Applications Open for NRT Program Coordinator Position
About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Program Coordinator for the NRT Program (PC) will work under the direction of Professor Lackner at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The position is in support of the ELEVATE graduate program, which is a new PhD training program funded by the National Science Foundation. NRTs are required to have program coordinators, and the ELEVATE budget includes funds for this position.
The program coordinator will manage the ELEVATE program and ensure it runs successfully, working with the program director, faculty, and students. The PC is responsible for a wide variety of programmatic tasks requiring them to be flexible and "change hats." A program's initial design can be thought of as a "road map" since the program will evolve over time. The PC works with the director to navigate the new terrain and forge new paths, by initiating, leading, and supporting the development and implementation of policies and contributing to program outcomes.
Essential Functions
Manage all aspects of the ELEVATE program with Professor Lackner. This is a complex, multi-faceted program, with a large team.
Create, design and implement program policies and initiatives. The program's design integrates the educational experience with students' research goals, professional development and career objectives. Maintain contemporary knowledge of best practices through the program coordinator network. Establish new opportunities for students and develop ways to implement new structures within the university. New opportunities may include internships, collaborations outside the university, and professional development activities.
Design and implement best practice recruitment strategies with the goal of attracting diverse applicants. Develop new marketing materials and publicize the program through flyers, social media, and website communications. Engage with student inquiries and provide program information to prospective students.
Financial management of the project including budget projections and monitoring and reporting of variances/problems and recommend solutions.
Supervise and communicate with administrative staff on student appointments, faculty salary, and travel reimbursement.
Implement data collection systems for assessment/evidenced based decisions. External evaluators have been hired by the program to help identify what is working and what can be improved. The evaluation requires data from the faculty and trainees such as surveys and summaries of research products.
Support the PI in completing the NSF annual reports, which detail the program accomplishments, research products, and other activities. This includes compiling all publications and presentations for the project each year, and updating the personnel table for the project for NSF. Implement data collection systems for relevant annual reporting data.
Serve as a mentor to PhD students and develop systems to ensure that the students are meeting all the program requirements. The trainees have a number of program requirements, such as taking classes and professional development activities. The coordinator will act as an additional mentor to the students to ensure they are supported and will communicate with the students on their progress throughout the program.
Maintain contemporary knowledge of current trends and technology and participate in related trainings to stay abreast of developments in the field of energy transition and apply new knowledge as appropriate
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
1 year of experience in project coordination.
Excellent organization and communication skills.
Willingness to take initiative and creatively solve problems.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Science degree.
A strong preference for coordinating projects involving students.
Experience with administering grants.
Experience with student mentorship.
Knowledge of energy systems, climate, and/or social equity.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Typical office environment.
Salary Information
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday: A total of 30 hours per week.
Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please submit your application online and include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.
