Department Coordinator, Astronomy, Physics, And Geology

Overview

The Department Coordinator provides general administrative support for the Geology and Physics & Astronomy departments, using independent initiative to balance the priorities of each department and individual faculty. The Department Coordinator acts as a first point of contact for the departments, interacting with students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The Department Coordinator must be able to manage interruptions while working on complex tasks. They are responsible for general departmental operations, fiscal monitoring, projects/events, management of confidential information, and supervision of student employees. The work of Department Coordinator includes many roles and tasks over the course of the academic year; flexibility, reliability, good humor, and the ability to multitask are essential, as is the ability to work with a wide range of people and personalities.

This is .75FTE hourly, non-exempt position that will start August 19, 2024. Most of the work occurs during the academic year (September-May) with limited hours during the summer.

About The Departments:

Geology:

Our mission is to help Macalester students develop a scientific understanding of the Earth, its history, natural systems, resources, and recent global change. We take a diverse approach to teaching earth science in the liberal arts tradition, and we strive to inspire in our students a life-long passion for learning about the natural world. The geology major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation for further study and professional careers in earth science-related fields. Geology faculty, in collaboration with undergraduate majors, also endeavor to advance scientific knowledge of the Earth and to communicate this new understanding to the broader community.

Astronomy & Physics:

The department hosts a vibrant community of students and faculty brought together by their common interest in physics and astronomy. On average, 12 students per year graduate with majors in either physics or physics with astronomy emphasis. Our five permanent faculty members are dedicated to providing opportunities to our majors and other interested students at all levels to learn about physics and astronomy. The department strongly emphasizes collaborative student-faculty research and majors are required to participate in original research projects as part of the major. Our graduates pursue a wide variety of post-graduate options including employment in the tech sector, graduate studies, and teaching.

Responsibilities

• Assist chairs with general administrative tasks, provide clerical and administrative support to department faculty and staff, maintain department websites and manage department social media accounts.

• Act as administrative liaison and point of contact for the department to students, vendors and equipment technicians on and off campus.

• Coordinate repair and maintenance of department equipment and spaces.

• Hire, train, and supervise student employees. Onboard and support Geology Postbaccalaureate (hereafter "Postbac") staff.

• Make general department purchases.

• Assist with management of department budgets, start up, and grant budgets. Coordinate budget requests.

• Organize and coordinate department events, including field trips.

• Works collaboratively with other units on campus such as ITS, Facilities, etc. to best meet the needs of faculty and students.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required. Vocational or Technical training in office administration preferred. Bachelor's Degree preferred but not required.

• Demonstrated commitment to working with individuals of color, first-generation college students and/or individuals from diverse backgrounds

• 3-5 years of experience in general office administration experience. Strong skills in prioritizing. Higher education related experience a plus.

• Comfortable with accounting programs.

• Ability to organize and prioritize work; work independently as needed; provide support for multiple individuals and departments (manage multiple priorities); maintain confidentiality with materials, information, and communications

• Strong office technology skills including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, Google tools, web page creation/maintenance, social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) maintenance.

• Oral and written communication skills, including department newsletters. Keep office supplies stocked and printers functional, deliver mail from Campus Center, advertising for department events, managing purchases/invoices.

• Interpersonal skills - ability to work with diverse faculty, staff and students. Hiring, training, and managing student workers; onboarding of department Postbac.

• Experience handling the logistics of department events (e.g., ordering food, reserving spaces, facilitating visitors).

Compensation:

The hourly wage for this position will be $21.00-$23.00, depending on experience.

Benefits:

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan.

• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.

• Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.

• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.

• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.

• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by July 19th. No resumes will be accepted after this date and the interview process will start after this date.

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

jhoward3@Macalester.edu

Macalester College - Institutional Overview

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals. Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.