Program Overview and Bigger Picture

Project BEACON (Biomedical Excellence Achieved through Coaching Networks) is a research initiative backed by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) aimed at enhancing the success of biomedical Ph.D. students, particularly underrepresented minority students (URM), through professional coaching. Despite the critical importance of diversity, the representation of minorities in biomedical research is notably low. By providing personalized coaching interventions, we aim to help students achieve their academic and career goals, improve self-efficacy, enhance their overall well-being, and foster diversity and excellence in biomedical research. While our research question emphasizes support for URM students, the project is designed to benefit students from all backgrounds.

Position Title: Program Manager (Contract)

The Program Manager for Project BEACON will drive the successful implementation and operation of a coaching initiative aimed at supporting biomedical Ph.D. students, particularly underrepresented minority students. The initiative will be managed by logistics, communication, data collection, and community-building efforts. The manager will ensure effective stakeholder communication and enhance student outcomes through structured coaching interventions.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Scheduling and Coordination: Schedule and manage events, ensuring all logistical elements are handled efficiently.
Coach Management: Coordinate with coaches, assist with onboarding, handle logistics, and monitor coaching contracts.
Presentation and Material Creation: Develop presentations and co-create pre-program materials with the Project Lead.
System Selection and Implementation: Select and implement systems for monitoring coaching sessions and managing payments.
Data Collection and Reporting: Ensure data collection mechanisms are in place, facilitate ongoing data collection, and generate detailed reports based on collected data.
Stakeholder Communication: Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, including students, coaches, and the Project Lead.
Problem Resolution: Resolve challenges between coaches and students, escalating serious issues as needed.
Community Building: Support community-building initiatives, such as distributing materials and organizing check-in calls.
Process Documentation: Document all processes, issues, and resolutions for future reference and reporting.
Continuous Improvement: Recommend and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Feedback Gathering: Gather feedback from coaches and students, schedule calls and focus groups, and assist in compiling comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
Collaboration with Project Lead: Work closely with the Project Lead (Tim Harrison) to ensure the successful implementation and operation of Project BEACON.

Phases of the Program

Pre-Launch Phase (July-August): Schedule events, coordinate with coaches, create presentations, select systems for monitoring and payment, assist with onboarding, handle logistics, monitor contracts, follow up with coaches, and co-create pre-program materials.
Launch Phase (September): Match students with coaches, communicate with all stakeholders, ensure data collection mechanisms are in place, and contribute to orientation materials and presentations.
Coaching Phase (October-May): Monitor and track coaching sessions, resolve challenges, support community-building initiatives, facilitate ongoing data collection, recommend improvements, and document all processes and issues.
Data Analysis and Review Phase (April-May): Create detailed reports based on collected data, document challenges and resolutions, gather feedback from coaches and students, schedule calls and focus groups to assess progress, and assist in compiling a comprehensive report for stakeholders.

Qualifications

Experience in program management, preferably in a coaching context.
Familiarity with higher education environments and coaching methodologies.
Strong organizational, communication, and team-building skills.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Detail-oriented, process-driven, and reliable.
Strategic thinking, analytical, and objective.
Conflict resolution and performance management skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.

Bonus Qualifications

Ability to also coach students (Minimum ACC coaching credentials from the ICF)
Previous experience in coaching, preferably with students or in a higher education context.
Understanding of the unique challenges faced by URM students.
Understanding of the unique challenges faced by Ph.D. students.
Proficiency in using AI tools (ChatGPT+, Gamma, Perplexity, Image Generation, etc.)
Proficiency in building automation to streamline processes and coordination
Psychological or Educational Research experience

Work Hours and Compensation

Hours per Week: 5 - 15 hours (Will vary throughout the project, anticipate 10 on average)
Hourly Rate: $40-60/hour

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resumes, cover letters detailing their relevant experience, and references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Purpose-Driven Focus

Project BEACON is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all biomedical Ph.D. students. While emphasizing the need to support URM students, the program ensures that all students benefit from professional coaching. By participating in this project, you will be contributing to a meaningful initiative that seeks to enhance diversity and excellence in the biomedical research field.

Join us in making a difference and supporting the next generation of biomedical excellence.

Contact: tim@realizemypower.com

Tim Harrison on LinkedIn

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Program Manager