Position Highlights
This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on student success by supporting CSTEP and McNair scholars throughout their academic and professional journeys. Working across both programs, the Programming Specialist II provides individualized guidance, coordinates meaningful academic and research experiences, and helps students prepare for graduate education and future careers. The role combines student engagement and coaching with program coordination, assessment, and grant compliance, including significant involvement in the 10-week Summer Research Program and RIT Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Position Summary
The CSTEP/McNair Student Access/Development/Engagement Programming Specialist II will split time equally (50/50) between the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to provide academic, professional, and graduate school preparation guidance to eligible students. Operating within the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success, this grant-funded role manages a coaching caseload while assisting with year-round programming to advance degree progress as well as career and PhD readiness across both cohorts.
Key responsibilities include ensuring state and federal grant compliance by tracking student persistence, progress, and post-graduation outcomes in confidential databases. The position supports Program Directors with daily administrative operations, expense tracking, event logistics, continuous assessment, scholar recruitment, communications, and advisory board oversight. As a central contribution to the role, the position manages logistics for the 10-week Summer Research Program, including coordinating academic enrichment trips, and preparing students for the RIT Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Maintains day-to-day operations for assigned program area, to include student engagement activities and event management. Ensures operations and activities adhere to grant guidelines
Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants and provides individualized advising and counseling services. Encourages participation in tutoring, program workshops, and other resources to facilitate student success and retention in the program
Performs outreach and meets regularly with participants to discuss needs, monitor progress, and assist with the resolution of academic and/or personal challenges
Develops an action plan for each fiscal year. Allocates funds for program activities and monitors budget expenditures for program grants to ensure fiscal responsibility. Manages the timely submission of financial reporting
Fosters and develops relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Works collaboratively to develop and implement programs and resources focused on student retention and the elimination of achievement gaps
Represents the program on and off campus at professional activities and recruitment events. Oversees the internal and external marketing of the program through electronic and print communication, partnering with university communications staff to promote the visibility of the program
Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Knowledge of program management and event planning
Knowledge of student advising and coaching
Skill in managing and implementing student success programming
Skill in allocating and managing budgets
Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
Ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide range of personalities
Minimum Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in related field
3 years of relevant experience
Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
Job Level Overview
Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects.…