Professional Specialist/Office of the Dean in SPIA

The Princeton University School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) seeks a Project Specialist who will provide research support to the Dean, and Associate Deans' projects. The position is for a one-year term, with the possibility of renewal, contingent on satisfactory performance. 

The Project Specialist is responsible for researching, planning and implementing a wide range of special (academic and policy-related)  projects. The Dean expects this individual to take the lead in the research and development of these projects. This position requires great initiative, independence and entrepreneurial thinking. The individual will interact on a regular basis with faculty, staff, students, alumni, advisory council members and representatives from peer institutions, foundations, government agencies and other nonprofit organizations. Working very closely with the Dean, the individual functions independently and is expected to be highly self-sufficient. The Dean's Office is fast-paced and deadline-driven, hence the individual must be able to respond to requests with keen attention to detail and a strong sense of urgency while always maintaining discretion and professionalism as a representative of the Dean.

Responsibilities
* Regularly research and implement projects that showcase and complement the School's teaching and research objectives.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    These cross-disciplinary research projects will be in conjunction with SPIA centers and programs, faculty and academic program heads. For example, the Project Specialist be one of the lead researchers on the Afghanistan Policy Lab initiative to ensure the project relies on academic inputs and makes concrete policy recommendations to various pertinent constituents.
* The individual is also responsible for researching and writing grant proposals and submissions for school wide initiatives; develops contracts, partnership agreements and memoranda of understanding that are consistent with University policies and guidelines; and undertakes faculty related research and writing projects in collaboration with the Public Affairs and Communications staff so we can make the necessary policy recommendations to policymakers locally and in Washington D.C.
* Research, analyze data and draft complex academic research briefs, and related materials for faculty and affiliated centers. 
* Performs research and prepares documents for publication; researches and helps prepare various reports and presentations on behalf of the Dean for faculty, town hall meetings, University administration, boards and advisory councils.

Qualifications
The candidate must be highly detail oriented, well organized, attentive, diplomatic and tactful. 
*Exceptional written and oral communication skills are vital. 
*Demonstrated project management skills, conviction and follow through are all similarly critical.
*A comprehensive understanding of Public Policy and/or higher education administration, typically acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field and/or relevant work experience; 
*Master's degree (PhD preferred).
*Proven ability to exercise initiative, independent judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality and a high level of discretion when dealing with highly sensitive information.
*Ability to effectively interact with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

To apply submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for two references at https://puwebp.princeton.edu/AcadHire/position/25481. Letters of recommendation will be required at the interview stage. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.