Position Summary

The Academic Specialist–Outreach will support the coordination and implementation of education, training, and community engagement activities associated with the Bridge to the PhD in Neuroscience Program (BPNP) and related community-based research and health education initiatives at Michigan State University. This position integrates responsibilities in academic program coordination and community outreach, with an emphasis on structured training activities and community health education initiatives serving the population in the Grand Rapids area.

The Academic Specialist–Outreach will work closely with program leadership, faculty mentors, trainees, community partners, and external organizations to ensure effective implementation of training programs, recruitment activities, and community education efforts. The position requires strong organizational skills, bilingual communication in English and Spanish, and the ability to work effectively in both academic and community-based environments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -in a STEM field, Social Work, Public Health, Education, or a related discipline

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in a STEM field, Social Work, Public Health, Education, or a related discipline.
• Experience coordinating academic training, educational, or mentoring programs.
• Experience supporting recruitment and retention activities in academic, training, or community-based programs.
• Administrative and leadership experience in academic, nonprofit, or community-based settings.
• Experience working with community organizations and external partners.
  Skills
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, trainees, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in program coordination, record keeping, and reporting.

Desired Qualifications

• Additional training or coursework in health education, neuroscience, public health, aging, or program evaluation.
• Experience coordinating summer or academic-year research training programs.
• Experience organizing advisory boards, steering committee meetings, or community education events.
• Experience supporting research activities related to aging, ADRD, or community health.
• Experience contributing to newsletters, reports, or grant-related documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with academic and/or community partners.
• Ability to adapt program activities to meet evolving training and outreach needs.
• Comfort representing academic or community programs at meetings and events.

Required Application Materials

• Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and a cover letter.
• The cover letter should describe the applicant’s interest in the Academic Specialist–Outreach position and clearly explain how their education, training, and professional experience align with the responsibilities of coordinating academic training programs and community outreach activities. Applicants should highlight relevant experience in program coordination, recruitment, partnership with community or academic organizations, and bilingual communication skills, as appropriate.

Summary of Physical Demands

This position involves typical physical demands associated with administrative work, including prolonged periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer and other office equipment, and occasional standing, walking, bending, or lifting of light materials up to approximately 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

http://translationalscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.