Program Coordinator II

Overview

The Ecology Center is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and proactive professional to play a central role in advancing the Center’s mission and programs. This position works closely with the Director to coordinate the day‑to‑day operations of the Ecology Center and support graduate degree programs in Ecology and Climate Adaptation Science, which span two colleges and serve approximately 130 students.

The successful candidate will serve as a key connector among students, faculty, staff, and university partners; contribute to strategic initiatives that strengthen the Center’s impact; and help cultivate a vibrant intellectual community through program coordination, communications, events, and outreach. This position offers the opportunity to engage with interdisciplinary research, support student success, and contribute to programs addressing pressing environmental and climate‑related challenges.

Responsibilities include coordinating graduate program activities, managing communications and outreach efforts, supporting strategic planning and reporting, organizing seminars and events, and helping oversee the Center’s facilities, equipment, and operational resources.

Ecology Center Director Assistant (50%)

• Assist the Director with the administration and strategic development of the Ecology Center. Organize Advisory Board and annual meetings; prepare supporting documents, reports, and presentations; collect and analyze feedback on program activities and outcomes and recommend improvements; attend Research Council, Department Head, and other leadership meetings as needed; and assist with strategic planning, program development, grant activities, and fundraising efforts.
• Develop newsletters, reports, brochures, and other Center communications. Maintain the Center website and social media presence and coordinate the development of related outreach materials. Perform other duties as assigned as programs evolve.

Graduate Program Coordinator and Alumni Outreach (25%)

• Coordinate graduate program administration, marketing, curriculum updates, and student support activities. Advise students on program requirements and professional development opportunities; manage alumni records and communications; monitor program outcomes and contribute to continuous program improvement; manage the Ecology Center Seminar course; and coordinate the annual student research grants program.

Event Coordinator (15%)

• Coordinate the Ecology Center Seminar Series, including committee support and training, speaker nomination and selection processes, travel arrangements, and event logistics. Plan and promote Center events, workshops, meetings, social gatherings, and special projects. Perform other duties as assigned as programs evolve.

Office Management (10%)

• Oversee daily office operations and supervise management of the Center’s office, vehicle fleet, and equipment. Coordinate operations at off‑campus research facilities, including Green Canyon Ecology Station, Millville Aquatic Research Facility, and Bear Lake Laboratory. Manage purchasing card processes, office supplies, equipment inventories, and related administrative functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus two years of relevant work experience; or a master’s degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., ecology, biology, natural resources, or a closely related discipline).
• Familiarity with Utah State University policies, procedures, and academic programs.
• Experience managing websites and social media platforms.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff to foster an inclusive and positive team environment.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to make sound administrative and procedural decisions and judgments.
• Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and generate reports.
• Ability to coordinate and organize meetings, events, and special…