Program Associate

Florida Atlantic University•Boca Raton, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Program Associate in Boca Raton, Florida. The position supports the daily operations and administration of the university’s research program, including management of research spaces, laboratory supplies, safety compliance, agreements, and administrative processes. The role coordinates research opportunities and course registration for FAU High School students, facilities, and partnerships between students and university researchers, and supports research progress and program activities. The Program Associate also supports elementary science and MRIC laboratories, coordinates work-study student activities, and assists the STARs Program. Communications duties include managing the research newsletter and creating approved social media and other communication content that highlights student, faculty, and partner achievements. The position provides general administrative support to the Director of Research and the Laboratory Schools Research Program.

Requirements

High school diploma and five years of appropriate experience; appropriate college coursework or vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong technology skills and ability to learn university administrative, scheduling, registration, purchasing, and communication systems.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with K–12 students, teachers, university faculty, researchers, administrators, and external partners.
Excellent organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to coordinate complex schedules, activities, projects, and events involving multiple stakeholders.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain appropriate confidentiality when working with students and research-related information.
A positive, service-oriented approach and ability to adapt effectively within a dynamic research and educational environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate specialization from an accredited university.
Two years of related experience.
Experience with research program administration or coordination.
K–12 or higher education experience.
Experience in university research environments or laboratories.
Experience with student research programs, internships, or experiential learning.
Interest in research, STEM education, student research, innovation, and integrating university research opportunities into K–12 education.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing, coordinating, and processing research-related memoranda of understanding and other agreements.
Schedule the use of MRIC laboratories and research spaces.
Manage the ordering, inventory, and organization of laboratory supplies and materials.
Track Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements and compliance for students, faculty, staff, and other laboratory users.
Support the efficient day-to-day operation and utilization of MRIC research spaces.
Coordinate with university offices to facilitate the listing and scheduling of FAU High School research courses.
Promote research course opportunities to eligible students and assist with registration processes.
Manage research course registration permissions and related administrative requirements.
Coordinate with Florida Atlantic faculty and researchers interested in providing research opportunities to FAU High School students.
Assist with matching qualified students with university researchers, laboratories, projects, and research opportunities.
Support review of student progress and coordinate feedback on student research work.
Maintain records related to student participation in research courses and experiences.
Maintain inventories and coordinate ordering laboratory materials and supplies for elementary science and MRIC laboratories.
Mediate teacher requests for research activities, laboratory experiences, demonstrations, and curriculum-integrated research opportunities.
Coordinate schedules, assignments, and activities for work-study students supporting the research program.
Support the STARs Program by coordinating student participation in curriculum activities, maintaining schedules, tracking EHS compliance, and documenting student service hours.
Manage the research newsletter for the Florida Atlantic University Laboratory Schools, including soliciting content, organizing submissions, preparing monthly drafts, and coordinating distribution.
Develop and post appropriate content to research program social media accounts and other approved communication platforms.
Highlight student, faculty, and partner research accomplishments, publications, presentations, awards, and other achievements.
Maintain organized records and information supporting reporting and communication of research program activities and outcomes.
Assist with research-related travel authorizations, purchasing documentation, expense reports, and other administrative processes.
Organize scheduling for research program meetings, collaborative meetings, research teams, university partners, and external stakeholders.
Provide general administrative support to the Director of Research and the Laboratory Schools Research Program.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical insurance, with the posting listing PPO/HMO plan costs of $50 per month for single coverage and $180 per month for family coverage.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Flexible Spending plans.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
State retirement options, including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program for state employees.
Sick Leave Pool Program.
Paid vacation and sick leave for eligible employees.
One personal day and nine paid holidays.
Paid winter break, at the President’s discretion.
Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day.
Employee Educational Scholarship Program tuition assistance after six months of full-time employment for eligible staff and faculty; may extend to spouses and dependent children for in-unit faculty, subject to eligibility rules.