job Family:

Administrative Operations

Time Type:

Full time

Max Pay – Depends on experience:

$113,300.00 USD Annual

Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and seven (7) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:
Provides leadership and support in planning, managing, developing, and evaluating departmental strategy, initiatives and activities.

Job Description:

POSITION OVERVIEW

Arizona State University seeks a Program Assistant Director, Research to support the Strategic Thinkers Program (STP), a graduate-level program conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of War (Department of Defense). The program delivers a one-year master’s degree for mid-career military officers and government civilians and operates as a high-visibility, contract-funded academic initiative.

Under general direction, this position serves as a mission-critical leader in program execution, integrating program management, academic administration, research support, financial oversight, and executive-level government engagement. The Program Assistant Director, Research works directly with the STP Director, SCETL Leadership, faculty, and senior Department of War stakeholders, including regular engagement with Pentagon-based offices.

The position is based in Washington, DC, at ASU’s Barrett & O’Connor Center, with limited telework flexibility.

Position Salary Range: $90,000 - $113,300 per year; DOE

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION & CONTRACT EXECUTION

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Strategic Thinkers Program in accordance with contract requirements and performance standards.

• Develop, maintain, and execute program plans, ensuring alignment with contractual deliverables, academic requirements, and institutional objectives.

• Serve as a primary administrative liaison with Department of War stakeholders, including the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Pentagon offices.

• Prepare, edit, and submit required reports including weekly activity reports, semi-annual reports, and other contract deliverables.

• Ensure compliance with reporting timelines, quality standards, and federal contract requirements.

• Participate in government meetings and presentations to support program execution and maintain continuity of stakeholder engagement.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & CONTRACT SUPPORT

• Manage program budget, track expenditures, and support annual budget planning and forecasting.

• Maintain a detailed understanding of program financials to monitor expenses and proactively identify issues.

• Prepare, reconcile, and submit invoices in accordance with federal requirements, including use of the ASSIST platform.

• Ensure compliance with Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) for all travel-related activities.

• Support audit preparation, financial reporting, and contract compliance documentation.

ACADEMIC & STUDENT ADMINISTRATION

• Manage student records, enrollment coordination, grading documentation, and academic tracking.

• Coordinate course scheduling, classroom logistics, and faculty support.

• Support academic milestone execution, including war games, staff rides, orientation, and commencement activities.

• Prepare and analyze student assessments, evaluations, and program feedback.

• Assist students in accessing ASU support resources and Washington, DC-based services.

RESEARCH & ANALYTICAL SUPPORT

• Support the STP Director and faculty with research, analysis, and academic writing.

• Assist in the development of course materials, background papers, and strategic research outputs.

• Contribute to synthesis of program findings for reports, briefings, and external engagements.

EXECUTIVE SUPPORT & EXTERNAL ENGAGEMENT

• Accompany the STP Director to meetings at the Pentagon and other government offices as required.

• Draft and manage executive-level correspondence with Department of War stakeholders and university leadership.

• Coordinate visits and engagements for visiting faculty, senior officials, and subject matter experts.

• Manage calendars for the Director and Assistant Director, including scheduling of high-level meetings and engagements.

TRAVEL & EVENT COORDINATION

• Plan and execute all program-related travel, including staff rides, research trips, orientation, and commencement activities.

• Coordinate logistics for war games, guest lectures, and other program events.

• Manage travel arrangements for students, faculty, and external participants in compliance with federal and university policies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a related field AND six (6) years of experience in program management, project management, client relationship management, academic administration, or government/contract-funded program operations; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting government contracts or working with the Department of Defense

• Familiarity with ASSIST, Workday, and/or Canvas learning management systems

• Background in research support, policy analysis, or national security studies

• Experience coordinating executive-level meetings, briefings, or stakeholder engagements

• Knowledge of executive education programs and higher education administration

• Knowledge of budget management, forecasting, and contract financial tracking

• Knowledge of organizational management, strategic planning, and program operations

• Skill in project management, including planning, execution, and risk management

• Skill in managing client and stakeholder relationships in complex environments

• Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships

WORK ENVIRONMENT & EXPECTATIONS

• Duty station: Washington, DC (ASU Barrett & O’Connor Center)

• In-person presence required; limited telework permitted

• Occasional domestic and international travel required

• Regular interaction with senior military and civilian officials

Department Statement:

The School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership is a new type of school, one that challenges its students to study classic works and prepares them to become a leader ready to take on 21st-century issues. Established in 2017, the school combines a classical liberal arts curriculum with intensive learning experiences that include study abroad programs and professional internships. Offering a blend of courses, practical leadership experiences, and public forums for debating contemporary issues, students graduate ready for careers in government, law, business, and civil society. Transdisciplinary study is also enriched by incorporating ASU’s Center for American Civics and Center for the Study of Economic Liberty into the School.

SCETL is one of 21 academic units within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which offers the greatest choice and diversity of studies of any college at Arizona State University, the largest public university in the United States. In addition to top academic programs, award-winning faculty, and state-of-the-art lab and research facilities, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers unique opportunities to explore a vast spectrum of academic disciplines—from science and math to languages and philosophy—that few other colleges and universities can provide. With 13 schools, five departments, three programs, 107 majors, 156 graduate degrees, and over 50 world-class research centers and one-of-a-kind institutes, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is redefining liberal arts and sciences education for the 21st century.

For more information, please visit https://scetl.asu.edu/

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 90,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

Driving Requirement:

Driving is not required for this position.

Location:

Off-Campus: Washington, D. C.

Funding:

Grant Funded

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.

Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.

https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$21725.htmld

To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter

• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.

Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date.

Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience.

Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources.

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.