What are the responsibilities and job description for the STEAM Administrative Project Assistant position at City of Cambridge, MA?
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.
ABOUT CAMBRIDGE STEAM INITIATIVE:
The Cambridge STEAM Initiative is a joint effort of the City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Schools, and the Cambridge Public Library. We work with our local K-12 schools and universities, community organizations, City departments, employers, and residents to open doors to opportunities and career pathways in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Our goal is to make sure these opportunities are within reach for everyone — especially those who face the biggest barriers.
We believe:
- Every Cambridge resident deserves the freedom to choose their own path — who they want to be and what they want to do;
- Some residents have long been — and continue to be — shut out of STEAM careers and opportunities;
- This lack of access is rooted in racial bias and generational poverty that have been built into our systems over time.
- The Cambridge STEAM Initiative works to dismantle these barriers, widen access, and advance racial and economic justice through a targeted universalism framework. Through targeted universalism, we set goals that benefit all community members and use specific strategies to engage or prioritize people who experience barriers to access.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The STEAM Administrative Project Assistant plays a key role on the Cambridge STEAM Initiative team by coordinating multiple emerging working groups and supporting collaboration across the city. This position works closely with the STEAM Initiative’s Director and Program Quality Manager to engage with Out-of-School Time programs, the Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools, higher education institutions, industry partners, and other stakeholders. Through these connections, the Assistant helps align efforts and strengthen shared goals across the STEAM ecosystem.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Key Responsibilities
- Interface with STEAM partners participating in working groups and provide active support to their efforts
- Assist with documenting and implementing working group activities
- Support research tasks and manage data as needed
- Draft email correspondence and maintain distribution lists
- Create event graphics using established design templates
- Manage Cambridge STEAM Initiative social media accounts
- Contribute to special projects and events under the guidance of the STEAM Director and Program Quality Manager
- Administrative Operations
- Coordinate daily administrative tasks for the Cambridge STEAM Initiative, including:
- Scheduling meetings and supporting communications
- Processing invoices
- Maintaining organized digital files (GDrive and/or SharePoint)
- Overseeing STEAM materials inventory
- Ordering necessary supplies
- Additional Duties
- Participate in weekly team check-ins
- Perform other related duties, responsibilities, and projects as assigned
- Provide occasional evening and weekend support for in-person community events
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Experience and Education
- High School diploma or equivalency required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in an administrative role
- Comfort and interest in STEAM topics
- Dedication to anti-racism and social justice
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with excellent attention to spelling, grammar, and punctuation
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and approach challenges with a solutions‑oriented mindset
- Self‑starter with a desire for ongoing growth and learning
- Flexible and adaptable in carrying out responsibilities
- Willingness to learn new skills and to accept supervision and guidance
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and virtual meeting platforms
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva
- Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, collaborative attitude; ability to work effectively with internal and external partners including higher education institutions, City departments, community‑based organizations, K–12 schools, and industry partners
- Strong customer service skills and commitment to public service
- The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Some higher education coursework or degree is preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS
- Ability to access, input, and retrieve information using a computer
- Ability to operate standard office equipment such as copiers, printers, and scanners
- Perform multiple tasks that may involve keyboarding, telephone use, writing, bending, reaching, and lifting books or boxes of files and materials (up to 10 lbs.)
- Work is performed in a standard office environment with fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, and a moderate noise level that may increase at times due to phone calls and walk‑in visitors
- Fast‑paced environment with multiple, concurrent demands from staff and partners
- This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:
- City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)
- Tuition assistance
- Eligible for part-time sick leave accrual
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Please upload the following documents to complete your application:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
ABOUT THE CITY OF CAMBRIDGE
The City of Cambridge is a diverse and vibrant community that 120,000 residents of different ethnic, racial, religious, U.S. nationals and other backgrounds call home. We take pride in our City’s diversity and strive to create a workplace that is reflective of the community we serve - one in which all employees can thrive. The City is also deeply committed to creating an environment in which all our employees are treated equitably and feel included. In joining our team, you would work in a workplace environment that advances and values antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI), and that is committed to embedding ADEI best practices and tenets in all aspects of our work. City of Cambridge residents are especially encouraged to apply to job openings.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY / AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The City of Cambridge is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ Community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City is committed to advancing a workforce culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request by contacting Human Resources at humanresources@cambridgema.gov.