The Administrative Specialist provides administrative and operational support to the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy (the “Project”) and the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the American Presidency (the “Center”). Reporting directly to the Project Coordinator of the Project, duties include general administrative and programmatic support for these two high-visibility university initiatives. Both the Project and the Center are relatively new programs, so successful candidates will have a “start-up” mentality looking to tackle a myriad of daily tasks and creatively overcome unexpected obstacles while working toward long term strategic goals. This position performs complex administrative duties requiring decision-making skills and sound judgment. The position requires a thorough understanding of University policies and procedures.

About the Work Unit:
The College of Arts & Science at Vanderbilt University is a highly selective liberal arts college at the heart of a major research university. It seeks to attract a diverse student body of high promise and ability from throughout the United States and the international community. Its mission is to engage in significant and innovative research, scholarship, and creative expression in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, to offer distinguished, well-taught programs of undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, and to foster service to society overall.

About the Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy:
Launched in January 2021, the Project aims to lead a non-partisan national conversation on restoring unity and civility to a fractured country. Established with the core premise that the country has become disconnected from evidence and reason, the Project seeks to supplant ideology with fact. Data can yield varying interpretations and diverse policy prescriptions, but a shared vision of the facts will inject civility into even the most heated political fight. The Project is co-chaired by former Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Jon Meacham and Vanderbilt faculty member Samar Ali and managed by John Geer, the Ginny and Conner Searcy Dean of the College of Arts and Science.
Among the Project’s expected core goals is the dissemination of research and evidence-based papers from renowned thought leaders and timely and crucial conversations with influencers of all political persuasion. The Project aims to give policymakers and the public the tools needed to combat conspiracy and unfounded ideology with evidence, data, and respectful discourse. This effort will yield a non-partisan hub for leading scholars, key policymakers, activists, opinion leaders, and others to develop evidence-based solutions that are not driven by ideological predispositions. The Project will continue to elevate thought-provoking, original discourse, steeped in data and historical evidence, on how to create a more United States.

About the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the Study of the American Presidency:
Housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, the Carolyn T. and Robert M. Rogers Center for the American Presidency is a nationally recognized hub for innovative scholarship about the workings of the presidency, including its function and its role in and effect on current and historical events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working closely with Project and Center leadership, the administrative specialist will help implement Project and Center programs and initiatives, including activities generally designed to increase Project/Center awareness and develop and nurture relationships with national influencers.
• Among the tasks the administrative specialist can expect to perform on a weekly basis are the following:
  • Track and manage calendars for Project/Center leadership and programming;
  • Develop and maintain program and task tracking systems;
  • Assist in managing e-mail correspondence;
  • Manage expense reporting for Project/Center and responsibly maintain the use of a University credit card for Project/Center-related purchases;
  • Track requisitions and invoices to ensure timely payments to suppliers;
  • Assist as Guest Travel Coordinator (GTC) and book travel arrangements for guests of the Project/Center, as needed;
  • Maintain office environment, including ordering supplies as well as scheduling and keeping agendas for team meetings;
  • Provide support as needed and assigned for Project/Center priorities;
  • Adhere to AP style and university style guidelines and rigorously fact-check his/her own work and that of others
  • Closely monitor current events and identify compelling related content/programming possibilities.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders (including faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, and contributors) in a bipartisan manner demonstrated by receptiveness to competing political viewpoints.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex results-oriented projects with quick turn-around requirements.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics and demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the executive director or the program director.

Supervisory Relationships:
This position has no supervisory responsibility.

Education, Certifications, and Qualifications:

• A High School diploma or GED is necessary.
• An Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.
• Knowledge of university workings is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt .
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self , while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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