Program Assistant

The Program Assistant at the Social Science Research Council plays a pivotal role in supporting various administrative duties related to the Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network. This includes managing communications with scholars, processing payments, coordinating events, and maintaining databases and financial records. You'll be the go-to person for program-related questions and contribute significantly to both virtual and in-person workshops and meetings.

To be considered for the Program Assistant position at the Social Science Research Council, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree and demonstrate a high level of proficiency in MS Office applications as well as database management. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and excellent communication abilities are essential. Experience working with diverse communities and CRM platforms is preferred, but a passion for supporting scholars is key!

The Social Science Research Council offers a comprehensive benefits package to the Program Assistant role, which includes health, dental, and vision coverage, as well as disability and life insurance. You'll also receive $1,500 annually for tuition reimbursement or student loans, a generous pension plan, gym reimbursement, and ample vacation and sick leave. This role not only provides a rewarding experience but also supports your overall well-being!

The Program Assistant is crucial to the success of the Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network at SSRC. By handling logistics for events, managing databases, and facilitating communications, you ensure that scholars receive the support they need for their career advancement. Your efforts directly contribute to creating a vibrant community for over 1,800 Sloan Scholar graduates, enhancing their networking and professional development opportunities!

To thrive as a Program Assistant at the Social Science Research Council, you need a blend of strong organizational and communication skills. Being highly proficient in MS Office and having experience with communications technology, including social media, will be essential. An ability to multitask, prioritize activities, and work both independently and collaboratively will help you excel in this fast-paced environment.

When answering this question, highlight specific administrative tasks you've handled, such as scheduling meetings, managing databases, or preparing documents. Emphasize any direct experience with program coordination, especially in educational or nonprofit settings, and demonstrate how those experiences have prepared you for the Program Assistant role at SSRC.

Describe a systematic approach for prioritizing tasks when facing overlapping deadlines. Discuss your organizational strategies, such as using project management tools or checklists, and how you've successfully managed competing responsibilities in the past, showcasing your time management skills relevant to the Program Assistant role.

In your response, emphasize the importance of active listening and adapting your communication style to different audiences. Share examples of past experiences where you effectively engaged with diverse communities or stakeholders, illustrating how you can enhance the interactions among Sloan Scholars within SSRC.

Here, provide a detailed account of any past event coordination roles you've held, including both virtual and in-person events. Discuss logistical considerations you managed, such as venue selection, attendee communication, or any technology used during the events. Connect these experiences to the potential tasks you'll handle as a Program Assistant.

Share specific examples of your use of MS Office applications and any relevant database management systems. Highlight projects or tasks where your proficiency significantly contributed to their success, demonstrating your technical skills for the Program Assistant position at SSRC.

Discuss your passion for social science research and education, and how working in a nonprofit aligns with your career goals. Share personal stories or experiences that have inspired you to support scholars in STEM and express your desire to make a meaningful impact within the community.

Provide an example of a challenging situation where you successfully resolved a problem quickly and effectively. Emphasize the skills and strategies you employed to navigate the situation, showcasing your adaptability and problem-solving skills necessary for the Program Assistant role.

Discuss the importance of social media in facilitating engagement and information sharing within the scholar community at SSRC. Illustrate how you would use social media platforms to enhance communication, outreach, and program visibility, showcasing your knowledge of digital communication strategies relevant to the Position.

Explain your attention to detail and any processes you follow to maintain data accuracy, such as regular audits or checks. Share experiences where your meticulous nature helped prevent errors in past data-related tasks, indicating your suitability for the Program Assistant position at SSRC.

Confirm your willingness to travel as required for the role, and share any previous experiences where frequent travel enhanced your professional development or contributed to program success. Emphasize your enthusiasm for engaging with the broader academic community through such opportunities.