Associate, Career Advancement & Alumni

Under the direction of the Director of Career Advancement and in collaboration with the Alumni Engagement Manager, the Program Associate supports the administration and implementation of the Foundation’s career advancement and Alumni engagement initiatives. This role oversees and coordinates operational, logistical, and systems-related aspects of key programs, including the Summer Internship Stipend, Conference and Travel Stipend, Alumni engagement in Scholars Weekend, and related activities. The Program Associate will support the Alumni program manager to engage the power, wisdom, and influence of the Cooke Scholar Alumni community to benefit Scholar career development. This versatile team member plays a critical role executing administrative, communications, data management, and coordination tasks that ensure timely, accurate, and consistent delivery of career advancement and Alumni programs.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

Program Administration & Operations

• Oversee and administer day-to-day operations of the Cooke Summer Internship Stipend Program, including Alumni-sponsored internship opportunities. Update materials, manage application intake, verify eligibility, coordinate review and award notifications, collect final reports, and maintain records.
• Oversee and administer the Conference and Travel Stipend program, including updating materials, tracking applications, verifying eligibility, documenting awards, coordinating payments, collecting final reports, and maintaining program files.
• Maintain and update content on the Foundation’s student learning platform (Canvas), ensuring Career Services materials are accurate, well-organized, and user-friendly.
• Maintain program calendars, tracking documents, and standard operating procedures to support consistent and efficient implementation of career advancement initiatives.
• Collect, track, and summarize data on participation, expenditures, and outcomes for career-related programs to support internal reporting and evaluation.

Logistics & Systems Coordination

• Coordinate logistical aspects of career-and Alumni-related events and activities, supporting the Career Pathways Exchange, Cooke Connections events, Alumni Summit, virtual workshops, and other convenings. Assist with materials preparation, scheduling, registrations, speaker coordination, and post-event follow-up. Provide support on-site.
• Maintain accurate records in Foundation databases (e.g., CAP and Salesforce).
• Assist with budget monitoring and compliance, preparing summaries or flagging issues for review by the Director of Career Advancement.

Communications & Scholar Support

• Provide writing and design support to produce quality materials, including newsletters, program guides, emails, website content, and event resources. Assist with preparation of internal reports, summaries, and presentation materials.
• Prepare and disseminate clear, timely communications to Scholars regarding program activities, processes, application requirements, deadlines, and logistics.
• Monitor and respond to Alumni and Scholar inquiries; escalate complex issues as appropriate.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Alumni engagement manager and Higher Education team to outreach to and support Alumni sponsorship of internship opportunities. Draft messaging, respond to general inquiries, elevate questions/concerns, post opportunities, and track participation.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Foundation to support aligned timelines, information sharing, and coordinated program delivery. Share program data, schedules, and participation updates with relevant staff to support cross-functional initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Foundation’s mission and programs.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS 

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree.
• At least three years of relevant professional experience required.
• Comfortable with technology, including using AI tools to support content creation. Prior experience working with Excel, database systems, Canvas, Canva, and Slate preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.  
• Flexible team player able to work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects within close or overlapping deadlines. 
• The Foundation follows a 35-hour work week schedule for full-time positions. Exempt employees may be required to work additional hours as needed to perform the duties of the job. 
• This position will require occasional evening and weekend hours for Scholar events.