Program Assistant

Arizona State University • Tempe, AZ

9h • $24

About The Position

The Office of University Affairs at Arizona State University seeks a detail-oriented, analytically-minded, and community-focused individual for the position of Program Assistant for The Difference Engine. This is set to be a temporary, part-time position based in the Phoenix metro area. The Difference Engine is ASU's venture studio for good. We build products with and for communities to combat inequality—not reports, not recommendations, but actual tools people can use. And we are growing! We are looking for a builder. Someone early in their career who wants to be part of something new and transformative. In this role, you'll support day-to-day operations and apply your economics and business analytics skills to help us measure what matters—tracking program performance, analyzing data, and translating numbers into insights that shape how we work. You'll support the scaling of three flagship programs: The Creative Justice Lab brings ASU students together with community members to tackle problems like food insecurity, homelessness, and refugee credentialing. Students don't just study these issues—they prototype and build real solutions in partnership with the people most affected. The Distinguished Innovation Fellows (DIF) program engages accomplished professionals aged 55+ in a year-long journey of learning, building, and mentoring. Our inaugural class includes the first African American woman to take a private spaceflight developing immersive Earth-perspective storytelling and an architect reimagining three-dimensional urban design for the 21st century. DifferenceCorps mobilizes displaced and transitioning professionals to build community-centered initiatives with modest funding, cohort collaboration, and hands-on support—turning expertise into practical impact. The successful candidate will provide operational, administrative, and analytical support across all Engine activities. You will work closely with the Senior Program Coordinator and report directly to the Executive Director. The Difference Engine is a small but mighty team where all members wear many hats. We're looking for someone eager to learn, ready to contribute, and excited to grow with us. This is a temporary, part-time position based in the Phoenix metro area.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Nice To Haves

• Coursework or experience in economics, econometrics, statistics, or business analytics.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, Tableau, or Power BI.
• Interest in or experience with public policy, social justice, entrepreneurship, or community organizing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in a higher education environment.
• Experience working with diverse populations and communities.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Technical fluency with modern productivity tools: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, project management platforms (Basecamp, Monday.com, etc.), and comfort learning new technologies quickly.
• Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to support communities and build something meaningful.

Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Reporting Conduct economic analysis to assess program effectiveness, utilization, and scalability within institutional and budgetary constraints.
• Apply statistical and econometric methods to analyze program data and translate quantitative findings into actionable insights for leadership.
• Analyze operational and program-level datasets using business analytics tools (e.g., Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI) to identify trends, measure performance, and inform process improvements.
• Develop dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track outcomes, support forecasting, and guide evidence-based policy, planning, and operational decisions.
• Operations & Logistics Support calendaring and scheduling for the Executive Director and staff; coordinate with internal and external partners and community organizations.
• Support University Affairs travel staff with travel reservations, itineraries, and documentation for Engine staff, faculty, and guests.
• Assist in maintaining Engine services and software programs; assist in procurement and purchasing of products and services.
• Own and maintain Engine software tools, ensuring team has proper access and training.
• Program Support Assist TDE staff with running three flagship programs: the Creative Justice Lab, DifferenceCorps, and the Distinguished Innovation Fellows (DIF) program.
• Support the Director(s), staff, and affiliated personnel in program and event development.
• Support event and conference coordination—including our annual BUILD gathering—assisting with registration, venue logistics, and travel arrangements.
• Prepare periodic reports, financial statements, and records on program activities, progress, and status for management or outside agencies.
• Support recruitment pipelines for DIF fellows, DifferenceCorps members, and CJL participants—screening applications, coordinating interviews, managing applicant communications.
• Administrative Support Assist with development and maintenance of databases.
• Prepare and format correspondence, manuscripts, routine letters, and memos.
• Answer phone calls, receive mail, and respond to routine inquiries.

Benefits

• Professional growth: The Difference Engine will invest in your professional development, with opportunities to expand your skillset and build real-world experience in program management, data analysis, and community engagement.
• Meaningful work: Your analytics skills won't just sit in a spreadsheet—they'll help us understand what's working, make smarter decisions, and ultimately serve communities better.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level