Partnerships and Program Development Assistant (FWS)

About the Department/Unit

The Office of Career Development (OCD) in the School of International Service (SIS) at American University provides career advising, programming, and resources to support career education and mentorship for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students pursuing careers in international affairs.

Summary/Objective

The SIS OCD is seeking a Partnerships and Program Development Assistant (Federal Work Study) who will be responsible for supporting project coordination, program planning, and general operations under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Career Outreach and Programming. The office is looking for a proactive and effective communicator to help cultivate partnerships with internal and external constituents and design programming to meet our students’ needs. As a student employee, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing strategic partnerships and implementing programs that contribute to the growth and success of SIS. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the intersection of business development, relationship building, and program management in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

 

Customer service and interpersonal communication will be a key part of this role and experience with both is highly desired. Experience with event planning and execution for student facing programs is also helpful, but not required. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate initiative, creativity, and problem solving through their past experiences and/or coursework.

 

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their experience with the key components of this role and their interest in this position.

 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at SIS, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. AU as a whole is committed to Inclusive Excellence and is taking strategic actions to create it.

 

An overarching commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is key for this role. All staff and student workers in the SIS OCD are committed to continually increasing their knowledge about justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and supporting team efforts to do the same. This includes completing all job duties with an awareness of the concerns, pressures, and inequities that members of minoritized communities face. 

Essential Functions

1. Assist in researching and identifying potential employer engagement opportunities with external organizations, including corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and academic institutions.
2. Conduct market research and analysis, including attending meetings, webinars, and info sessions, to identify industry and student trends and potential program development opportunities.
3. Attend weekly planning meetings with the Assistant Director and other OCD team members.
4. Collaborate with the OCD team and other AU offices to design, develop, and implement innovative programs that align with our office's mission and priorities.
5. Help with event planning, including assisting with RSVP’s, printing materials, communicating with external offices, including the SIS Hub, AV, and Catering offices.
6. Attend SIS OCD and other career related events on campus to support day-of event coordination, as needed.
7. Respond to student, faculty, staff, and external emails and phone calls as needed.
8. Support the evaluation and monitoring of program outcomes and impact, including communicating and listening to peer groups on campus, to better inform our work.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility

• As class schedule permits, the Partnerships and Program Development Assistant will be asked to attend SIS OCD staff meetings and work on committees related to the work of the OCD.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• 15 hours/week.
• This position is for Spring 2024 with a strong possibility of renewing for future semesters.

Salary Range

• $17.00 - $17.75/hour, based upon tenure of student.

Required Education and Experience

• Must be eligible for Federal Work Study.
• Graduate student currently pursuing a master's degree in business administration, public affairs, international relations, communications, or a related field is preferred. Highly qualified undergraduates will also be considered.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to gather and synthesize information from various sources.
• Exceptional written and verbal communicatio