Engagement Program Administrator

About the role

The Engagement Program Administrator will support administrative activities within the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research (PICR) and its Office of Academic Programs and Career Success (OAPCS). The position focuses on engaging Purdue students (undergraduate through graduate levels) and potential students to recruit them into cancer research careers, as well as engaging with on-campus and off-campus groups to communicate the institute’s mission and establish partnerships. The role involves leading program development, monitoring progress, and ensuring project goals are met within a collaborative team environment.

The incumbent will report to the Associate Director for Engagement and work independently to perform daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Work with the PICR OAPCS to implement and execute programs aligned with the PICR Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG).
• Develop and implement initiatives, in coordination with PICR leadership, to recruit students to Purdue and engage enrolled students in cancer research opportunities.
• Partner with the CRTEC Program Administrator to integrate student recruitment, outreach, and engagement with cancer research education and training programs.
• Identify and attend local and national strategic recruitment opportunities to engage with students and recruit them to Purdue for cancer research.
• Support PICR undergraduate and trainee organizations in engagement activities.
• Work with project management databases to provide data and enhance database effectiveness for tracking and reporting.
• Assist in analyzing data related to various activities and prepare reports as needed.
• Track progress of assigned projects and ensure milestones are met within designated timeframes.
• Participate in strategic planning and goal-setting for the PICR.
• Attend meetings, monitor activities, and coordinate follow-up to ensure objectives are met.
• Serve as a liaison for the PICR, engaging with Purdue departments, funding sources, affiliated institutions, and external organizations.
• Develop materials such as surveys, reports, and educational content; review, edit, and revise administrative materials.
• Stay informed about trends in higher education, cancer research, and popular culture for use in communications.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Director to provide content for website updates, social media, and other marketing communications.
• Coordinate grant/contract application and renewal processes, including writing portions of grants/contracts as needed.
• Support the identification of additional funding opportunities.

Requirements

• BA/BS in a related field.
• Two or more years of experience in project coordination, engagement, and outreach activities.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and taking initiative in a dynamic environment.
• Strong experience in collaborative environments and building cross-functional partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills, including knowledge of basic data analysis, facilitation, and social media.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to communicate the mission and vision of the PICR to students and community partners across multiple educational levels.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Adaptability to learn new areas without formal training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with Microsoft SharePoint, website content management software, and/or AI software tools.

Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position. A background check is required. FLSA: Exempt (Not eligible for overtime). Retirement Eligibility: Defined Waiting Period.