CSTEP/McNair Student Access/Development/Engagement Programming Specialist II

Position Highlights

This position offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on student success by supporting CSTEP and McNair scholars throughout their academic and professional journeys. Working across both programs, the Programming Specialist II provides individualized guidance, coordinates meaningful academic and research experiences, and helps students prepare for graduate education and future careers. The role combines student engagement and coaching with program coordination, assessment, and grant compliance, including significant involvement in the 10-week Summer Research Program and RIT Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Position Summary

The CSTEP/McNair Student Access/Development/Engagement Programming Specialist II will split time equally (50/50) between the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to provide academic, professional, and graduate school preparation guidance to eligible students. Operating within the Division of Access, Engagement, and Success, this grant-funded role manages a coaching caseload while assisting with year-round programming to advance degree progress as well as career and PhD readiness across both cohorts.

Key responsibilities include ensuring state and federal grant compliance by tracking student persistence, progress, and post-graduation outcomes in confidential databases. The position supports Program Directors with daily administrative operations, expense tracking, event logistics, continuous assessment, scholar recruitment, communications, and advisory board oversight. As a central contribution to the role, the position manages logistics for the 10-week Summer Research Program, including coordinating academic enrichment trips, and preparing students for the RIT Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintains day-to-day operations for assigned program area, to include student engagement activities and event management. Ensures operations and activities adhere to grant guidelines
• Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants and provides individualized advising and counseling services. Encourages participation in tutoring, program workshops, and other resources to facilitate student success and retention in the program
• Performs outreach and meets regularly with participants to discuss needs, monitor progress, and assist with the resolution of academic and/or personal challenges
• Develops an action plan for each fiscal year. Allocates funds for program activities and monitors budget expenditures for program grants to ensure fiscal responsibility. Manages the timely submission of financial reporting
• Fosters and develops relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Works collaboratively to develop and implement programs and resources focused on student retention and the elimination of achievement gaps
• Represents the program on and off campus at professional activities and recruitment events. Oversees the internal and external marketing of the program through electronic and print communication, partnering with university communications staff to promote the visibility of the program
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of program management and event planning
• Knowledge of student advising and coaching
• Skill in managing and implementing student success programming
• Skill in allocating and managing budgets
• Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively and engage with a wide range of personalities

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 3 years of relevant experience
• Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview

Specialized Contributor Level 2 - A fully functional role requiring established knowledge of the profession or field of work. Responsible for completing substantive assignments and projects. Problems are varied and non-routine, and resolution requires exercising judgment, analysis, advisement, creativity, and understanding broader sets of issues. May provide assistance to entry level staff.

FLSA Category

Work Location

Compensation

Application Materials

When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Additional Details

In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to careers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

About Us

Founded in 1829, Rochester Institute of Technology has a long-standing history of innovation that blends the arts, technology, and experiential learning. In addition to its main campus in Rochester, New York, RIT maintains a strong international presence with over 100 active global partnerships and international campuses in Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo. As of Fall 2024, total student enrollment across all campuses exceeded 21,000. Nationally recognized for its co-op and internship programs, RIT is supported by more than 4,000 dedicated faculty and staff members committed to student success. Its 1,300-acre suburban campus features cutting-edge facilities that reflect RIT’s strengths in applied research, design, and workforce development.

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