Program Specialist

The Program Specialist supports the Office of Research Grants by:

1. Coordinating PRF Committee and related meetings, including logistics, travel, catering, and hotel arrangements for committee members, ACS leadership, and staff.

2. Preparing meeting materials (agendas, rosters, minutes) and compile committee reports and agenda items for ACS Board meetings.

3. Managing the preparation of the PRF annual report by collecting, organizing, and reviewing all components.

4. Supporting the planning and execution of online ORG workshops, including virtual meeting setup, event communications, and recording management.

5. Assisting in developing and implementing office procedures aligned with ACS policies and serve as a liaison with SRS teams to ensure clear communication and smooth operations.

6. Maintaining grant application systems and databases, ensuring accuracy, data integrity, and accessibility.

7. Updating ORG web content and support marketing and outreach initiatives with ACS specialist groups to ensure timely, clear, and accurate information each application cycle.

8. Providing support to the Director, including correspondence and logistics.

9. Leading grantee and reviewer engagement initiatives, including welcome mailings, resource distribution, and reviewer recognition programs.

10. Performing special projects as assigned.

More information on the Office of Research Grants:

The staff of the Office of Research Grants (ORG) acts for the American Chemical Society in the administration of all research grant programs of the Society. The mission of the Office of Research Grants is to administer these programs so that they conform to the guidance provided in the founding documents, and at the same time have significant impact consistent with the vision for the programs provided by the ACS Board of Directors. The office administers the ACS Petroleum Research Fund (PRF), the Herman Frasch Foundation Grants in Agricultural Chemistry, the Irving S. Sigal Postdoctoral Fellowships, the Irving S. Sigal Global Mobility Awards, the Arthur C. Cope Postdoctoral Fellows Program, and the Jonathan L. Sessler Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Bioinorganic and Medicinal Inorganic Chemistry

This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office. A reasonable rate of compensation for this position is between $70,000-$80,000 per year.

ACS currently provides the following benefits for this position: paid vacation leave, paid sick leave, paid holidays, health insurance, flexible spending account or health care savings account, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, retirement benefits, short- and long-term disability, and 4-week work from anywhere; each benefit is subject to the terms of the applicable program. Additional benefits may apply based on skills, experience, and location.

Any actual offer of employment, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be made in the sole discretion of ACS. ACS reserves the right to amend or modify its employment benefits and compensation structure at any time.

Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience. Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint at an advanced level required. Familiarity or working experience with a web-based portal submission system and complex database. Specific experience with Salesforce software is preferable.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability. (preferred)