Job Description Summary The University of Maryland (College Park) Department of Geographical Sciences is among the world’s leading academic units dedicated to tackling society’s most pressing concerns. Our internationally renowned experts bring satellite data processing and geospatial technologies to the forefront of scientific discovery. Through our research and teaching, our faculty, staff, and students advance cutting-edge solutions for climate change, biodiversity, wildfire, food security, global health, sustainability, and poverty. Research partners include NASA, the National Science Foundation, NOAA, the World Resources Institute, and other sponsors. Geographical Sciences promotes growth in individuals and a healthy work-life balance within a collaborative culture and truly values and is always seeking ways to enhance work-life balance. The Department of Geographical Sciences, based at the University of Maryland, College Park, is currently seeking to hire a full-time Assistant Director of Administrative Services. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, a strategic mindset, and a commitment to enhancing operational processes within the Administrative Services department. The Department of Geographical Science administrative office is responsible for management of approximately 189 accounts as well as roughly 250 full- and part-time staff and faculty. The Administrative staff of the office supports a wide range of tasks, including financial/accounting, operational, administrative/personnel, and procurement actions. The Assistant Director of Administrative Services will be responsible for managing aspects of the business services of the Department. This includes payroll activities, human resources, procurement, reimbursements, travel, and sponsored research administration. Physical demands: Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. This position is required to have the ability to move freely about the campus to attend meetings multiple times a week. This includes the off-site location for the department. Licenses/Certifications: N/A Minimum
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience
Seven (7) years of professional experience in human resources, payroll, budget, finance, facilities management, procurement, or managing business operations. Two (2) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES: Knowledge of human resources policies and procedures, and federal, state, and other applicable human resources related laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances. Knowledge of business acumen to understand key business drivers, organizational communications, and data. Knowledge of organizational and unit performances measures. Knowledge of the impact and implications of decisions on leadership objectives. Skill in oral and written communication. Skill in data analytics and negotiation. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products. Ability to research information and analyze/synthesize complex data and information to create reports and presentations with valid conclusions derived from various sources. Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion. Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures. Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws. Additional Job Details Preferences: Master’s Degree.
Experience
with UMD administrative systems, including Workday, Concur, and Priority BA software. Sponsored research experience Required Application Materials: Applications should include a CV, a cover letter, and provide the names, addresses, and email addresses of three references. Best Consideration Date: August 7, 2026 Open Until Filled: No Job Risks Not Applicable to This Position Financial Disclosure Required Yes For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website. Department BSOS-Geography Worker Sub-Type Staff Regular Salary Range $106,320-115,000
Benefits
Summary For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link. Background Checks Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed. Employment Eligibility The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online Search Firm Managed Recruitment There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm. Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities: Search Firm Managed Vacancies The University of Maryland, College Park is the state's flagship university and one of the nation's preeminent public research universities. A global leader in research, entrepreneurship and innovation, the university is home to more than 40,700 students, 14,000 faculty and staff, and 388,000 alumni all dedicated to the pursuit of Fearless Ideas. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we discover and share new knowledge every day through our renowned research enterprise and programs in academics, the arts and athletics. And we are committed to social entrepreneurship as the nation’s first “Do Good” campus. EEO Statement The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy. Title IX Non-Discrimination Notice Resources Learn how military skills translate to civilian opportunities with O*Net Online The University works hard to make its websites accessible to any and all users. If you need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at one of the below options: Email: jobs@umd.edu Phone: 301.405.7575 Maryland Relay: Dial 711 This contact information cannot be used to inquire about application status. There are some positions that are not advertised on this career site as the search is being managed by a Search Firm. Please visit the link below to see these available opportunities: Search Firm Managed Opportunities