EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms.  EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC is committed to diversity in the workplace.

The STEM Workforce Success (SWS) has an opening for a project coordinator, reporting to the principal investigator, in Waltham, MA (position may be remote) and not necessary for applicants to be in office space.                                                       

At the heart of the SWS work is the knowledge that equity in STEM education is the key to a strong economy. In all STEM fields, breakthroughs in innovation occur when people with a diversity of cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and life experiences work together to address society’s challenges. To maintain a strong workforce and citizenry that can solve the complex problems of our world, all students must have outstanding STEM educations.

The STEM-Opportunities in Prison Settings (STEM-OPS) project is funded by the National Science Foundation and is an alliance of member organizations dedicated to improving access to STEM college coursework and careers to people who are or have been incarcerated. STEM-OPS, based at EDC, includes partnering organizations from around the country. The project is seeking a part-time (4-8 hours per week) Project Coordinator position to strengthen our capacity to support partner organization activities and lead components of organizing an annual, in-person gathering of STEM-OPS stakeholders. STEM-OPS is committed to cultural-responsiveness and qualified candidates who have experience with or have been directly impacted by the carceral system are strongly encouraged to apply.

This is a casual (variable) position. EDC casual employees generally work as needed.  A casual position receives statutory benefits of Social Security contributions, Medicare contributions, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation insurance and sick leave.  A casual position ends when work is complete.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The person in this position is expected to communicate clearly and courteously; to develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, consultants, collaborators, co-workers, field sites, and funders; and to work professionally with EDC colleagues. The job requires adherence to EDC policies & procedures.

Under management oversight, the Project Coordinator provides support to project staff, including:

• General administrative duties
• Serving as backup for other project staff, particularly Project Director and Principal Investigator
• Researching, compiling, and synthesizing information
• Maintaining records
• Disseminating information, including website content
• Making blog and podcast recommendations
• Contributing ideas for improved efficiency or systematization
• Monitoring contractual compliance
• Drafting performance reports & briefs
• Organize logistics and systems for a large, annual in-person gathering of project stakeholders
• Support facilitators and members of online Affinity Groups in their project activities.
• Maintain and update project Trello board containing workflows for various project work flows.

The Project Coordinator

• Coordinates project activities
• Facilitates project teamwork; seeks and utilizes feedback
• Provides logistical support
• Assists with quality assurance
• Supports the team in adhering to the project schedule, meeting deadlines and project requirements.
• Works closely with the Principal Investigator, Project Direct and Project Manager to provide general ongoing support to project and learn about the various roles.

This position requires educational achievement; excellent writing skills; demonstrable initiative, creativity, and flexibility; ability to work independently as well as effectively in groups; and strong interpersonal & organizational skills. Specific requirements:

• Qualified candidates who have experience with or have been directly impacted by incarceration are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent combination of education & experience
• Master’s degree OR equivalent combination of training & education in a related field preferred
• At least 2 years related research, education, international development, or administrative coordination experience, as well as computer & basic office application competence.
• Experience with project management preferred, or strong desire to learn project management.
• Experience with organizational problem solving and willingness to propose out-of-the-box approaches to solving project challenges
• Strong organizational & analytical skills, in conjunction with aptitude for details
• The ability to work with very different personalities and work to understand alternative perspectives

Fluency in language/s in addition to English is preferred.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.