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CalTech - California Institute of Technology

Division Administrative Coordinator

Closes:

Salary: $29 – $39 per hour

1,180

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE) Division Operations Officer, the Division Administrative Coordinator is responsible for specific Division functions related to human resources. Primary functions include staff recruitment, human resources transactions, academic non-faculty appointments, visitor appointments, and payroll coordination. The Division Administrative Coordinator provides project management for specific Division programs, including the CCE Corporate Recruitment Program.

Essential Job Duties

  • Coordinates human resources-related functions, including job requisition posting and employment transaction processing. Facilitates new hire process for students and summer employees. Answers questions about human resources policies and procedures, and refers to Human Resources staff as needed.
  • Coordinates the assembly of new hire orientation manuals; updating contents for all new staff hires. Provides new employee training on timekeeping and the use of the timekeeping systems.
  • Tracks important employee actions, including introductory period end dates, temporary employee end dates, lecture appointment review dates, and visa end/renewal dates.
  • Serves as the Payroll Activity Monitor (PAM) for all Division staff. Includes verification of time sheets and submission of approvals to the Human Resources Office. Provides training to new employees on proper time entry and provides information regarding Division policies.
  • Prepares and coordinates the appointments, re-appointments, and promotions of all guests, volunteers, visitors, visiting associates, and visiting students in CCE. Ensures all actions (including, but not limited to, review policies, salary minimums, reviews, and affirmative action compliance) are completed in a timely manner, and all required steps are fulfilled in compliance with Division standards, Institute policies, and legal regulations or requirements.
  • Prepares and coordinates appointments, re-appointments, and promotions of all postdoctoral scholars in CCE. Ensures all actions (including, but not limited to, review policies, salary minimums, affirmative action compliance) are completed in a timely manner, and all required steps are fulfilled in compliance with Division standards, Institute policies, and legal regulations or requirements.
  • Coordinates with the International Scholars Office for initial documentation for visa requirements, including initial hire visas, extension of visas, and visa modifications as needed for specific circumstances related to hiring or retention practices, based on timelines of appointment.
  • Coordinates the CCE Corporate Recruitment Program, including scheduling of multiple events and interviews, facilitating information to recruiters, advertising job opportunities to special audiences (undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs), and assisting with initiatives to promote and enhance visibility of student and postdoctoral research opportunities.
  • Processes expense reports, advances, reimbursements, and payment requests; assists with logistics associated with domestic or international travel; ensures compliance with funding agency travel requirements and export regulations.
  • Provides general administrative support for the Division Office, requiring a thorough knowledge of department processes and Institute policies and procedures. Applies knowledge of administrative functions to plan, coordinate, and assist with specific operations, such as drafting, typing, editing, and proofing correspondence, reports, position descriptions, and office forms.
  • Independently handles a variety of issues involving both administrative and operational functions. Interacts with Division faculty and managers professionally to ensure that issues are screened and routes/delivers regular mail, email, and telephone calls, as appropriate.
  • Provides guidance to professorial faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars regarding Institute policies, Division processes, and procedures for appointments of visitors, visiting associates, and visiting students.
  • Creates and maintains Division working files for staff, guests, postdoctoral scholars, visitors, and volunteers. Maintains sensitive and confidential records, files, and databases. Participates in confidential communications with faculty management and Institute administration.
  • Uses AI tools to assist in administrative work where applicable. Checks and confirms the accuracy of all work that is AI-generated.
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant work experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in human resources or an academic setting.
  • Highly organized with the ability to work independently, manage priorities, and accomplish assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner. Able to track deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience using AI agents such as Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or the equivalent.
  • Excellent interpersonal relations skills and effective oral and written communication skills necessary to interface with faculty, students, and visitors in a professional manner.
  • Customer service-oriented; ability to effectively resolve problems by applying policies and procedures.
  • Experience using a PC and various computer software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and web browsers.
  • Conscientious, detail-oriented, and proactive. Demonstrates good judgment and initiative.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with Caltech policies, procedures, and systems, including Oracle or UKG.
  • Experience in an academic or research setting.
  • Familiarity with labor or wage-and-hour laws.

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$29.00 - $39.00 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.

