Administrative Assistant

Overview

The Department of Sociology at Princeton University seeks applicants for a full-time Administrative Assistant position for the Eviction Lab. The Administrative Assistant will support the Principal Investigator and handle day-to-day operations for a team of 25 people. Successful candidates will have experience working in collaborative environments and on medium- to large-sized teams.

The Eviction Lab at Princeton University conducts research on housing instability and its effects on communities. By joining our team, you’ll help facilitate crucial research that shapes policy and improves lives. The Eviction Lab is deeply involved in multiple spheres—from academic research and book publishing to community engagement, local and national policy making, journalism and event planning. By working closely with Professor Matthew Desmond and the rest of the team, you’ll gain the unique experience of bridging these realms. This role offers an opportunity to further develop a wide-ranging skill set and help drive real, meaningful change.

The Administrative Assistant will focus on two main areas of responsibility: 1) providing direct support to the Principal Investigator, including managing the PI’s calendar, correspondence, travel, academic coordination, and financial reporting; and 2) overseeing smooth functioning of day-to day operations at the Lab, such as managing the office space, handling email inquiries, organizing group meetings, and collaborating with the rest of the administrative team to anticipate and meet the Lab’s evolving needs.

This role requires a proactive communicator who can navigate time-sensitive and high-stakes situations with confidence and anticipate challenges before they arise.

This is a one-year term, benefits eligible position. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

Responsibilities

Support for Principal Investigator:

• Manage travel arrangements, expense reporting, and scheduling meetings.
• Prepare materials for research projects, grant proposals, and publications.
• Assist with course preparation, including updating course websites, exam logistics, and managing course materials.
• Coordinate conferences, symposia, and research events, managing logistics and coordinating registrations.
• Process expense reports and track research expenditures.

Office Management:

• Order office supplies, equipment, and materials; manage inventory and ensure the Lab is adequately stocked.
• Maintain a clean and organized office environment, including managing Lab mail, sorting documents, and updating bulletin boards.
• Liaise with other departments across the University, acting as a clear point of contact to ensure the Lab's administrative and office management needs are met and facilitating cross-departmental collaboration.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for events, meetings, and seminars, including catering, room reservations, and visitor management.

Lab Administration:

• Serve as the first point of contact for the Lab, managing phone calls, emails, and inquiries.
• Assist with the monitoring and management of the Lab inbox, providing accurate information and connecting inquiries to the appropriate staff members when needed.
• Assist with the onboarding of new staff, researchers, and visitors, including preparing welcome packets and conducting orientations. Track and manage building and facilities issues, such as work orders and maintenance requests.
• Help implement policies and procedures across the Lab to improve efficiency and enhance the work environment.
• Coordinate with senior staff on key Lab initiatives, deadlines, and projects.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• 3+ years of relevant work experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience scheduling and hosting meetings via Zoom, including managing large group meetings
• Familiarity with technical equipment such as monitors, printers, speakers, and microphones, including how to connect and troubleshoot various peripherals
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a high attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Demonstrated success in working and communicating with colleagues and other stakeholders from varying disciplinary backgrounds and levels of seniority, including PI, faculty members and department leadership, and external organizations
• Ability to prioritize, adapt, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, changing environment
• Demonstrated professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information

Preferred Qualifications:

• Administration, particularly in academic or research settings
• Office management and supply procurement
• Event planning
• Expense reporting, budgeting, and other financial administrative tasks
• Management of a high-volume inbox that receives inquiries from multiple sources
• Customer service