Application Guide
How to Apply for Part-time Administrative Assistant
at Pennsylvania State University - Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative
🏢 About Pennsylvania State University - Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative
The Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative (EIC) at Penn State is a research center and information hub dedicated to transforming how research evidence is used in decision-making to optimize social investments. Unlike typical academic centers, EIC focuses on the science of using social science, bridging the gap between researchers and policymakers through administrative data, program evaluation, and researcher-policymaker relationships. Working here means contributing to cross-system collaboration that directly informs federal and state policy, making it an ideal fit for someone passionate about evidence-based social impact.
About This Role
As a part-time Administrative Assistant, you will primarily support the Research Translation Platform by leading complex scheduling with federal and state legislators' offices—a high-stakes responsibility that demands meticulous coordination and due diligence. You will also handle daily operations, ensuring the team runs smoothly in a fast-paced environment. This role is impactful because your work directly enables EIC to connect research with decision-makers, ultimately optimizing social investments and improving policy outcomes.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve coordinating with multiple legislative offices to schedule a series of briefings, updating calendars, and confirming attendees while troubleshooting last-minute changes. You might also assist with administrative tasks like preparing materials for meetings, managing email correspondence, and supporting team members to ensure smooth operations. The pace can vary, with some days heavily focused on scheduling and others on broader administrative support.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Pennsylvania State University - Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative Is Looking For
- A motivated self-starter with experience in executive-level scheduling, particularly with government or legislative offices, who can navigate complex calendars and shifting priorities.
- Someone highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing high-stakes coordination with federal and state officials while maintaining discretion and professionalism.
- Adaptable and calm under pressure, able to thrive in a rapid-paced environment where scheduling demands can fluctuate from 10% to 60% of the role.
- A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills, comfortable interacting with high-level stakeholders and fostering a collaborative team environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Pennsylvania State University - Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative
Tailor your resume to highlight any experience scheduling for executives, government officials, or in academic settings—quantify the complexity (e.g., number of stakeholders, frequency of meetings).
In your cover letter, explicitly address your ability to handle high-stakes scheduling with legislators, and mention specific strategies you use for due diligence and coordination.
Provide 2-3 professional references who can speak to your scheduling prowess and ability to work with high-level stakeholders; include their relationship to you and contact details as requested.
Research EIC's Research Translation Platform and mention in your application how you can support its mission through administrative excellence.
Demonstrate your ability to adapt to variable workloads by giving examples of times you managed shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your specific experience scheduling for federal or state legislators' offices, including the complexity and stakes involved.", "Your motivation to support EIC's mission of using research evidence to optimize social investments, and how your administrative skills contribute to that.", 'Concrete examples of your ability to be a self-starter and adapt to rapid changes in workload and priorities.', 'Your proficiency in fostering a successful team environment, even in a remote or hybrid setting.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit the EIC website (https://evidence2impact.psu.edu/) to understand their research areas, projects, and the Research Translation Platform's goals.
- → Learn about Penn State's structure and the EIC's position within it, including any recent publications or news about their policy impact.
- → Research the types of federal and state legislative offices EIC likely interacts with, and familiarize yourself with current social policy topics they address.
- → Look up the backgrounds of EIC staff, especially those leading the Research Translation Platform, to understand their work and potential interview panel.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the specific scheduling responsibilities with legislators or EIC's mission.
- Failing to provide the requested professional references with full contact details and relationship information.
- Underestimating the high-stakes nature of the scheduling role—avoid downplaying the complexity or suggesting you can easily handle it without specific examples.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Pennsylvania State University - Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative!