Assistant Director of Fellowships and Postgraduate Scholarships

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Class Deans Office Job Description

Job Summary

Partnering with the Director of Fellowships and Postgraduate Scholarships, the Assistant Director will share the responsibility for outreach communications and events to recruit candidates for national fellowship competitions as well as developing creative approaches to promote national fellowships and postgraduate scholarship opportunities to a diverse student population. The Assistant Director will share responsibility for managing application systems and processes; tracking applicants and providing reports; share responsibility for processing applications to foundations, advising, essay feedback, and evaluation letter-writing, as well as organizing events to celebrate the accomplishments of applicants. This position is a key partner and collaborator of the Director and also oversees general office administrative and technical needs. The position interacts with numerous offices across the college and interacts regularly with students, faculty and alumnae in person and electronically. A strong commitment to and demonstrated track record of commitment to the principles of equity and inclusion are essential.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Process Management (35%)

Partner with the Director in managing and submitting application materials for national fellowships and postgraduate scholarships and in tracking applicant progress, including status of recommendation letters. Partner in scheduling and coordinating faculty committee meetings, candidate interviews, applicant proposal presentations, as well as writing Campus Committee Evaluations.

Advising, Writing, Editing, Outreach & Recruitment: (40%)

Partner with the Director in outreach, recruitment and advising of students and recent alumnae for fellowship and postgraduate scholarship opportunities. Similarly, share responsibility for information sessions, developing and implementing workshops on the fellowship application process, writing effective personal statements, and other related topics. Draft promotional and recruiting communications. Support students as they articulate their interests and ambitions and apply for opportunities that further their academic, personal and professional interests. Provide feedback on proposals, essays, final revisions and mock interviews as needed. Build and maintain excellent relationships with faculty and staff across the college to identify and support potential candidates. Coordinate practice interview sessions with faculty and staff.

Coordinate with foundation representatives and alumnae for campus visits. Partner with the Director in corresponding with alumnae to create networks for fellowship applicant support.

General Administrative and Technical Support (20%)

Collaborate with the Director to continually update web and print materials for ease of navigation and transparency, with an emphasis on streamlining and modernizing systems and structures that use the latest technological applications and interface easily with external application management systems. Maintain applicant records and generate reports for various constituencies. Process mailings, purchase supplies, and submit reimbursement receipts. Organize meetings and events, including purchasing refreshments as requested.

Other Functions

Other duties/function as assigned (5%)

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree, 2-5 years of relevant experience with expertise in fellowships advising, and/or equivalent combination of education/experience.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or higher, experience working with international students and living and studying abroad preferred.

Familiarity with and commitment to women’s education and liberal arts education; Teaching experience.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly writing, editing, and public speaking skills. Ability to teach expository writing and tutor students to improve these skills, both in person and remotely. Strong understanding of research processes and good grasp of current events, both international and domestic. Knowledge of academic environments and the varying needs of different fellowships opportunities. Ability to operate independently and collaboratively and to manage many time-sensitive tasks. Strong analytical reasoning, problem solving, event planning, organizational and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail.

Demonstrated working knowledge of a wide range of technology platforms, both those used by foundations and the College, and the ability to adapt to new platforms as they are introduced (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, Slate, Handshake, Calendly, Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Qualtrics, Zoom, Skype, Workday, Salesforce, 25Live, among others).

Must be a coalition builder with a collaborative spirit, and demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse population of students, alumnae, faculty, and staff.

Additional Information

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Please attach BOTH a current resume and a cover letter in order for your application to be considered for this position . Be sure you have provided all attachments before submitting your application. You will NOT be able to attach additional files after you have hit the Submit button.

Review of applications will begin

June 20, 2022

Compensation Grade:

Grade L Non-exempt

Position Type:

Regular

About Smith College

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.