Job Description:
Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time (FT) Program Assistant. This is a joint-reporting position, designed to report 20 hours per week to the Office of Sponsored Programs and Grants (OSP) and 20 hours per week to the Masters in Environmental Management Program (MEM). This position has the potential to work remotely or be hybrid.
The Director of Sponsored Programs and Grants and Director of the Master in Environmental Management Program will co-supervise the position. The 20-hour OSP position entails working with faculty and staff from across the campus on grant-related projects and tasks, while the MEM position focuses solely on the MEM program. The two Directors will work together with the Program Assistant to establish a schedule that facilitates straightforward time-tracking and supports successful project completion for both areas of responsibility.
Office of Sponsored Programs and Grants (20 hours)
Expectations:
The OSP Program Assistant will work closely with the Director of Sponsored Programs and Grants on several projects outlined under “Responsibilities.” The OSP Program Assistant must be able to work effectively with a supervisor who works remotely. Must have the ability to take initiative and complete tasks independently. Professional communication skills and behavior are expected at all times, as the OSP Program Assistant will be communicating with faculty and staff via email, in person, as well as over Zoom and Teams.
It is expected that the OSP Program Assistant will have an interest in cultivating grant writing and research skills and will be eager to participate in training and mentoring to develop those skills.
Responsibilities:
Conduct online grant funding research
Weekly updates of funding research opportunities and other content on the OSP & Grants SharePoint page
Assist Director with - and at times lead - specific faculty/staff funding research projects
Communicate with faculty and staff about funding research interests and research results
Develop faculty/staff surveys
Regular Zoom meetings with the Director. Meetings will include project planning, check-ins, problem-solving, “Just in time” professional development, other topics as needed
Attend meetings with the Director and faculty/staff members
Participate in professional development to grow skills and knowledge
Grant proposal writing opportunities when appropriate
Other projects and responsibilities as position evolves (including exploration of GIS and AI technologies, as related to aspects of grant proposal development)
Desired (not required) qualifications, specific to OSP position:
Desire to develop grant writing and grant research knowledge and skills (experience is great, but not required)
Master in Environmental Management Program (20 hours)
Expectations:
The MEM Program Assistant will work closely with the MEM Director, as well as a team composed of the MEM Track Directors and MEM Program Facilitator, on several projects outlined under “Responsibilities.” The MEM assistant must be able to take initiative and complete tasks independently. Professional communication skills and behavior are expected at all times, as the MEM Program Assistant will be communicating will faculty and staff via email, in person, as well as on Zoom or Teams. The MEM Program Assistant must also professionally represent the program in contacts with potential students, recruiting platforms, and program alumni.
It is expected that the MEM Program Assistant will have enthusiasm for, and commitment to, the quality of the MEM student experience, sustainability and growth of the program, and structural support for the MEM faculty/staff team. As such, the MEM Program Assistant will be integrated into Clark Family School of Environment and Sustainability meetings and activities.
Responsibilities:
Post recruiting advertisements across a variety of online platforms; monitor advertisement expirations and repost throughout the year.
Respond in a timely manner to general MEM email and phone inquiries from potential applicants.
Direct potential applicants to appropriate faculty for phone/Zoom conversations, and offer in person tours when possible.
Methodically track data on program inquiries, recruiting contacts, and application status; provide weekly updates to the MEM team on recruiting progress and follow up with potential applicants.
Assist the MEM team with application review and fellowship disbursement processes.
In consultation with the MEM and EMPLOYS program teams, make and communicate mentor/mentee assignments.
Update and archive engagement hour documentation for all courses.
Assist the MEM Director with external partner relations, including the establishment and facilitation of an advisory board.
Assist the MEM Director with donor relations and research on alternative funding streams.
Assist the MEM Director with communications and paperwork related to requested course substitutions, independent study courses, work study positions, teaching assistants, etc.
Support, attend and participate in MEM Track Directors meetings, Clark School Common Hour meetings, workshops and conferences related to MEM courses, and other Clark School functions.
Participate in professional development to grow skills and knowledge.
Engage with other projects and responsibilities as the position evolves.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Proficiency with Excel, Word (or other), SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and/or other commonly used office productivity software applications.
Moderate to high-level writing skills
Experience with online research
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and politely with a range of individuals across the Western community
Willingness to learn
Open to feedback and mentoring
Preferred Qualifications:
Master’s degree
Grant writing and grant research experience
Compensation: $23.07 per hour (the equivalent of $48,000 per year); the position is FLSA non-exempt and overtime eligible. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.
What you need to apply: Required attachments for online application include a letter of application, resume, and contact information for three references.
Please direct questions to Micah Russell mrussell@wstern.edu or Laura Kerr lkerr@western.edu
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a successful candidate is hired.
Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte
Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 graduate and undergraduate students, the majority of which reside on the campus and in the community. With average class sizes of 17 students, faculty and staff share a strong commitment to inclusivity and personalized, immersive education. They are student-oriented, collegial, enthusiastic, and engaged in the campus and community. Western is committed to continual growth in regard to diversity, equity, and inclusivity and promotes participation in DEI initiatives from students, faculty, staff, and the community. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEI Committee charge.
The University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, a rural community 200 miles southwest of Denver and the gateway to Crested Butte, a world class ski community. K-12 students are served by the award-winning Gunnison Watershed School District. Both communities value the arts, quality of life, community-based wrap around services for children and adults, and continued personal growth and learning opportunities. At an elevation of 7,700 feet in the southern Rocky Mountains, the Gunnison Valley provides exceptional year-round outdoor recreational and cultural opportunities including summer arts and music festivals, mountain biking, skiing, kayak/rafting, rock climbing, hiking and camping… all within minutes of the campus.
Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.
Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.
WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS