Research Assistant / Program Coordinator- Center for Urban Studies

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant / Program Coordinator- Center for Urban Studies at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Reporting to the Center for Urban Studies’ Directors, the Program Coordinators will provide operational support primarily for two AmeriCorps initiatives [ACT (AmeriCorps Community Training) for overdose rescue and READY (Recreation, Education, Awareness, Demonstration, and Youth)], as well as for several related projects.

The Research Assistants will also assist in managing AmeriCorps members and lead STOP programs, in-person, as outlined briefly below. STOP currently offers two main services:

Assist in ensuring that AmeriCorps initiatives meet grant all output requirements (tracking/monitoring program outputs and performance measures, drafting project updates and reports, completing required trainings and certifications, preparing documentation for program files, etc.).

Assist in grant management activities, including programmatic and financial reports in eGrants and OnCorps.

Become fully knowledgeable about national AmeriCorps requirements, policies, and procedures; and diligently adhere to AmeriCorps guidelines in all aspects of program operations.

Assist in completing routinized activities and procedures for AmeriCorps:

• Recruit new AmeriCorps service members and meet quarterly enrollment targets (update position postings, proactively identify networks and pathways for promoting the position, circulate recruitment information to key contacts, review applications, conduct interviews, etc.).
• Complete enrollment, exit, or other status changes (gathering and organizing required documents, conducting criminal history checks, preparing payroll forms, entering member data into WSU and AmeriCorp/OnCorps systems, etc.).
• Verify member service hours biweekly, ensuring documentation needed to demonstrate that approved hours are compliant with AmeriCorps and program rules, and providing final approval of these efforts.
• Verify that all member records are accurate, complete, and compliant with funder guidelines; maintain file checklists and complete regular file audits to ensure member records are up to date.

Assist in coordinating and carrying out training for new AmeriCorps members and part-time research technicians.

Assist in maintaining work plans, task lists, and project calendars on a regular basis; meet interim deadlines; and provide regular progress updates to Center leadership and other team members.

Perform other duties as deemed necessary to support program goals.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences (including political science, public administration, public health, environmental science, education, geography, psychology, social work, sociology, and/or urban studies) is required.

Experience working within Detroit neighborhoods or similar communities, and community outreach or promotion is highly desirable.

Experience with AmeriCorps programs and policies is highly preferred.

Must have experience training, coaching, and supervising groups.

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to provide clear instructions and patient guidance to assist members in completing tasks; comfortable providing constructive feedback.

Must be able to perform math necessary to verify member timesheets and service hours. Confidence using spreadsheets to organize and analyze data is highly desirable.

Previous experience with online data management and reporting systems used by AmeriCorps (eGrants and OnCorps) is highly preferred. Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software is an advantage.

Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and Google products (Drive, Sheets, Docs, Forms, Calendar, etc.). Must be willing and able to learn new systems and software as needed. 

Prior professional experience in a public service organization (governmental, university, or nonprofit) is preferred.

Must be self-motivated; able to initiate and complete tasks independently, anticipate project needs, and proactively plan and prioritize work activities to meet deadlines.

Must demonstrate ability to collaborate, work inclusively as part of a team, and establish positive relationships with people of diverse cultural backgrounds (including team members, prospective service members, community partners, and other stakeholders). 

Submissions must include a cover letter describing relevant experience, an updated resume and most recent transcript (unofficial), and recent writing samples.

School/College/Division:

H32 - Provost & VP Academic Affairs

Primary department:

H6614 - Center Urban Studies

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Research

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary minimum: $42,000
• Salary hire maximum: $50,000

Working conditions:

In-Person

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 3

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Salary : $42,000 - $50,000