Program Support Assistant

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Program Support Assistant to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), at the Center for Grain and Animal Health Research (CGAHR) in Manhattan, Kansas. The selected candidate will provide administrative and program support to multiple research units, ensuring efficient office operations and supporting scientific and management staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer and direct telephone calls and greet visitors professionally.
• Schedule appointments, meetings, and maintain executive calendars.
• Coordinate meetings and prepare meeting materials.
• Prepare, edit, and distribute correspondence, reports, memos, emails, and other documents.
• Create, organize, and maintain electronic and paper filing systems.
• Process invoices and assist with bookkeeping and administrative accounting activities.
• Manage incoming and outgoing mail and office communications.
• Support event planning and administrative coordination.
• Assist management with routine office operations and special projects.
• Maintain accurate records while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with federal procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional writing skills with strong grammar and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams).
• Basic accounting, bookkeeping, invoicing, and mathematical aptitude.
• Ability to quickly learn new software applications.
• Experience providing administrative or executive support in a professional office environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting Federal Government programs or contracts.
• Experience working in research, higher education, or scientific organizations.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field (preferred but not required).

Note Required:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a USDA Public Trust background investigation.