Staff Assistant - Axle

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Staff Assistant to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) located in Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Overall Position Summary and Objectives 

Under this task order, the contractor will independently provide support services to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities. The primary objective is to provide services and deliverables through performance of support services and will be located within the Office of Communication and Public Liaison.

Deliverables:

• Work products and documents related to setting up and formatting spreadsheets/databases to analyze information; coordinate the preparation of a variety of reports; gather and analyze information; develop, maintain, and utilize various databases. - Ad-Hoc 
• Work products and documents related to compiling data; create and maintain PowerPoint presentations; format and submit summaries for yearly grant reports; track, record, and direct protocols to reviewers; note commitments made during meetings and arrange for staff implementation; read correspondence for approval. - Ad-Hoc 
• Work products and documents related to maintaining the office daily calendar, making appointments, and arranging conferences and meetings; reserve meeting space, contact all personnel expected to attend; arrange for transportation and lodging for meeting participants; transmit agenda and all necessary background material to participants. - Ad-Hoc 
• Work products and documents related to coordinating staff presentations and event attendance; address a variety of office needs, including word processing, information management, report preparation, publications, information gathering, and communication. - Ad-Hoc 
• Work products and documents related to reports, presentations, and speeches; maintain a file of visual aids for use in presentations; make all arrangements for the presentations; prepare reports, create spreadsheets and charts, maintain databases. - Ad-Hoc 
• Work products and documents related to researching information and additional material; maintain the status of projects; summarize and format information for distribution, including writing letters and memos, compiling data for reports, creating computerized presentations, and writing reports. - Ad-Hoc 
• Provide customer service support to the Office and Institute. - Ad-Hoc 
• Facilitate and coordinate the Meetings. - Examples of some of the actions to support actions may involve arranging travel, taking attendance, coordinating/communicating with travelers to ensure vouchering, booking meeting space, running meeting slides, and other logistic support actions in support of the NIMHD staff. - Ad-Hoc 
• Track, follow-up, and provide status on actions in support of the Office and Institute. - Daily 
• Submissions and tracking of POTS orders for Office. - Ad-Hoc 
• Act as Travel Planner for Office/Division to include booking travel, (if travel booked outside of the CGE system (such as through OMEGA) ensuring travel authorization is submitted, checking on travelers in travel status, upon travelers return working with the traveler to get travel vouchered within 5 business days, and working collaboratively with Administrative Officer(s) through the entire process. - Ad-Hoc Enter orders into POTS and track to completion. - Ad-Hoc

Work Details:

• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of items such as travel requests, professional service orders, requests for sponsored travel (Form 348), outside activities (Form 520), official duty memoranda, leave authorizations, training requests, individual/mass mailings, correspondence, reports, and various forms. 1 
• Coordinate meetings, workshops, and courses for staff; schedule conference rooms. 2
• Is the primary Point of Contact between the Division Staff and the Division Director and Administrative Officer. 3
• Set up and format spreadsheets to analyze information 4 
• Maintain SOPs, guidance documents, or instructions associated with the programs and systems used in the organization. 5
• Provides support for various procurement and administrative tasks. 
• Maintain SOPs, guidance documents, or instructions associated with the programs and systems used in the organization. 
• Provide administrative, procedural, and informational resource support; work with staff to coordinate program workflow. 
• Work with staff on proofreading, recommending, interpreting, and/or implementing internal administrative policies and procedures.  
• Coordinate meeting planning and logistical arrangements, including room and audiovisual reservations, WebEx, and other remote connection arrangements; prepare and transmit agendas and relevant materials; contact and communicate with participants; prepare and distribute meeting minutes. 
• Establish and maintain a fiscal year calendar; update shared calendars and databases; coordinate filing of office-wide reports and other activities including performance management documents, awards, committee memberships, etc. 
• Research information requested and provide that information; maintain the status of projects; follow up on actions through contact with office staff.
• Produce a wide range of documents; address a variety of office needs which may include word processing, information management, report preparation, publications, information gathering, communication, etc. 
• Update and develop content for websites, newsletters, and other formats of communication, and monitor for currency and accuracy of information. 
• Prepare and route personnel packages for onboarding, transfer, promotions, and terminations, including processing of credentialing packages.  
• Work with staff on proofreading, recommending, interpreting, and/or implementing internally. 
• Update and develop content for websites and/or SharePoint Site for Division intranet, and other formats of communication, and monitor for currency and accuracy of information. 
• Prepare, review, and route various actions for submission to the Division Director and Administrative Officer. 
• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of items such as travel requests, professional service orders, requests for travel, official duty memoranda, training requests, etc. 
• Prepares PowerPoint Presentations to include but not limited to the development of draft presentations, incorporating feedback into presentations, updating existing presentations, and reviewing presentations for accuracy.
• Compiles and Reviews various types of memos, documents, and packages.
• Develop, maintain, and utilize various administrative databases.
• Gather and analyze information about processes and programs; prepare reports, letters, and other documents for review and input for division programs, policies, and activities.
• Maintain branch file systems for correspondence and projects.
• Confirm that scientific engagements are managed and indicated on the leadership calendar and that all established meetings are arranged.
• Arrange for staff members to represent the organization at conferences and meetings, establish appointment priorities, or reschedule Provide logistic support for the IC council. 
• Make travel arrangements for IC Council members attending the sessions in person. 
• Acts as point of contact with management and administrative, budget, and property management staff. 
• Develop, maintain, and utilize various administrative databases. 
• Develop Statements of Work (SOWs), perform market research, and work with program staff on administrative functions, including invoice tracking and contractor billing issues. 
• Organize, coordinate, and administer the administrative components of the assigned servicing area; collaborate with program officials and administrative offices. 
• Serve as liaison between Director and divisional staff; communicate policies, protocols, regulations, guidelines, and general information. Serve as a contact on personnel issues within the Office; advise staff on appropriate appointment mechanisms and recruitment tools as applicable to meet the requirements of specific situations. 
• Act as a focal point and primary initial contact for matters concerning the Office; design and coordinate systems for communications among staff to facilitate the efficient flow of information relating to projects and program activities. 
• Collaborate with Division Director, Division Staff, and Administrative Officer on a variety of Actions. 
• Coordinate, track, and act as liaison for the Division on a variety of items. 
• Proactively researches policy (HHS, NIH, NIMHD, and Division) to answer Division staff questions. Works collaboratively with the Administrative Officer to ensure any guidance provided aligns with NIMHD practices. 
• Prepare SOPs and review them for accuracy; maintain knowledge of current regulations, policies, and procedures concerning general administration, organization, procurement, travel, personnel, etc. 
• Work as a liaison with other administrative groups to facilitate meeting organizational goals for a variety of high-level programs. 
• Provide information to program staff on policies and procedures for government travelers and guests. 
• Monitor compliance with program policies and procedures; identify strategies to ensure that program and contractual compliance is maintained. 
