Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: July 16, 2025 If a date is not listed above, review the Applicant Instructions below for more details.
Available Title(s): 1113-YN_ADMINPRO - Principal Assistant
Business Title: Assistant to the Director
Employee Type: Admin. Professional (+) (Fixed Term)
Position Details:
The Opportunity:
The Institute for Shock Physics at Washington State University is a multidisciplinary research organization with three locations (Pullman, WA; Spokane, WA; and Argonne, IL) and strong partnerships with U.S. National Laboratories and Academic Institutions, such as Princeton, Caltech, and the University of Texas, El Paso. The Institute's vision is to continue as a national resource in shock wave and high-pressure science through scientific innovations and rigorous education. As the Assistant to the Director for the Institute for Shock Physics (ISP) on the WSU Pullman Campus you will provide administrative management and support and operational coordination, often on complex and confidential issues, for the Director. The scope of interactions includes the entire ISP organization, as well as other units within the University and external constituencies such as National Laboratories and Federal Agencies.
In this role you will lead marketing and communication activities, including outreach and event planning; act as an 'office manager' for the ISP Director in providing administrative management and support; manage the collection of metrics required at an organizational level for use in reports and presentations; and serve as a liaison for various Institute constituencies, including the preparation of materials required for a wide range of meetings and activities.
Breakdown of Job Functions:
Outreach and External Relations
Administrative Management and Support
Internal and External Constituencies Liaison
Organizational Information Management
Additional Information:
This is a full-time (100% FTE) position. This is a temporary position that is renewed on an annual basis. Subsequent renewals are anticipated and are based on performance, mutual consent, continued funding, and project needs. This position is overtime eligible.
This position works on-site at the WSU Pullman campus.
Monthly Salary: $4,508.70 - $6,763.06 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications
In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate's current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in business administration or other relevant field and four (4) years of progressively responsible management work experience. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
Experience providing executive-level support and high-quality service for a diverse group of constituents.
Excellent computing skills for preparation of correspondence, reports, and presentations.
Experience in creating outreach and communication materials (web sites, brochures, social media content).
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Experience in preparing for and planning meetings and special events.
Previous professional experience applicable to the needs of this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge of University operations, policies, and procedures.
Previous experience in a scientific or technical organization.
Experience in graphic design.
Experience making travel arrangements, coordinating schedules and preparing itineraries.
Experience in fiscal activities, such as tracking budgets and preparing expense reports.
The Institute's vision is to continue to be a national resource in shock wave and static high pressure science and related areas through scientific innovations and rigorous education. This vision is achieved by successfully addressing the following objectives:
Emphasis on scientific innovation and excellence
Education and hands-on training of highly qualified graduate students and postdoctoral fellows
Multidisciplinary research activities
Meaningful partnerships with the DOE/NNSA Laboratories
Fundamental research related to national security
Development of applied research
For more information about the great work we are doing, please visit our website linked above.
Area/College: College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name: Institute for Shock Physics
Location: Pullman, WA 99164
Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.
1) Resume
2) Cover Letter
External candidates, upload all documents in the 'Application Document' section of your application.
Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.
Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.
Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.
Time Type: Full time
Position Term: 12 Month
Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.
WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or hrs@wsu.edu.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.
Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU's Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, or both.
Washington State University is a public research university committed to its land-grant heritage and tradition of service to society. Washington State College was established in 1890 as a land-grant institution. It has become a distinguished public research university, but its mission remains rooted in accessibility and public service.For more than 130 years, we have strived to unlock possibilities by empowering students, faculty, and others to create a world where all people can thrive.In that spirit, our community welcomes scholars from around the globe and prioritizes equitable opportunities for all.