Undergraduate Research Program Coordinator & Advisor

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UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Undergraduate Academic Affairs (UAA) shapes, advances, and stewards a world-class undergraduate academic experience for students at the University of Washington. Staff, faculty and students in UAA deepen and enrich the learning experience for all undergraduates, recognizing and supporting the unique learning path of each individual student and the commitment of each academic program to excellence in learning and teaching.

To learn more about our open positions visit our Careers in UAA page.

Within UAA, the Undergraduate Research Program (URP), housed in the Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity in Undergraduate Academic Affairs, assists undergraduates in all fields to enrich their academic experience through engagement in exciting, hands-on research with UW faculty and other research mentors in all disciplines. URP staff help students plan for year-round and summer undergraduate research experiences, identify faculty mentors and projects, define research goals, present and publish their work, and obtain funding for their research.

URP has an outstanding opportunity for a dynamic, collaborative, student-centered individual to join our team as an Undergraduate Research Program (URP) Coordinator & Advisor.

The URP Coordinator & Advisor advises students interested in getting involved in, or furthering involvement in, undergraduate research opportunities; helps to plan and facilitate the annual UW Undergraduate Research Symposium; helps to facilitate undergraduate research programs and student selection processes; assists with undergraduate research-related courses, manages the URP email inbox and listserv, and helps the URP team coordinate other events and resources.

The URP Coordinator & Advisor maintains a bird’s eye view on all URP-related programming and ensures that deadlines are met and reminders are sent on time. This position requires heightened attention to detail. A successful candidate will look ahead to the next few weeks and alert the team to planning that needs to happen. Demonstrated collaboration skills are key, as the URP is a resource for students, faculty, and staff throughout the University and we partner with many other UW offices and programs, including the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity, First Year Programs, and Academic Advising, to encourage undergraduate engagement in research. The URP Coordinator & Advisor provides valuable feedback to the team about ways to promote equity and inclusion in undergraduate research and how to improve services to students, faculty, and staff.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Director of the URP, this position will have the following responsibilities:

Advising (50%)

Advise undergraduates interested in, and selected to participate in, URP and other related undergraduate research opportunities. Advising most often includes preparing students to seek out research opportunities, coaching students on how to interact with faculty mentors in a research setting, guiding students on ways to effectively present their research, and helping students recognize how program opportunities can enhance their studies and careers.

Conduct student information sessions, workshops, and assist with outreach and recruitment efforts.

Review applications for funding opportunities and assist with facilitating student placements with faculty research mentors based upon individual student's interests, background, and goals.

Management and Coordination (45%)

Assist in the coordination and execution of URP programs, workshops, and events, including the campus-wide annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Undergraduate Research Leaders Program, co-hosted summer research programs, and funded scholarship programs like the Washington Research Foundation Fellowships and Levinson Emerging Scholars Programs.

Manage scholarship databases and applications.

Create URP outreach materials and help outreach on behalf of URP.

Provide critical insight into strategies for intentionally incorporating DEI values into URP programming.

Manage regular website updates, social media, and listserv email updates

Assist with office administration, including scheduling meetings, tracking shared staff calendars, planning social events, etc.

Contribute to the functioning of the Center for Experiential Learning and Diversity (EXPD) and Undergraduate Academic Affairs (5%)

Actively collaborate with other EXPD programs to advance the goals of the Center (e.g., assisting with information sessions and workshops).

Serve on UAA and campus committees as needed.

Assist with EXPD events and with occasional reception duties.

All UAA Undergraduate Research Program Staff will demonstrate and integrate the following Undergraduate Academic Affairs Competencies:

Accountability and Integrity

Race, Equity, and Difference

Constituent Focus

Collaboration and Teamwork

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in any academic field

Two years of experience in student support services, advising, or program support

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements:

Has excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation and public speaking experience;

Strong problem-solving, management, and organizational skills;

Ability to take initiative and to work independently with minimal supervision;

Enjoys working with students and possess strong interpersonal skills, including an ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultural backgrounds and life experiences;

A team-oriented, collaborative approach and a desire to interact with colleagues across departmental units;

Is well-organized, efficient, works well under deadlines, and is attentive to details;

Is proficient with MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, social media, data management, and with website content management systems (e.g., WordPress).

Desired Qualifications:

One year of experience in program coordination or management;

Has experience advising students on undergraduate research and/or academic programs;

Research experience in an academic field and experience presenting at professional conferences.

Application Assessments:

Cover letter outlining your interest and preparation for this position

Diversity Statement: Describe a recent successful experience you have had in supporting or advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in your work or community.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.