Assistant Director of Education and Diversity - Philadelphia, United States - University of Pennsylvania
Description
Posted Job Title
Assistant Director of Education and Diversity - Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB) - Penn Engineering
Job Profile Title
Associate Director C, Academic Affairs, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Job Description Summary
The Assistant Director of Education and Diversity is responsible for managing all aspects of the education programs and diversity initiatives of the Center for Engineering MechanoBiology (CEMB). Working with the faculty directors and the managing director, the incumbent plans, develops, implements, and evaluates an integrated and strategic program to recruit a diverse pool of graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, undergraduate students, and high school teachers to undertake research activities in faculty laboratories. Develop and manage professional growth programs for each of these groups of students and specifically builds an inclusive postdoctoral and graduate student community that is actively involved in service to the center's programs. Provide mentorship to students. Develop, implement, manage, and evaluate summer undergraduate and high school intern programs. Identify and engage key internal and external partners for educational programs and diversity initiatives through alumni networks, academic institutions, and companies regional to CEMB partner institutions, and University resources. Assist in planning events for center members, funding agencies, and the scientific community. All logistical aspects of programs are under AD management to ensure efficient scheduling and resource use.
The mission of the CEMB is to discover how biological systems communicate using molecular and cellular methods. The CEMB will engineer new and powerful cell-based devices and train students in the foundations of mechanobiology, bringing together leading researchers at the intersection of biology, mechanics, and engineering. Our programs especially seek to develop the next general of scientists and engineers from populations underrepresented in STEM, such as underrepresented minority groups, women, persons with disabilities, and financially disadvantaged students to grow a diverse and talented workforce for the future. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Penn is the lead institution together with nine other partnering universities and a wider network of specific educational partners.
Job Description
Job Responsibilities
Design and develop content needed to implement and manage all education programs in the Center, such as the summer undergraduate research program, graduate student boot camps, Postdoc Preview Day, special seminars, etc. Working with professional evaluator team, develop metrics to evaluate these programs. Communicate directly with participants, develop/disseminate program materials, recruit and manage TA's and student mentors, laboratory space, and provide advice and guidance on research projects. All logistical aspects of programs are under AD management to ensure efficient scheduling and resource use.
Independently lead, direct, and develop the recruitment of a diverse group of candidates to the Center's programs: summer undergraduate research experience (UExB program), Master's Fellowship Program, and Postdoc Preview Day; and Penn PhD programs and postdoctoral positions relevant to the CEMB mission. Identify strategies and targeted opportunities (conferences, institutions, etc.) based on analytics and professional contacts. Travel to and present recruitment programs at national conferences and campus visits to Minority Serving Institutions and institutional partners. Lead recruitment efforts by identifying and cultivating individual and institutional relationships and partnerships with external and internal contacts in the higher education community (dept. chairs, graduate chairs, and program staff). Develop marketing and information materials for print and online use. Develop and maintain online application portals and databases of applicants for tracking and reporting. Actively pursue leads and prospects to ensure an annual pool of high-quality applicants. Identify strategies and opportunities for new program funding and contribute to funding proposals. Contribute to program evaluation with the external evaluation team.
Manage Network of Educational Partners. Create training and networking opportunities for faculty at partner institutions. Conduct school visits to promote CEMB mission and programs to faculty, undergraduates, and master's students. Increase involvement of constituents at partner institutions in CEMB programs and events. Provide professional development support and mentorship to students within the Network. Develop and facilitate delivery of Traveling Mechanobiology Workshops at partner institutions. Contribute to program evaluation with external evaluation team.
Contribute to the strategic planning of education and broadening participation programming, with a focus on sustainability and impact. Collaborate with Center Directors, Director of Education, Director of Diversity, and Managing Director to establish benchmarks, disseminate plan, and execute plan.
Support reporting efforts by tracking and reporting demographic and outcomes data for undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty in collaboration with external evaluation team and Managing Director. Write annual report sections and funding proposals, create slide decks and present during annual reviews, and aid in additional tasks related to Annual Reporting as requested by Managing Director.
Act as the main point of contact with trainees regarding funding and outreach opportunities and participation in CEMB events; oversee the Trainee Leadership Council, acting as an administrative and content advisor.
Assist in planning events for Center members, funding agencies, and the scientific community. Assist the Managing Director in planning for Center-wide events such as the Annual Retreat, Mechanobiology Symposium, Annual Site Visit, as well as outreach opportunities open to Center members. Act as a liaison to trainees for communication and assist in logistical planning. Assist with the recruitment of speakers and coordination of the Future Leaders in Mechanobiology series, which features graduate students and postdoctoral trainees from around the world, Friday Seminars and Distinguished Lectures. Aid in program development of events as requested.
Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioengineering, mechanical engineering or closely related discipline and 3-5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A PhD in one of the related disciplines or an advanced degree in education (MA, PhD, EdD) and research experience strongly preferred.
Experience with relevance to mechanobiology or other interdisciplinary sciences preferred.
Previous experience working with diversity recruitment, orientation, and/or mentoring.
Experience developing and running workshops, seminars, and/or larger events.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse population at all academic levels.
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Familiarity with data collection and analysis preferred.
Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking and contributing to a mission's long-term planning.
Some travel required to partner institutions, recruitment events, and conferences. Position is contingent on continued funding.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Pay Range
$51, $85,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.