• Review documentation for compliance with policy and procedures; interpret instructions for adherence to format; collect data; provide summaries for analysis and interpretation. 
• Explain HHS and NIH property policies, procedures, and regulations concerning the acquisition of accountable property items. 
• Ensure proper implementation of federal personal property management, as defined by federal laws, regulations, and HHS and NIH Property Management Policies. 
• Serve as a resource for staff regarding established policy; keep abreast of new guidance and policies; disseminate information to staff and respond to requests for information regarding the status of projects or actions. 
• Prepare SOPs and review them for accuracy; maintain knowledge of current regulations, policies, and procedures concerning the Division. Develops, maintains, and updates documentation, databases, and spreadsheets for personnel, budget, and travel actions. 
• Set up and format spreadsheets to analyze information. 
• Maintain tracking systems; use the records management system to ensure proper filing, accountability, storage, and retrieval of files. Assemble and summarize data, background information, and other materials from source materials or automated systems. 
• Maintain databases for tracking, analyzing, and reporting of all activities including professional activities, travel, and project management. Prepare all documents required for new appointments, renewals, and terminations including all documents needed for visas. 
• Prepare documents and enter information into administrative systems in the areas of recruitment of new staff, time and attendance, accessions, and separations. 
• Prepare, or prepare selected components of, HR packages, awards, and justifications for incentives documents including recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives. 
• Maintain contacts database; update/maintain calendars and shared calendars for multiple staff members. 
• Develop, update, and maintain spreadsheets to analyze information, including personnel, budget, travel, and training; develop budget proposals; monitor expenditures; create summaries and reports based on information; oversee administrative reference documents such as staff schedules, tours of duty, contact information, budget tracking, etc.; upload, organize, and maintain information on SharePoint. Prepares inventory and purchase requests and assists with property management. 
• Prepare requisitions for purchase of office supplies and miscellaneous items; maintain office records including office procurements and reimbursement procedures. Enter requests for office supplies using POTS. 
• Process and track order requests using government systems (i.e., POTS) on behalf of branch staff. 
• Maintain space utilization records, inventoried and projections; compile, organize and analyze necessary associated materials. 
• Prepare and track requests and justifications for the purchase of materials, supplies, and office equipment; follow up on purchase and procurement requests; review receiving documentation and reconcile all receiving problems; maintain records and spreadsheets of all requests.
• Provide direct administrative, procedural, and informational resource support; work with staff to coordinate program workflow. 
• Participate in developmental activities involving studies and analysis of internal administrative operations, organizations, or management to achieve greater economy and efficiency. 
• Prepare materials for incorporation into workflow and operational analyses, cost studies, and/or equipment utilization. 
• Review and update policy; fix broken links; address system issues; take suggestions from administrative staff regarding the layout of websites and the overall staff satisfaction with its content. 
• Perform a variety of complex, specialized support tasks on an ongoing and ad hoc basis; manage special projects, draft letters and reports, prepare/edit presentations, develop meeting agendas, and create and update spreadsheets and databases. 
• Plan or assist in the planning of special projects involving program issues; work with staff on the management of special crosscutting initiatives and task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals. 
• Work independently on special projects; research and initiate actions about operational issues; coordinate proponents to research; resolve action processing issues. 
• Perform a variety of functions such as compiling, retrieving, and organizing information, data entry, researching references for projects, and development and analysis of information to support decision alternatives. 
• Conduct project close-out reviews to reflect current processes and identify areas for improvement during Division meetings. Examples include but are not limited to running staff slides, monitoring chat, formatting, and submitting summaries for yearly grant review including financials.
• Research and advise staff on technology needs/updates such as laptops, mobile devices, and monitors. 
• Design and coordinate systems for communications among staff to facilitate the efficient flow of information relating to projects and program activities. 
• Assist with maintenance of SharePoint sites and shared electronic document/data libraries, including development and monitoring of content and ensuring that documents and/or data posted to the sites are accurate and filed appropriately. 
• Perform analyses by investigating policies and the effectiveness of programs; implement proposed changes by monitoring recommendations and identifying opportunities for improvement. 
• Gather, compile, analyze, and evaluate data for performance management goals; implement solutions to drive continuous improvement of business processes. 
• Review and update policy; fix broken links; address system issues; take suggestions from administrative staff regarding the layout of websites and the overall staff satisfaction with its content. 
• Participate in developmental activities involving studies and analysis of internal administrative operations, organizations, or management to achieve greater economy and efficiency. 
