Project Assistant, Diversity, Equity and Student Success

The Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U) is the leading national association dedicated to advancing the vitality and public standing of liberal education by making quality and equity the foundations of excellence in undergraduate education in service to democracy. Its members are committed to extending the advantages of a liberal education to all students, regardless of academic specialization or intended career. Founded in 1915, AAC&U member institutions include accredited public and private colleges, community colleges, research universities, and comprehensive universities of every type and size.

The office of Diversity, Equity and Student Success, one of four program offices at AAC&U, takes a leading role in activities that advance equity, inclusive excellence, innovation, and student success, especially for groups historically underserved by U.S. higher education.

The DESS Project Assistant is responsible for providing administrative support for the Institutes on High-Impact Practices and Student Success and TRHT Campus Centers, and administrative support for DESS programs, project meetings, campus visits, and sponsored projects. The Project Assistant is part of a multifunctional office that depends on rapid communication and teamwork to conduct programs and projects.

AAC&U seeks a candidate who is self-directed, collaborative, and can thrive in a fast-paced office environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the planning and logistical aspects for the institutes on High-Impact Practices and Student Success, and TRHT Campus Centers
• Assisting with the administrative tasks related to sponsored projects
• Corresponding by email and phone with internal AAC&U staff and external members and affiliates
• Developing and maintaining spreadsheets and data entry for contacts, programs, and projects
• Preparing letters, PPT presentations, and other written and visual materials as needed
• Processing expense reimbursements and bills
• Organizing webinars and assisting with the presentation materials
• Maintaining and organizing DESS electronic files and supplies
• Other duties as assigned

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication, and editing skills
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office suite and webpage design programs
• Database management skills including familiarity with Access and Excel
• Outstanding attention to detail, with understanding of larger contexts
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Dependability, flexibility, and strict confidentiality
• Ability to work both collaboratively, as a member of a team, and independently to accomplish goals
• Effective time management skills: ability to balance and set priorities among many tasks and meet deadlines
• Interest in higher education issues, particularly related to diversity, equity, and student success
• Self-directed ability to thrive in a fast-paced advocacy organization at the center of higher education reform

At least two years of work experience required (preferably in a higher education or nonprofit environment). A bachelor’s degree is required.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter describing relevant work and educational experience to AAC&U, Box DESS, 1818 R Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, or to openings@aacu.org.

Review of applications will begin August 16, 2021.

AAC&U believes that a broadly diverse staff is critical to achieving excellence as a national higher education association. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity and compliance with the full range of fair employment practices and non-discrimination laws.