Project Coordinator

Department: MCC Segal Design Institute
Salary/Grade: EXS/5

Job Summary:

Provides event and project management for the Segal Design Institute and its programs, recommending goals, assessing feasibility and ongoing performance & providing day-to-day oversight of administrative & operational functions.

• Works closely with the McCormick Communications Coordinator to publicize events, programs, and client partnerships.
• Programs supported: MaDE Program, Segal client project partnerships for the freshman course Design Thinking and Communication; may also support corporate partnerships for other Segal programs.
• Projects supported: Segal events including Design Expo, graduation receptions, and faculty and advisory board meetings.

Specific Responsibilities:

Administration

• Manages day to day operations.
• Prepares, processes, reconciles & provides receipts (as appropriate) for transactions.

Budgets & Financial

• Maintains budget & associated analysis & reports.
• Troubleshoots problems; performs vendor/account research as needed; obtains additional information or provides instruction & guidance by phone, US- or e- mail from customers/vendors; corrects or escalates.

Communication, Outreach & Recruitment

• Strengthens partnerships with external resources by defining, promoting and marketing benefits of participation and involvement to the organization.
• Creates and nurtures relationships with organizations to develop a network of enthusiastic organizations engaged via active participation in the success of program/project.
• Works with director of the Design Thinking and Communication (DTC) course to source project partners for roughly 250 student teams per academic year. Coordinates all aspects of project client communication and acts as the liaison between DTC faculty and clients. Supports client project prototype delivery at the end of the quarter.

Events

• Coordinates programming, educational, student, alumni, workshops, meetings, etc. including speakers, agendas, etc.
• Develops plans and arranges meetings, workshops, events, etc. designed to exchange information, promote research objectives, and to build internal and external relationships within NU.
• Ensures that event details including communication, venues, presenters, travel arrangements, materials, refreshments and technology are arranged and completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Faculty Support

• Arranges colloquium & seminar coordination, & faculty travel planning.
• Supports faculty payments and classroom coordination.
• Program Development
• Manages program/project curriculum, seminars, presentations, workshops, learning experiences, chat rooms, websites, social networking, etc. based on goals/objectives.
• Leads program/project updates and improvements.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all necessary organizations.
• Prepares documentation as required.

Strategic Planning

• Administers & maintains existing strategic plans.
• Participates with area/unit senior staff in the conceptualization, development and presentation of materials used in functional operations.

Supervision

• Supervises 1-2 work study students &/or provides work direction.

Miscellaneous

Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, experience, and any other certifications or clearances)

• Bachelor's in communications, business or a related field + 1 year program administration or similar experience; or 3 years program administration or similar experience.
• Event planning experience.
• Experience in building client relationships.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Demonstrated interest in the disciplines of design and/or engineering.
• Intermediate knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, email, and database software programs.
• Excellent project management and organization skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Results-oriented.
• Outstanding communication skills
• Dedication to great customer service.
• Ability to identify opportunities to improve existing practices; willingness to explore alternatives.
• Adaptability.

Preferred Qualifications: (Education and experience)

• Experience in development and support of team-based student projects with external clients.
• A bachelor's degree in a design-related discipline.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Basic knowledge of image manipulation and layout software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Working knowledge of university policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with university financial and academic information systems (PeopleSoft).
• An appreciation for and understanding of the principals of Human Centered Design, Design Thinking and Design Innovation.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.