• Use day-to-day observations and analysis of work processes to evaluate program operations; anticipate potential problems; identify existing problems and inefficiency; and develop recommended solutions. 
• Participate in developmental activities involving studies and analysis of internal division operations, organizations, or management to achieve greater economy and efficiency. 
• Coordinate the preparation of a variety of items such as travel requests, professional service orders, requests for travel, outside activities, official duty memoranda, training requests, individual mass mailings, correspondence, reports, and various forms.
• Format and submit summaries for yearly grant reviews including financials.
• Track, record, and route protocols for scientific review Assist with tracking of compliance with NIH Office of Human Subjects Protection OHSRP and Data Use Agreement policies.
• Assist with monitoring of biosafety compliance Track and ensure compliance with the PMC manuscript submission website.
• Implement and maintain eRA Commons institutional account.
• Design and coordinate systems for communications among staff to facilitate the efficient flow of information relating to projects and program activities.
• Confirm that scientific engagements are managed and indicated on the leadership's calendar and that all established meetings are arranged.
• Note commitments made by the executive level during meetings arrange for staff implementation and perform timely follow-up.
• Draft outgoing correspondence for executive level approval and with attention to conflict with policies or executive level viewpoints; make recommendations to resolve problems that arise in the executive level absence ensure that requests for action or information are relayed to the appropriate staff; decide whether executive level should be notified of important or emergency issues.
• Summarize and synthesize the content of incoming materials, information, or meetings; coordinate the new information with background office sources; draw attention to important parts or conflicts.
• Develop routine plans or schedules using standard references and existing information; determine specific steps based on defined objectives and input required Identify schedule time required; estimate resources required.
•  Identify discrete steps of routine business practices that might be opportunities for applying standard quality improvement techniques; develop Standard Operating Procedures accordingly.
• Implement the records management system for the Division office to ensure proper filing accountability, storage, and retrieval of files Compile emergency preparedness contact information and update annually. 
• Have information available in the event of an emergency or drill Be familiar with ethics considerations for executives, investigators, and trainees.
• Research information requested and provide that information; maintain the status of projects; follow up on actions through contact with office staff.
• Coordinate and plan leadership office meetings and conference attendance; make all necessary travel arrangements; maintain continuous communication with staff while on travel to triage and resolve any problems; process travel vouchers.
• Produce a wide range of documents; address a variety of office needs which may include word processing, information management, report preparation, publications, information gathering, communications, etc.
• Receive all incoming unclassified mail to the Directors' Office; maintain a log of all official mail; prepare responses to a wide variety of correspondence. 
• Determine if correspondence should be brought to the attention of the Director, referred to appropriate personnel, or handled independently. 
• Review all outgoing correspondence for neatness, accuracy, adherence to an established format, and adherence to leadership policies; draft correspondence, such as routine official correspondence, social and personal acknowledgments, congratulatory letters, acceptances letters, and routine office reports.
• Coordinate meetings, deadlines, presentations, and domestic and foreign travel arrangements, coordinate flights, accommodations, and other itinerary specific. 
• Prepare and format information for internal and external distribution, including writing letters and memos, compiling data for reports, creating computerized presentations, writing reports, transcribing dictation, qualitative data coding, editing, proofreading and other information preparation duties.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 represents priority rankings, where 1 is highest priority and 5 is lowest priority of those ranked

Minimum Education

Bachelor

Additional Qualifications:

Certifications & Licenses:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of related experience. NIH experience is preferred 
• Preferred Candidates - 5 years of NIH experience

Field of Study: 

• Operations Logistics and E-Commerce 
• Business Management and Administration 
• General Business 
• Hospitality Management 

Software: 

• SharePoint
• MS Office 
• Concur 
• WebEx 
• ITAS 
• PowerPoint 
• Procurement Online Track System (POTS) 
•  

Skills:

• Knowledge of NIH procurement, purchasing, and administrative systems. 
• Project Management, Website Content Management 
• Meeting Minutes/Summary Reports 
• Meeting Coordination 
• Travel Planning 
• Data Analysis 
• Calendaring 
• Scheduling 
• Expense reconciliation, project management/planning, timekeeping, fellowship program management 
• Social Media, knowledge of the Federal Travel Regulation 
• Tracking of Office Administrative Actions 
• Outreach

Disclaimer:The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics protected under state, federal, or local law and to deter those who aid, abet, or induce discrimination or coerce others to discriminate.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact: careers@axleinfo.com

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