Job details

Title
Division Administrative Coordinator
Employer
CalTech - California Institute of Technology
Location
Pasadena, CA
Published
Aug 28, 2026
Closes:
Oct 27, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Administration Manager
Salary

Salary: $29 – $39 per hour

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Frequently Asked Questions

🧭What does the Caltech Division Administrative Coordinator do?

The Division Administrative Coordinator supports the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CCE) Division at Caltech by managing human resources transactions, staff recruitment, academic non-faculty appointments, visitor appointments, and payroll coordination. This role also provides project management for the CCE Corporate Recruitment Program, coordinates postdoctoral scholar appointments, and works closely with the International Scholars Office on visa documentation. Learn more about administrative jobs in higher education and HR coordinator roles at colleges and universities.

🎓What qualifications are required for the Division Administrative Coordinator position?

Applicants need a Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant work experience and 3+ years of experience in human resources or an academic setting. You must be highly organized, able to work independently, and experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, and AI agents such as Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. Familiarity with Caltech policies, Oracle, or UKG is preferred. Review how to write a winning academic CV and the types of administration jobs in higher education.

🤖Is experience with AI tools mandatory for this Caltech administrative role?

Yes, the job posting explicitly requires demonstrated experience using AI agents such as Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini. The Division Administrative Coordinator is expected to use AI tools to assist in administrative work while checking and confirming the accuracy of all AI-generated content. For context on how AI is reshaping administration and research, see AI reshaping administration and research in Brazil.

💰What is the salary range and benefits for the Division Administrative Coordinator job at Caltech?

The hiring range is $29.00 – $39.00 per hour. Caltech offers comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their dependents, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Non-benefit-eligible employees may access some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. For more on administrative officer roles and compensation, visit administrative officer jobs at JCU Townsville or events and conferences coordinator salary insights.

📝How do I apply for the Division Administrative Coordinator position at Caltech and what documents are required?

To apply, prepare a resume and cover letter—both are required. The cover letter should highlight your experience with human resources transactions, payroll coordination, postdoctoral appointments, and AI tools. Submit your application before the posting expiration date of October 27, 2026. Use these free resources: free resume template and free cover letter template. Explore more higher education HR jobs.

📅What is the CCE Corporate Recruitment Program component of this role?

The CCE Corporate Recruitment Program is a project-managed initiative within the Division Administrative Coordinator role. You will schedule multiple events and interviews, facilitate information to recruiters, advertise job opportunities to undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs, and assist with initiatives to enhance visibility of student and postdoctoral research opportunities. This aligns with roles in university program coordination.

About the employer

CalTech - California Institute of Technology Jobs

CalTech - California Institute of Technology

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

AcademicJobs.com is the premier platform to discover Caltech jobs, connecting talented professionals with exceptional career opportunities at one of the world’s leading institutions for science and technology. The California Institute of Technology (Caltech), located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its groundbreaking research and academic excellence, making Caltech uni jobs highly sought after by academics and professionals globally. Caltech careers offer an innovative and collaborative environment for individuals to excel. Caltech university careers span a diverse range of disciplines, reflecting the institute’s key areas of academic specialization, including physics, astronomy, engineering, computer science, and biology. Employment Caltech includes roles such as professors, research scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and professional staff positions, catering to various expertise levels. For those pursuing Caltech jobs Pasadena, the institute’s vibrant campus provides a dynamic workplace in a sunny, culturally rich region near Los Angeles. Caltech uni vacancies and job postings are showcased on AcademicJobs.com, where candidates can explore opportunities in cutting-edge research, teaching, and administrative roles. Jobs at Caltech cover fields like quantum computing, planetary science, and bioengineering, aligning with the institute’s mission to advance scientific discovery and solve global challenges. Each Caltech vacancy is an opportunity to contribute to pioneering projects within a world-class scientific community. Caltech Employment Opportunities are extensive, with Caltech job Opportunities ranging from academic faculty to technical and operational roles. A Caltech Career offers the chance to join an institution that values innovation, rigor, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Caltech uni openings are regularly updated on AcademicJobs.com, ensuring access to the latest Caltech vacancies. Jobs at Caltech uni are ideal for those passionate about pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Caltech job postings include positions in chemistry, data science, and professional services such as IT and research administration. Caltech Employment through AcademicJobs.com connects talented individuals with Caltech Uni vacancies, providing a seamless pathway to join a prestigious institution driving global scientific progress.

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