About the role
OPENING DATE: September 25, 2026 CLOSING DATE: October 23, 2026 SERIES/GRADE: IS-0301-11 TYPE OF POSITION: Trust Indefinite (Non-Federal) DIVISION: SAO Human Resources LOCATION: Cambridge, MA AREA OF CONSIDERATION: This position is open to all eligible candidates. SAO is unable to provide sponsorship for this position.
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program, which may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care).
Conditions of Employment
- Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation, as required.
- Complete a Probationary Period if applicable.
- Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
- The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
- Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.
INTRODUCTION
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) is at the forefront, internationally, of the scientific exploration of the universe. SAO combines its resources with those of the Harvard College Observatory to form the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). The CfA is the best-known astrophysics center in the world. Its programs range from ground-based astronomy and astrophysics research to space-based research, the engineering and development of major scientific instrumentation for space launch and use in large ground-based facilities, and research designed to improve science education. The research objectives of SAO are carried out primarily with the support of Government and Smithsonian Institution funds, with additional philanthropic support. Government funds are in the form of Federal appropriations or the form of contracts and grants from other agencies. In contrast, Institution funds are available to SAO through grants from the Institution's Restricted Funds, Special Purpose Funds, Bureau Activities, Business Activities, and non-Federal contracts and grants.
SUMMARY
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory is seeking a meticulous and initiative-taking Administrative Specialist for Human Resources to manage the Early Career Researcher (ECR) Programs and support various Human Resources processes at SAO. The incumbent is responsible for managing the full life cycle of internship, fellowship, and academic appointments for interns, postdoctoral, predoctoral, visiting students, visiting scientists, and other short-term research personnel.
This position involves a wide variety of sensitive, personally identifiable, information. The employee must maintain a prominent level of confidentiality in fulfilling the responsibilities of the position and must foster a culture of confidentiality among others who oversee such information.
Manages the day-to-day operations of ECR programs, and provide support to the human resources function, including scheduling meetings and appointments, organizing and maintaining files, and handling correspondence. Function as the point of contact between executives and internal/external stakeholders. Responds to difficult issues involving complex problems and/or concerns and recommends solutions and alternative approaches.
Respond to and initiate inquiries (questions regarding personnel, facilities, administration, specialized programs, etc.) Explain policies, answer questions, and independently resolve problems whenever feasible. Prepare presentation materials for use by others, editing content and adding appropriate graphic and design elements. These responsibilities may include creating basic web content. Compose and/or prepare correspondence, memoranda, promotional materials, forms, newsletters, manuals, and reports using appropriate word processing and spreadsheet tools. Perform basic statistical calculations on data for reports and presentations. Plan, prioritize and schedule meetings.
Assist with grant proposals and serve as a resource for information related to the administration of grants and contracts. Perform specialized administrative duties required to support the specific program area, using discretion to make judgments based on operating guidelines. Support purchasing requirements for department, researching items, and obtaining price quotes, entering information into university systems, receiving purchase orders, and maintaining P-Card information as required. Support human resource and payroll processes as a primary contact or backup for payroll preparation or certification, leave tracking, appointment papers, and other requirements. Arrange and coordinate travel and travel reimbursement for staff. Compile and maintain information that may require web or library researching, gathering, compiling, and updating data and records. Perform other administrative duties as required to support the mission and function of the office.
Organize and maintain filing systems, including electronic and hard copy documents. Process and track invoices, purchase orders, and other financial documents as required. Organize and facilitate company events and meetings. Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless operations. Oversee confidential and sensitive information with discretion. Conduct research and compile data for various projects. Organize a filing system for important and confidential company documents. Answer queries by employees and clients. Maintain a company calendar and schedule appointments. Distribute and store correspondence (e.g., letters, emails, and packages). Prepare reports and presentations with statistical data, as assigned. Schedule in-house and external events.
Program & Fellowship Administration
Support the recruitment and selection process for ECRs including posting program information, reviewing applications, coordinating interviews, and sending offers and award letters. Manage the relationship between HCO and SAO for the Harvard Du Bois Scholars program. Support the CfA Prize Fellowships annual review process. Remain continually up to date with SAO, SI, and Harvard University policies for managing postdocs, predoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and interns. Process new academic appointment requests and coordinate approvals with relevant divisions.
Provide administrative support for the SAO J-visa program. Partner with HR leadership on building out J visa programming for international scholars. Support the work authorization and visa document administration process.
Stipend, Budget & Financial Management, Benefits & Insurance Administration:
Manage and approve stipend sheets/requisitions for monthly stipends, advance payments, and miscellaneous stipends (e.g., relocation, travel, private insurance). Confirm and maintain stipend schedules for all programs. Update and distribute hourly/monthly/yearly rates for various appointment types. Review awards, stipends, and allowances compared to peer institutions to ensure competitiveness and identify improvement opportunities. Ensure academic appointments are paid in a timely and accurate manner. Provide reports to division administrators and SAO leadership on stipends, budgets, and payments. Assist ECRs in developing and ma