Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Project Administrator is responsible for coordinating project activities, maintaining and updating project schedules, managing, assignments, monitoring progress, and communicating with the many participants involved in the IBM-RPI Future of Computing Research Center (FCRC), including other VPR centers. The Project Administrator will provide logistical and administrative support to executive-level stakeholders both internally and externally.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Higher Ed Administration, or related field
• 2 or more years directly related experience

Relevant combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. 

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Competence with research related computer software and/or ability to learn new software
• Demonstrated competence in the administration, planning, and implementation of research projects
• Strong computer skills; Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, Web site editing, and/or other similar collaboration tools
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community ranging from students, faculty and staff to external constituencies
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and the ability to establish priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills
• Ability to develop scientific research programs and implement new strategies and procedures
• Ability to provide coordination and management and development of and/or implementation of projects
• Strong commitment to working with staff and students to help them achieve goals and meet university requirements.
• Ability to work effectively with all members of campus community in the scheduling of activities

Representative Job Duties

• Plan and maintain complex, busy, and shifting schedules of appointments and meetings. Schedule high-level meetings and committee meetings, in-person, online, and hybrid, as requested. Attend, record, and draft minutes. Monitor and follow up on action items. 
• Coordinate activities that span multiple faculty and labs, as well as researchers from IBM, including providing administrative support for research proposals and providing administrative support to internal and external committees as needed.
• Act as point of contact and facilitate communications with internal and external participants including affiliated faculty and/or scientific collaborators, partner corporations, and sponsors of projects. Schedule meetings and keep minutes, prepare and distribute materials, and monitor progress with scientific sponsors and collaborators. 
• Coordinate and assist with special projects and activities, events/ functions, including workshops, visits, and conferences. (in-person, virtual, or hybrid) Coordinate preparation, set up, and logistics for these events/ functions. 
• Update the FCRC website, using campus-compliant website techniques. Responsible for populating and editing all website content. Enhance the national and international impact of our scientific research teams through the FCRC website, interactions with OCEC and IBM on social media, press releases, and fund-raising materials and presentations
• Coordinate travel and logistics for various events and meetings. Ensure essential information and background for each meeting and/or trip is prepared. Ensure compliance with Institute policy and utilize Institute systems, support FCRC in travel needs and reporting, and/or coordinate with the admins handling the reporting as necessary. Handle travel needs for visitors from IBM and/or other VPR centers.
• Draft and prepare for signature, and office communications for Directors as well as proofread and edit confidential and sensitive information.
• Assist with the hiring and renewal of administrative and research staff as well as students and complete the required administrative paperwork. Assist with the composition for new positions. Assist the Directors with the annual performance review process.
• Coordinate space planning activities for FCRC/FOCI physical setup including conference spaces, graduate offices, lounge space, faculty offices, and other facilities.
• Coordinate meetings, project reviews and visits with industrial, government or university affiliates and coordinate with the FOCI project administrator on such activities involving FCRC and the FOCI affiliates.
• Other duties and projects as assigned. 

Shift

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Travel

Driving

Incidental driving possible, but not required

Starting Salary/Rate

 Expected Range: $63,300 - $66,300 / yr

Pay transparency disclosure: The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).