Senior Staff Assistant - Project Coordinator

Rochester Institute Of Technology - Rochester, NY

Full-time - Entry Level

Rochester, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Senior Staff Assistant - Project Coordinator position is a vital role within the AWARE-AI NSF Research Traineeship (NRT) program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation. This position is designed to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support to the AWARE-AI Director and the NRT team. The individual in this role will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the NRT program, which includes financial tracking, metrics and reporting, and collaborating with graduate program directors and departments to monitor student progress toward graduation. In addition to these responsibilities, the Senior Staff Assistant will implement publicity and manage internal and external communications, ensuring that website content and event schedules are current. The role also involves supporting database content management and interacting with student cohorts to provide logistical support for NRT training programming. The position requires collaboration with various campus constituents, including students' departments, the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, RIT Graduate School, and the Division of Diversity and Inclusion. The Senior Staff Assistant will play a central role in communications and will be expected to perform other duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the NRT program.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and operational support to the AWARE-AI Director and NRT team.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the NRT program, including financial tracking and reporting.
• Collaborate with graduate program directors and departments to track student progress toward graduation.
• Implement publicity and manage internal/external communications.
• Keep website content and event schedules up to date.
• Support database content management.
• Interact with student cohorts and offer logistical support for NRT training programming.
• Work collaboratively with campus constituents such as students' departments and the Office of Career Services.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree or equivalent experience.
• Two to three years of related office or grant project experience, preferably in higher education.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion and respect for individual differences.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Understanding of financial and reporting processes.
• Evidence of organizational, problem-solving, and initiative-taking skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and independently.
• Comfort with website and database content management, and proficiency in standard office-relevant software.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred or advanced degree.
• ASL conversant.
• Graphic design and creation of visual materials.
• Experience in publicity, such as social media communication and marketing.
• Project-management experience.
• Prior experience with academic policies and practices, student tracking, and record-keeping systems.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Understanding of how graduate degree programs are structured.
• Knowledge of RIT's Finance and Administration processes for procurement, payroll, and accounting.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Retirement savings plan with exceptional employer match.
• Tuition assistance for employees and their families.