Program Support Specialist – WISE Program

Basic Purpose:

In support of the mission of the University, provides technical and administrative assistance to the WISE program.

About The Wise Program:

The WISE (Worcester Institute for Senior Education) program is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning for older adults, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. At WISE, we believe that education is a journey that never ends, and we are committed to offering engaging, inclusive, and enriching learning experiences.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dynamic, organized, and tech-savvy individual to support the WISE program. As a Program Support Specialist, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth operation of our program’s administrative and technical needs, ensuring that our members receive exceptional support, communication, and resources. If you’re someone who thrives in a multifaceted environment, loves helping others, and is passionate about education, we’d love to have you on our team.

Accountabilities:

1. Manages and maintains the membership database for WISE, including user accounts, membership records and financial transactions
2. Manages and maintains the WISE website, including updating web page content (posts, images, files, and links)
3. Coordinates the processing of digital and manual financial transactions on behalf of WISE with relevant Assumption departments and personnel per established practices
4. Assists the WISE council, committees, and members with class/event scheduling and logistics, including room booking and technology needs
5. Provide technical support and training to members and instructors as needed
6. Handle phone and email inquiries, troubleshooting any issues to ensure a high-quality member experience
7. Coordinates, edits, and delivers member-facing communications for all aspects of the program across a variety of platforms (email, website, phone, mailings)
8. Performs general administrative and receptionist duties; other related duties as assigned

Key Responsibilities:

As the Program Support Specialist, your areas of responsibility will be:

• Database & Member Management: Oversee the WISE program’s membership database, ensuring that all user accounts, membership records, and financial transactions are accurately maintained and up to date.
• Website Maintenance: Keep our WISE website engaging and current by regularly updating content, including posts, images, files, and links.
• Financial Processing: Manage both digital and manual financial transactions in collaboration with various departments at the University, ensuring adherence to established practices.
• Event & Class Coordination: Provide logistical support for WISE events and classes, including room booking, scheduling, and ensuring technology needs are met.
• Technical Support & Training: Offer hands-on assistance to members and instructors, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed.
• Member Communications: Coordinate and deliver timely, clear, and engaging communications for our members across multiple channels (email, phone, website, and mailings).
• Administrative Support: Perform general administrative and receptionist duties, assisting with various tasks as assigned, to ensure the program’s smooth operation.

Qualifications:

• Advanced computer skills, with an emphasis on database management and website maintenance/design
• Expertise across all applications in the Microsoft Office suite
• Strong online/internet skills; social media management a plus
• Event and meeting coordination
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently
• Attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials
• Comfort and ability in working with the population of older learners
• Must be willing to contribute actively to the mission of the University

To succeed in this role, you will be:

• Tech-Savvy: Proficiency in database management and website maintenance. Advanced skills in Microsoft Office and a strong comfort with digital tools and platforms are essential.
• Social Media & Online Skills: Experience managing social media platforms is a plus. Strong online and internet navigation skills are necessary.
• Event Coordination: Experience in organizing and managing meetings or events, ensuring all details are flawlessly executed.
• Organizational Excellence: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, work independently, and maintain attention to detail.
• Interpersonal Communication: Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to connect with a diverse group of members, particularly older learners.
• Mission-Driven: A genuine interest in supporting the educational journey of older adults and contributing to the broader mission of the University.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Help enhance the educational experiences of older learners in a meaningful way.
• Supportive Environment: Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team committed to lifelong learning.
• Development Opportunities: Access to ongoing professional development and opportunities to learn and grow within the University.

Scope:

• Interacts on a daily basis with the WISE constituency and members of the University community, including faculty members, administration, staff, students, and Trustees.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position(s) are filled.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Sitting, standing, walking, and bending are required of this position. Use of a computer keyboard and computer screen for periods of time with close vision and the ability to adjust visual focus plus manual dexterity are required.

MENTAL DEMANDS:  The mental demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Examples of mental demands include reading (documents), detailed work, confidentiality, language, math, reasoning, oral communications, written communications, customer contact, multiple concurrent tasks, constant interruptions, and performing calculations when necessary.

About Assumption University:

St. John Paul II wrote: “Man’s creation by God ‘in his own image’ confers upon every human person an eminent dignity; it also postulates the fundamental equality of all human beings.” Assumption University recognizes the essential contribution of a diverse community of students, staff, and faculty and condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and disrespect.

As such, and in compliance with the requirements of federal law and/or the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Assumption University prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy, as well as other legally protected status, in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities, except where such conditions may constitute bona fide qualifications for the programs or activities in question.