2026 SMASH Academy - Program Coordinator (Michigan)

About the role

At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders.

Position Description

This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.

SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.

The Position Description outlines the critical support role the Program Coordinator (PC) plays within the Site Management Team. The PC supports the Program Director and liaises with SMASH National team to ensure the successful delivery of the SMASH Academy. Key responsibilities include driving program efficiency, managing site program calendars, ensuring completion of site deliverables, responding to inquiries, collaborating with communications team, establishing and maintaining positive relationships with scholars, and leading logistics for program events.

• Drive program efficiency by improving or creating processes and tools to ensure a successful delivery of SMASH Academy
• Develop and manage site program calendars, including communicating updates
• Ensure completion of site deliverables (e.g. pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff and scholar surveys, final inventory, etc.)
• Respond to inquiries from multiple stakeholders, including scholars, families, staff, University contacts and SMASH National Office while classes are in session
• Collaborate with SMASH’s Communications team to facilitate video or media-related projects
• Establish and maintain a positive, professional relationship with SMASH scholars; serve as a role model during the academy
• Serve as point person for COVID-19 related protocols and procedures based on SMASH and University guidelines.

This assignment is a part-time position starting on May 3, 2026, then moving to a full-time engagement starting July 5, 2026.

Onboarding + Training May 3-9, 2026 (National, Virtual) SMASH Academy Onramp May 10-6/27, 2026 (National, Virtual) Staff Training 6/28-7/4, 2026 (Virtual) Staff Training 7/5-7/11, 2026 (In person) SMASH Academy 7/12-7/25, 2026 (In person) SMASH Academy 7/26-7/31, 2026 (Virtual) Virtual Close Out 7/30, 2026 (Virtual)

Key responsibilities

• Program Administration
• Class & Event Organization
• Scholar Tech Support
• Human Resources
• Data Management
• Professional Development

Required Attributes

• Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations
• Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when navigating situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
• Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data-based decisions
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met

What you bring

• Commitment to SMASH’s mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
• Demonstrated programs or operational effectiveness working with students (preferably at high school level) from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds
• Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
• Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
• A minimum of one (1) year of administrative or relevant experience
• Proficiency in Google Suite (Calendar, Doc, Sheet, Email, Forms) and Zoom
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills are required
• Strong attention to detail, prompt responsiveness and ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule to attend events on evenings and/or weekends

Application Information

To apply for this position, ensure you can make the training and program dates (see table in above section of Job Description). If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application.

Compensation

This is a non-exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. Please note, pay will be variable per pay period based on part-time and full-time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on “protected categories,” SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.

We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.