Project Specialist, Lilly Scholars at Purdue

Department: Donor Relations & Stewardship

Location: Purdue for Life Foundation

Description

Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.

The Lilly Scholars at Purdue program (LSAP) is an innovative scholarship program that brings together Eli Lilly and Company and Purdue University to develop interest and talent in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The program aims to attract and serve students who are from under-resourced urban and rural communities, who have overcome socioeconomic or educational disadvantages, who are among the first generation in their family to attend college, or who have a shared commitment to reducing barriers to education. The Purdue for Life Foundation is seeking an Project Specialist, Lilly Scholars at Purdue to work in tandem with the LSAP Project Manager in the administration of the scholar experience. This student-facing role is dedicated to the LSAP program and is the primary program contact for students. In addition to planning and implementing aspects of the program, the coordinator is responsible for connecting Scholars with campus resources to encourage scholar retention and success.

Responsibilities

Student Programming:

• Take ownership of student programming by working with campus and Lilly partners to implement the Lilly Scholars introductory course including developing the syllabus; coordinating industry, alumni, and campus guest speakers; overseeing the class teaching assistants; and creating course content on professional development topics.
• Engage students in professional programming and experiences provided by the Office of Professional Practice including the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Certificate.
• Develop, promote, and execute programs and events to support the retention, professional development, and social connections of students in the Lilly Scholars at Purdue (LSAP) program- including occasional evening and weekend events. Represent the program at events by hosting and delivering presentations.
• Stay up-to-date on details related to the program's associated major degree programs and monitor Lilly Scholars’ academic degree progress. Collaborate with academic advisors to ensure program requirements are met. Maintain a close connection with Purdue advising and the Colleges of Engineering, Science, and Pharmacy. Attend academic meetings as needed to stay informed on degree programs.
  
  

Outreach/Recruitment:

• Coordinate outreach, recruitment and selection efforts to bring in future cohorts of students for the program – including occasional evening and weekend events.
• Build partnerships at Purdue to meet marketing and recruitment needs, including meetings with the Office of Admissions.
• Outreach to high schools and community organizations that support students that would connect with the program goals and objectives. Serve as primary contact and assess whether the school or organization aligns with the program.
• Coordinate design and creation of marketing materials to be utilized in recruitment and overall promotion of the LSAP program in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Leverage current scholars to promote and develop future cohorts.
  

Program Administration:

• Work as a part of the LSAP program team including Purdue for Life, Purdue University, and Eli Lilly and Company representatives. Including creation of timelines, planning and attending meetings, and monitoring and reporting on task progress.
• Responsible for maintaining data and creating program reports for various stakeholders and reporting structures in collaboration with the Project Manager.
• Build a network of support for the scholars through the development of campus partnerships and peer leadership programming.
• Prepare a programming and event budget and manage expenses associated with the execution of those programs.
  
  

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proactive, dependable and possesses a willingness to take initiative
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work within project timelines
• Experience organizing and overseeing events from start to finish
• Ability to adapt to program needs and open to feedback from the larger program team
• Willingness to learn and open to new ideas and areas for collaboration
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Strong interpersonal skills for relating effectively with a diverse group of students, faculty, university staff, alumni, and employers
• Experience with CRM technology, Slate preferred
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Ability to work a hybrid schedule with up to 4 days a week working on-site in West Lafayette, Indiana
  
  

Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Experience managing multiple projects and responsibilities at a time
• A minimum of one year of customer service, project management, event planning experience and/or program administrator role experience.
• Familiarity with Purdue academic degree programs and certifications required.
• Experience in higher education preferred.
  

Job Level: Professional 2

*Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.

Benefits Summary for eligible employees:

• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
• Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
• 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
• Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
• Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
• Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.