Program Coordinator for Education

The Academy’s Education Program Area serves as a vital convener of higher education leaders, helping to shape educational policy and advance transformative practices that ensure high-quality learning opportunities for all. Drawing on the Academy’s interdisciplinary membership and proximity to higher education, the program convenes distinguished thought leaders, policy experts, and university partners to address society's most pressing educational challenges. With a focus on strengthening democracy, removing barriers to student success, harnessing advancements in learning and technology, and preparing for the future of work, the Education Program Area advances solutions that impact learners and institutions across the nation. Through projects, convenings, and publications, we take an interdisciplinary approach and foster knowledge creation and collaboration to strengthen education as a pillar of democratic society.

Reporting to the Program Director for Education, the Program Coordinator works with Academy staff, Academy members, and project contributors and provides logistical and programmatic support for the projects within the Education Program area. This work currently includes two key efforts: Commission on Opportunities After High School and the Higher Education Forum. The Program Coordinator role offers an opportunity to positively impact the future of education on a national scale by promoting collaboration, upholding democratic values, and driving solutions to improve student learning and success.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Program Director for Education and other team members by providing day-to-day administrative support to the Education program area, interacting regularly with committee members and other project participants, Academy members, partner organizations, the program staff, and with other Academy departments.
• Coordinate and provide logistical support for conferences, meetings, focus groups, and other events in collaboration with the Events department, including preparing materials, managing event websites, processing reimbursements, and providing on-site staff support.
• Track expenditures and process related paperwork for program activities such as travel, events, consultant payments, publications, and other transactions; prepare event budgets, purchase orders, meeting codes, and travel reimbursements.
• Coordinate the production, processing, and distribution of formal and informal publications, documents, and project deliverables; assemble travel materials and briefing books for staff and Academy members attending meetings and events.
• Coordinate the production and distribution of formal and informal publications and other project deliverables.
• Assist with conducting web-related background research for projects and reports.
• Maintain and update program-related databases, tracking reports, and project summaries.
• Draft, edit and proofread invitations, correspondence, and presidential briefings.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Required and Preferred Qualifications:

• An associate degree or equivalent professional experience is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. A minimum of one to three years of relevant experience is expected, ideally within a nonprofit organization, academic setting, or research institute.
• Some knowledge of education policy and/or research (k-12 or higher education) a plus.
• Commitment to promoting equity and social justice throughout project development and implementation. Experience with budgeting and expense tracking a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Word), Adobe Acrobat, various document processing and database applications and querying, and internet searches.
• Comfort using online platforms, web-interfaces, and social media.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision, supported by strong attention to detail, curiosity, problem-solving skills, and initiative. Proven administrative and organizational strengths, including time management, prioritization, and the ability to plan, implement, and follow through on projects effectively.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to proofread and edit, with a strong customer service orientation and the ability to interact professionally and effectively with a diverse range of individuals, including Academy members, staff, and the general public.
• Ability to exhibit confidentiality and good judgment.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 40 lbs., climb stairs, and operate a handcart.

Location and Work Environment: This is a hybrid position that requires on-site presence at the Academy’s headquarters in Cambridge, MA three days per week, including Wednesdays as designated in-office day. Occasional travel, as well as evening and weekend hours, may be necessary to support project-related activities.

Application: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a brief cover letter and CV.