Science Hub Program Manager

Position Summary:

The Division of Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success (SEMSS) is at the core of VCU’s new strategic plan – Quest 2025: Together We Transform. To ensure each VCU student finds success on their individualized path, it is imperative that we establish a campus environment that eliminates artificial barriers to degree progression/graduation, nurtures student engagement both with faculty and our community, develops cultural competency in our graduates, and creates opportunities to experiment and develop tangible and intangible skills related to their future career goals.

SEMSS is building a new academic support space known as the “Science Hub” for science students within the Campus Learning Center (CLC) supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute for Inclusive Excellence grant, a five year project. Reporting to the Director of the Campus Learning Center, the Science Hub Program Manager will provide support to undergraduate students in science disciplines to build a support community at the University. The Program Manager will work with STEM departments’ faculty to facilitate programming across disciplines; specifically work with students to improve study skills, learning strategies and study group behavior; and will manage the day-to-day operations of the Science Hub including overseeing student staff, programming, and space. We welcome candidates with diverse experiences and backgrounds who will contribute to an already diverse community of faculty, staff, and students.

Core Responsibilities:

● Provide engaging programming targeted to STEM students. (50%)

o Continually revise and implement programming with a focus on undergraduate research

o Continually revise and implement programming with a focus on connecting students with each other, faculty and alumni

o Maintain attendance and assessment records for all programs.

o Actively market all programming both directly and through campus partners.

o Teach UNIV 291: STEM Exploration and Professional Preparation.

● Provide the administrative structure for Student Hours. (20%)

o Recruit faculty to participate in Student Hours.

o Maintain the Student Hours schedule and supervise the sessions.

o Maintain attendance records for each session and assess the program each semester.

● Provide support and outreach to STEM students through study groups. (20%)

o Provide STEM specific workshops for students related to academic success.

o Conduct outreach to students in STEM courses who are having academic difficulties.

o Conduct outreach campaigns to students using the Study Buddy feature in Navigate.

o Offer office hours to individually create support plans for STEM students.

● S upport CLC and SEMSS partnerships. (10%)

o Foster partnerships with VCU departments that are critical to the support of underrepresented STEM students.

o Represent and support the CLC and SEMSS as needed.

Minimum Hiring Standards:

● Master’s degree in a science discipline, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, or related field.

● Excellent written, interpersonal, and oral communication skills.

● Previous experience with program management.

● Previous experience working with students on time management, goals and/or study strategies.

● Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications:

● Experience working in a college or university learning center or other related support activity.

● Previous experience working in science disciplines.

● Experience working with faculty, specifically science and math faculty.

● Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

● Previous experience working with undergraduate research.

● Demonstrated ability to motivate students toward academic achievement.

● Personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those of VCU’s underrepresented STEM student population.

Other Position Details: This position may be eligible for a hybrid schedule, some nights and weekends will be required.

Position Number: 588760

Position Title: Science Hub Program Manager

Department: 1269 Campus Learning Center

Role Code: 35221 Specialist SS 1

Position Type: Exempt

Salary: Up to $47,000

ORP Eligible?: No

Open Date: 9/23/22

Close Date: 10/30/22