You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.

Program Assistant (Virtual) ARS TOB Summer 2023

Workplace Culture
At USDA, we are recommitting ourselves to the values of equity and inclusion rooted in justice and equal opportunity for our employees and those we serve.
 
Job Description
Are you a dynamic professional, passionate about delivering in-person presentations and organizing community outreach events? If so, read on.
 
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Talent Outreach Branch seek to promote and increase visibility of career opportunities in ARS to attract talented, well-qualified, and diverse applicants.
TOB seeks a Program Assistant that will support TOBs operational excellence and execution of quality and standards by providing wide-ranging administrative and operational support to the TOB team. You will provide administrative support, data analysis, work on content and writing for communication programs. The ideal candidate is a dynamic professional with strong organizational skillset and multitasking.

This is a virtual opportunity.
 
Duties:
  • Create and edit a wide variety of unique communications materials with tailored messaging based on analyses of target stakeholder audiences and agency objectives. These materials may include presentation materials, email communication campaigns, informational guides, and website content.
  • Collaborate with internal leadership, subject matter experts (SMEs), and state partners to ensure that all communications and presentation materials are clear, accomplish program objectives, and meet USDA brand standards.
  • Coordinate planning with leadership for virtual quarterly and ad-hoc stakeholder engagement events.
  • Create and present targeted, engaging presentations to a diverse variety of stakeholder groups.
  • Develop effective communications campaigns and messaging timelines that help strengthen stakeholder understanding of available program resources and reinforce various change management initiatives.
  • Content maintenance on stakeholder support websites including training information, support guides and other resources.
  • Build and edit a wide variety of unique external communications materials with tailored messaging based on analyses of target audiences and agency objectives.
  • Conduct a brand adherence check for all new program support collateral developed (presentations, email communications, print flyers, event advertisements, sell sheets, stakeholder guides, and other support pieces) across various programs.
  • Advise management on strategies to leverage communications materials in a manner that helps achieve agency objectives.
  • Act as liaison between stakeholder audiences and program leadership team when necessary, communicating information such as training registration details and process best practices through various channels, such as email, in-person and online events.
  • Develop and strengthen relationships with key customers
  • Create meaningful and collaborative relationships that facilitate the accomplishment of agency goals across industry partners
  • Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.
 
 
Location: Virtual
 
 
Hours per week: Flexible (Minimum 20 hours Maximum 40 hours per week)
 
Preferred majors:
  • Business Administration
  • Communications
  • Public Relations
  • Data Management
  • Advertising
 
Desired Skills/Knowledge:
  • Strong organizational skillset and multitasking
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Great people skills - comfortable coordinating with people of varying functions and backgrounds
  • Familiar with frequently-used tools (G-Suite, Microsoft Office, etc.)
  • High level of integrity coupled with ability to handle confidential/sensitive information with expert discretion
  • Quick learner, willing to be trained in new areas to lend support to drive functional team productivity.
  • Keen interest in building communities and dissemination of research
  • Able to bring a focused and steady sense of administrative and operational expertise while remaining calm under pressure
  • A committed self-starter, forward thinker, and problem solver
  • Able to meet tight deadlines, handle multiple projects and expectations, and maintain a sharp focus while managing challenging priorities
  • Proactive and can anticipate needs and/or changes that may occur
  • Have a strong quantitative outlook, matching analytical skills, the ability to do non-linear thinking and you know how to identify and implement creative solutions
 
Supervision:
  • Interns will report to the Agriculture Research Service Plains Area Talent Outreach Branch
  • Interns will receive guidance and feedback from supervisor daily, weekly, or as needed.
  • Interns formal evaluation are completed at the following segments of the internship session, Mid-term and Final Performance Evaluation.
 
Requirements Conditions of Employment
  • You must be a US Citizen or US National.
  • Must be in good academic standing as defined by their academic institution.
  • Satisfactory Background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
  • The position is renewable, based upon effective performance, availability of funds, and program needs, with the possibility of a multiple-year appointment.
 
General Information
About USDA and HACU
For the past 27 years, USDA has partnered with HACU to provide internship opportunities for hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students. These internships provide valuable professional experience for students while also exposing students to the important work that is done at USDA. The students also make significant contributions to the sub-agencies.
This partnership with HACU represents a larger USDA strategy aimed at ensuring a diverse, prepared, and competitive workforce that is vital to establishing a sustainable agricultural future. As a result of their positive internship experiences and supportive and inclusive culture at USDA, many former HACU students are now members of the USDA permanent workforce.