Program Coordinator

Department: MCC Mechanical Engineering
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

This position is divided into 50% support of the Center for Robotics and Biosystems (CRB, in McCormick, Kevin Lynch, director) and 50% support of the US NSF HAND Engineering Research Center (HAND ERC, Ed Colgate, director). The CRB and the HAND ERC are tightly integrated, and this role will work with highly collegial supervisors, faculty, staff, and students who work closely together.

50% CRB:

The Center for Robotics and Biosystems (robotics.northwestern.edu) has a central space and facilities in Tech Institute and consists of 27 core and affiliated faculty, 5 staff, and ~50 students/postdocs. The role supports the director, daily core operations of the center programming including seminar and webinar series of speakers, maintaining marketing and outward-facing communication, supporting student events and access to lab spaces, and facilitating space and research needs between the occupying labs and masters student groups.

50% HAND ERC:

The HAND ERC (hand-erc.org) is a National Science Foundation-funded robotics research center focused on revolutionizing robot dexterity. Northwestern is the lead institution, and the consortium includes four other core universities, two affiliated universities, and over sixty companies and non-profits. The role supports the director and events and communications for the HAND ERC. Events include online meetings and webinars, twice-annual in-person HAND consortium meetings, and other in-person meetings. Communications include social media posts, website maintenance, monthly newsletters, and other internal and outward-facing communication.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Manages day to day operations.
• Ensures that program/project mission, values, guidelines, policies & procedures are implemented & maintained.
• Identifies service improvement opportunities that will better enable program/project to achieve its goals and objectives.

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Develops coordinated, consistent marketing and brand messages.
• Creates state-of-the-art website.
• Incorporates social media and networking into program/project aspects as appropriate.
• Strengthens partnerships with external resources by defining, promoting and marketing benefits of participation and involvement to the organization.
• Creates and nurtures relationships with organizations to develop a network of enthusiastic organizations engaged via active participation in the success of program/project.
• Reviews market trends to recommend future plans to increase revenue, participation, engagement, etc.

Events

• Coordinates programming, educational, student, alumni, workshops, meetings, etc. including speakers, agendas, etc.
• Develops plans and arranges meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote research objectives, and to build internal and external relationships within NU.
• Ensures that event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Faculty Support

• Arranges colloquium & seminar coordination, & faculty travel planning.
• Supports faculty in development and approval of new courses, faculty payments, classroom coordination, evaluations, and grading.

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans.
• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in functional operations.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• 1 year program/project administration or other relevant experience.
• Experience in digital communications.

Benefits

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.