Job Details

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That’s our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers—literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission—your opportunity—is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you’re driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you’re ready for JPL.

Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence.

Responsibilities:

JPL’s Office of Research and Development (ORD) is seeking a Business Administrator II, reporting to the ORD Business Administration Manager, to support the ORD in the areas of program administration, financial analysis and reporting, website content management, academic visits, investment program planning, data analytics, and ad hoc assignments.  The position will support the members of 12x and assist in the implementation of the Office of the Research and Development goals and objectives.   

A successful candidate will have working knowledge of the JPL organization, experience in business application tools, as well as strong problem solving and critical thinking skills. High level of dependability, discretion, initiative, efficiency, demonstrated good customer service, and self-management is required. As a member of the ORD business operations team, you must have the agility to switch gears seamlessly from one assignment to another.   Also, be able to work in a small team environment that performs wide-ranging functions and be passionate about the work and thrive in an environment that requires multi-levels of support.  The Business Administrator Level 2 individual must have a strong collaborative, team player philosophy, knowledge of applicable Laboratory policies and procedures and be adept at working with various organizations within JPL possessing a high level of professionalism.  

Tasks include but not limited to:

• Support the Business Administration Manager (BAM) with a variety of activities including ORD program support, data analytics and event coordination

• Support the internal R&D proposal review activities, poster sessions and annual reporting

• Provide administrative support for the annual proposal calls such as R&TD, SURP, CAP, PDRDF and JROC

• Develop, plan, and track budgets for ORD research accounts and report financial analysis to the BAM

• Act as administrative point of contact for institutional appointments including Distinguished Visiting Scientists, JPL Visiting Researchers, JPL Research Associates, and Joint Faculty Appointments

• Coordinate special event activities; examples include VIP tours, seminars, poster sessions, symposiums, career fairs, and committee meetings

• Maintain website content in collaboration with program owners

• Provide additional support to the Postdoc Administration Office as needed

• Manage record keeping for institutional appointments via databases, hard files, and storage

• Perform ad hoc duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or (related field) with a minimum of (3) years of related experience; or Master’s degree in similar disciplines with (1) year of related experience

• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to determine appropriate resolutions

• Excellent customer service, organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

• Self-starter and self-managing, with the ability to work independently and in a team environment

• Detail oriented and dedicated to accuracy and thoroughness

• Creative, innovative, flexible, and resourceful in finding solutions to multiple challenges

• Ability to review and prioritize assignments

• Ability to use tact and discretion when working with sensitive or confidential data

• Proven ability to work with all levels of personnel

• Must have a general understanding of various funding structures such as R&A and R&TD programs 

• Must be able to demonstrate broad experience in business administration from financial and contracts administration, acquisition, facilities, security, and HR

• Experience in Oracle and JPL Financial Systems including IBT, CFMR, COBRA, NSPIRES, OBBIE, Price Estimate Generator (PEG) and Data Extractor

• Familiar with Business Information Systems such as IAMS, PODS, JPLID and Workday

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in researching data in support of high-level programmatic or business decision making

• Knowledge of financial and budgeting needs of research and technology proposals

• Experience maintaining website content

• Broad understanding of JPL & NASA policies and procedures, Caltech/JPL interactions, and government regulations (e.g., FAR) across a range of applications

• Working knowledge of foreign national on-boarding requirements and lead times

• Familiarity with proposal calls and processes

• Experience using G Suite (Google Docs, Sheets, and Forms) and other survey generating systems

JPL has a catalog of benefits and perks that span from the traditional to the unique. This includes a variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans, paid time off, learning, rideshare, childcare, flexible schedule, parental leave and many more. Our focus is on work-life balance, and living healthy, fulfilling lives as we Dare Mighty Things Together. For benefits eligible positions, benefits are effective the first day of the month coincident with or immediately following the employee’s start date.

For further benefits information click Benefits and Perks

The hiring range displayed below is specifically for those who will work in or reside in the location listed. In extending an offer, Jet Propulsion Laboratory considers factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s job related skills, experience, knowledge, and relevant education/training. Hiring range for this job may be adjusted based on primary work location outside of Pasadena, California. This adjusted range will be provided to candidates by the Recruiter when applicable.

The typical full time equivalent annual hiring range for this job in Pasadena, California.

$83,304 - $101,400

JPL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status or any other characteristic or condition protected by Federal, state or local law.

In addition, JPL is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

EEO is the Law.

EEO is the Law Supplement

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a federal facility. Due to rules imposed by NASA, JPL will not accept applications from citizens of designated countries or those born in a designated country unless they are Legal Permanent Residents of the U.S or have other protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). The Designated Countries List is available here.