Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Program Associate

Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Program Associate

Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement

Assistant Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement

Part-Time (30 hrs/wk); Non-Exempt (Prorated benefits provided)

Washington, DC

$20/hour

Accepting applications until position is filled (preference will be given to applications submitted by February 14)

February-March 2020

The IEP Program Associate will provide administrative and programmatic support to the Innovation and Economic Prosperity (IEP) Universities program in APLU’s Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement. Specific duties include coordination of program logistics and timeline, web-based workshops and activities, event planning and management, website management and supporting program promotion and recruitment efforts, scheduling multi-organizational meetings, coordinating virtual meetings, and contributing to fundraising efforts. Successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment, have strong organizational and interpersonal skills, and possess a keen attention to detail. This position will be based in APLU’s office in Washington, DC, and is available through December 2020 with potential for renewal. For more information consult www.aplu.org.

APLU is a research, policy, and advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening and advancing the work of public universities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With a membership of 242 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems, and affiliated organizations, APLU's agenda is built on the three pillars of increasing degree completion and academic success, advancing scientific research, and expanding engagement. Annually, member campuses enroll five million undergraduates and 1.3 million graduate students, award 1.3 million degrees, employ 1.3 million faculty and staff, and conduct $49.3 billion in university-based research.

APLU’s IEP Universities Designation Program offers higher education institutions a robust national platform and process for better knowing, measuring, and telling the impact of colleges and universities through economic engagement. Economic engagement refers to the broad range of efforts universities undertake with their public-private partners to support talent and workforce development, innovation and entrepreneurship, and through place development via public service, community engagement, Cooperative Extension, and outreach. To earn the IEP designation, institutions complete a rigorous self-study and stakeholder engagement study to identify their strengths and areas of needed improvement throughout their campus economic engagement enterprise. Campuses share and learn from one another throughout the process in a national learning community. Designees engage in APLU projects, advocacy, and communication efforts around university-based economic and community engagement. To date, 66 institutions have earned the designation and 30+ institutions are currently pursuing the designation. For more information, please consult www.aplu.org/IEP.

·        Support project management and coordination of IEP designation and awards program including supporting continuous improvement projects and activities, conducting basic web-based research, and contributing to fundraising efforts.

·        Communicate regularly with key stakeholders at participating campuses by email and phone, and maintain accurate and up-to-date knowledge of program timeline and activities.

·        Regularly update project plans, contact database, and key documentation

·        Maintain IEP web presence on APLU website including main IEP website, the IEP case study library, and related sections

·        Assist supervisor and Public Affairs with content development for social media, the newsletter, and APLU’s website.

·        Develop agendas and materials for IEP-related event programming during APLU’s Annual Meeting and APLU’s CECE Summer Meeting.

·        Promote events and recruit participants.

·        Help facilitate webinars, web workshops, and other virtual meetings.

·        Coordinate event-related shipments for program materials.

·        Schedule meetings and calls among IEP program participants and relevant APLU staff.

·        Take clear and detailed minutes during meetings, conference calls, and web workshops. Synthesize key decisions and distribute summaries and next steps to participants.

·        Serve as an initial point of contact for inquiries for the program and relay questions or requests to appropriate staff.

·        Perform other duties as assigned. 

·        Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, education, public administration or a related field or equivalent office experience.

·        Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

·        Effective written and verbal communication skills.

·        Experience with volunteer management or coordination (preferably in a university setting).

·        Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Dynamics 365, and Zoom.

·        Adept with technology and a quick-learner. 

·        Ability to travel domestically 1-3 times a year.

·        An interest in university-based economic development and community engagement.

Please send a letter of interest (maximum of 2 pages) and resume to APLU’s Human Resources Department at resume@aplu.org with the subject line: IEP Program Associate. Letter of interests should focus on how the candidate’s education and/or professional background has prepared them to meet the qualifications and perform the job responsibilities described above. Preference will be given to applications submitted by February 14.

APLU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.