Program Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering

The Program Coordinator is part of the Medical Engineering and Discovery Laboratory (MED lab) within the Mechanical Engineering department at Vanderbilt University. This person is the individual responsible for managing key aspects of principal investigator, Dr. Robert J. Webster, III’s grant projects. This position is responsible for planning and coordination of select grant projects and assisting with Dr. Webster and Senior Program Manager, Dr. Gabrielle Chapman in report preparation, coordination of site activities as Dr. Webster’s Federal grant projects often involve multiple sites and stakeholder partners, organizing team meetings and recording minutes, communicating with the funding organizations, and ensuring that all activities are conducted in accordance with Vanderbilt policies as well as those of the applicable funder. Additionally, this position will also assist Drs. Webster and Chapman with budgets and tracking of grant expenditures and transactions. The position will also collaborate with undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty, and staff.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:
• Prepare reports and presentations, facilitate program report drafts, and develop dashboards based on project information (20%)
• Coordinate research activities, meetings, and events involving project teams, partners, and stakeholders (20%)
• Monitoring program progress and efficacy to determine whether there are opportunities for improvement (20%)
• Manage communications through email as well as media relations, social media, etc. (15%)
• Track budgets, expenditures/transactions, and order project materials (10%)
• Help build positive relations within the team and external parties (5%)
• Other tasks as assigned (10%)

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Education and Certifications:
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution of higher education is required.
• A Master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred

Experience and Skills:
The following skills are necessary:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven self-motivation and ability to problem solve, and self-direct.
• Prior experience working in a university or higher educational setting.
• Previous experience with event/meeting planning and coordination.

The following skills are preferred:
• Previous experience in a Program Coordinator role.
• Three years of relevant work experience.
• Understanding of Vanderbilt systems.
• Prior experience working with federal grants and/or cooperative agreements.
• Previous experience with budgets/spreadsheet management.

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.