Project Specialist

Project Specialist

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) is seeking qualified candidates for a full-time Project Specialist position with a strong background in graphic design to visually tell and share SERC's story. The Project Specialist will coordinate professional learning projects and events, provide creative graphic design support for communications and materials, and ensure smooth operations and effective team collaboration in support of the Communications, Media, and Publications Manager.

This role is responsible for supporting end-to-end project delivery through cross-functional coordination, budget oversight, expense tracking, and resource management to ensure projects are completed efficiently and aligned with organizational goals. The position reports directly to the Director of Program Budgets and Services Administration.

At SERC, our mission is grounded in a deep and unwavering commitment to equity and social justice. We believe every student deserves access to educational opportunities that honor and reflect their unique identities, abilities, and experiences. Through our resources, professional development offerings, and centralized library, we work to dismantle systemic barriers and foster environments built on compassion, accountability, and transformative change.

Our team members, in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and partners in school districts and community organizations, support educators, service providers, and families in strengthening their capacity to meet the diverse needs of all students.

If you are passionate about being part of a team that works to make education more equitable and inclusive and you value collaboration, innovation, and purpose, we would love to have you join us.

General

Summary:

The Project Specialist at SERC plays a key role in delivering high-quality professional learning experiences by coordinating projects, programs, and events from planning through execution. This position provides essential logistical and clerical support, ensures smooth operations and strong organizational standards, and helps team initiatives function efficiently. The Project Specialist contributes creative graphic design expertise to develop engaging materials for communications, publications, and learning resources.

Working closely with the Communications, Media, and Publications Manager, the Project Specialist develops engaging content for print, social, and digital channels that motivate and inspire our audiences.

Essential Job Functions:

The Project Specialist provides logistical, administrative, and creative support to ensure the successful planning, coordination, and execution of professional learning projects, programs, and events. The role supports initiative teams, manages project workflows, and, in collaboration with the Communications, Media, and Publications Manager, contributes to visually compelling materials. The Project Specialist works closely with internal and external partners, including the CSDE, to ensure accurate messaging, consistent branding, and professional presentation across all materials.

The position requires adaptability, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, equity-focused environment.

Responsibilities:
The Project Specialist position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities. Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Organize and coordinate professional learning projects, workshops, meetings, and conferences from planning through execution.
• Prepare, duplicate, and distribute program materials for events in collaboration with presenters and initiative teams.
• Attend on- and off-site events to oversee operations, troubleshoot issues, and ensure smooth execution.
• Monitor vendor invoices, resolve billing issues, and assist with budget tracking and reconciliation.
• Maintain accurate calendars and coordinate participant registration, presenter activities, travel arrangements, and event logistics.
• Manage and update data using platforms such as SERCWorks, Eventbrite, or Trumba, and maintain organized records of documents, contracts, and communications.
• Take meeting notes, summarize key discussions, and action items.
• Collaborate on the creation and production of marketing and communication materials, including flyers, reports, conference programs, and workshop resources.
• Apply graphic design skills using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite:
  InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and/or Canva to produce visually engaging materials aligned with SERC branding and accessibility standards.
• Support the Communications, Media, and Publications Manager in broader marketing, outreach, and digital communications efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Principles of project planning, coordination, and event management for professional learning programs.
• Best practices for administrative support, scheduling, and resource management.
• Graphic design principles,…