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

Rochester Institute of Technology; City of Rochester (NY); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Institute of Technology is seeking a Programming Specialist II to support CSTEP and McNair scholars, guiding academic and career preparation across both programs. The role balances student engagement with program coordination and grant compliance within a grant-funded framework.

Key duties include managing a 10-week Summer Research Program, coordinating enrichment activities, and supporting the annual undergraduate research symposium, with hybrid work arrangements and a salary range

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintains day-to-day operations for assigned program area, including student engagement activities and event management.
• Serves as a mentor and advocate to participants with individualized advising and counseling services.
• Performs outreach and meets regularly with participants to discuss needs and progress.
• Develops an action plan for each fiscal year and monitors budget expenditures for program grants.
• Fosters relationships with stakeholders and supports program development and resources for student retention and achievement gaps.
• Represents the program at recruitment events and oversees marketing of the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Program management

Event planning

Student advising

Budget management

Independent work

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

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

Exempt

Work Location

Hybrid

Compensation

$62,355 - $63,500

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 exten