Open Position at START: Experiential Education Specialist

Experiential Education Specialist

DESCRIPTION

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) is now hiring an Experiential Education Specialist for its flagship internship program. The Experiential Education Specialist will work at START’s headquarters at the University of Maryland, College Park.

About the Internship Program:

START offers unpaid internships year round on a variety of our research projects and teams. During the course of their internship, participants are exposed to the most up-to-date theories, methods and information related to the study of terrorism. The program is designed to prepare the next generation of homeland security scholars and practitioners through real-world research experience. START’s internship program is open to undergraduate and graduate students (as well as some recent graduates) in any related discipline from any institution. 

Description of Duties:

The Experiential Education Specialist will oversee the internship program and report to START’s Education Director. The Experiential Education Specialist will work with other START staff to put together a program of enrichment and career development opportunities for the interns. The Experiential Education Specialist will also regularly attend recruiting functions in order to promote internship and educational opportunities.

Additionally, the Experiential Education Specialist will schedule desk and office space for interns to meet the needs of projects and intern supervisors. They will be responsible for ensuring that both the scheduling and hiring processes run smoothly. This will require the Experiential Education Specialist to work with about 75 interns from dozens of schools throughout the country as well as about 20 intern supervisors based at START.

In conducting the duties described, the Experiential Education Specialist will have the opportunity to work directly with researchers and future professionals in the homeland security enterprise, as well as other scholars, students and administrators.  

Responsibilities:

• Work with Center researchers/intern supervisors to create a program of research-based internships available each academic term.
• Supervise and provide professional mentorship for approximately 75 student interns (undergraduate and graduate) each academic term.
• Market the internship program, through liaising with career advisors and professors at University of Maryland and other institutions and updating information on external websites.
• Recruit students from University of Maryland and other institutions through attendance at student events, showcases, and other functions.
• Manage the intern application, hiring, and scheduling processes.
• Organize, facilitate, manage and participate in a day-long intern orientation each semester.
• Provide career counseling and mentorship to interns, to include advice on hiring processes, resumes and cover letters, professional behavior, and other relevant topics.
• Work with colleagues to develop a professional development program of events for student interns;
• Oversee the evaluation process for the program and provide regular reports on the internship program to intern supervisors, START leadership, and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
• Maintain internship files in order to provide updated metrics on program recruitment, participation, and success;
• Provide support to intern supervisors throughout their oversight of student interns.
• Oversee a for-credit internship course offered through the Terrorism Studies program;
• Work with colleagues to establish new experiential learning opportunities and programs for students;
• Fulfill administrative duties, such as data entry and scheduling, for the internship program; and
• Assist with Center events.

Depending on the skill set of the selected candidate, additional responsibilities may include:

Supporting other education staff in the identification of instructors/teaching assistants for undergraduate and graduate coursework, including facilitating the completion of contracts;

Providing budget support to the Education Director; and

Liaising with the business office concerning management of education portfolio budgets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 or more years of experience working with student programs
• Experience conducting program evaluations
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends (for recruiting events)
• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines
• Flexible attitude and strong leadership and teamwork skills
• Excellent communication, presentation, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field
• Experience in coordinating internship programs
• Experience designing program evaluations, especially using quantitative methods
• Knowledge of and experience regarding internship trends, career/workforce development, and the educational needs of college students
• Ability to develop and maintain campus and external partnerships
• Experience with budget and program management

Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply by May 21, 2017, for best consideration. The desired start date is July 1, 2017. Salary range is from $45,000 to $55,000, commensurate with experience.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to education@start.umd.edu with “Experiential Education Specialist” as the subject line.

The University of Maryland, College Park, actively subscribes to a policy of equal employment opportunity, and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, age, gender, color, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, national origin, or political affiliation. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.