Engagement and Outreach Aide (Administrative Program Support 2)
JOB SUMMARY
The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is seeking an energetic and disciplined individual with outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills, combined with a strong interest in public service to provide administrative and programmatic support for engagement and outreach activities. Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Engagement and Outreach in the OVPR, the selected candidate will serve in a dual capacity with administrative and programmatic support responsibility for conducting research and organizing resources to support boundary spanning and networking, to facilitate the University’s exchange of ideas and information for meaningful and responsive external outreach and engagement. This position will also serve as the primary point of contact for engagement and outreach inquiries and provide administrative and intensive scheduling support for the Executive Director, including logistical arrangements for meetings and travel.
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field and experience performing representative responsibilities in a similar role; demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills; an inquisitive nature and desire to solve problems; the ability to conduct investigative research from legitimate sources, summarize and present findings; display a level of comfort in situations requiring social engagement and interaction. Experience managing data and using social media, presentation, and meeting/conferencing software platforms are preferable.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manages and coordinates all aspects of the Executive Director’s schedule, including routine and complex scheduling commitments, arranging for all logistics (i.e., space, technical support, travel, and processing of reimbursements). Assures that the Executive Director is fully prepared to participate in all scheduled activities.
- Conducts inquiries and researches, reviews, and summarizes information and findings; may propose and present options for resolution of issues. Tracks items for follow-up.
- Manages and coordinates special projects as required by the Executive Director, including monitoring task completion, setting deadlines, and organizing and managing events.
- Prepares meeting agendas; may prepare, compose or edit correspondence, presentations, or reports for the Executive Director’s review.
- Responds to general inquiries on routine matters independently and as directed.
- Responsible for scheduling/staffing meetings, including preparing agendas, recording, summarizing meeting minutes/notes, and following up on the status of action items as needed.
- Must be willing and able to travel for meetings, and occasionally work from satellite offices within the state (primarily Storrs and Farmington).
- Monitors websites and social media accounts and maintains up-to-date content.
- Other tasks as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or another appropriate discipline.
- Two or more years of experience providing outreach and/or programmatic support which includes conducting investigative research, summarizing, and presenting findings.
- Demonstrated excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Displays a level of comfort in situations requiring social engagement and interaction.
- Experience managing data and using social media.
- Experience providing logistical and scheduling support for an executive or program of activities.
- Ability to function effectively in ambiguous situations requiring the exercise of judgment and discretion.
- Self-starter, with the ability to work with little or no direction, and to consistently follow through independently.
- Willingness to travel and flexibility to work non-traditional hours to attend meetings and support programmatic activities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to navigate multiple video conferencing platforms and web-based meeting platforms.
- Experience serving in government relations, as a legislative aide, or similar role.
APPOINTMENT TERMS
This is a 40-hour-per week, full-time, 12-month position, with an excellent benefits package including medical and retirement, as well as employee and dependent tuition reimbursement at the University of Connecticut (outlined here: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.
TO APPLY
Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496804 to upload a resume and cover letter that effectively demonstrate how the requirements of the position are met, and contact information for three (3) professional references. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 26, 2022.
All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.
The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural, and diverse University.