Coordinator of Research and Program Operations

Job Description

Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Reporting to the Executive Director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center, the Coordinator of Research and Program Operations is a versatile and essential role responsible for providing comprehensive, flexible support across the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center’s full portfolio of research activities, grant-funded initiatives, and programmatic operations.

The Coordinator will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth execution of the Center’s work by supporting all phases of the research lifecycle, assisting with grant reporting and compliance, coordinating logistics for Center research and contributing to the production and dissemination of scholarly outputs. This position requires a proactive, highly organized professional who can manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, anticipate needs, and provide responsive support wherever required to advance the Center’s mission of documenting and championing HBCU excellence. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented and collaborative team player who thrives on ensuring that systems run smoothly and that the Center’s research and programmatic efforts are executed with precision and professionalism.

The Coordinator will be deeply committed to the Payne Center’s mission of advancing knowledge production and dissemination that elevates HBCUs and contributes to equity in higher education. They will work collaboratively with the Director of Institutional Research and Evaluation, the Executive Director, and the broader Payne Center team to support the full range of research operations, grant administration, and programmatic activities. This role demands a high level of judgment, resourcefulness, and interpersonal skill, as the Coordinator will interface with internal and external stakeholders, manage sensitive information, and contribute to a positive, high-functioning team environment.

Reports To:

Executive Director of the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Research Center

Responsibilities:

1. Research Operations and Data Support

  • Support the Executive Director and research team in all phases of the research lifecycle, including data collection, cleaning, validation, and basic analysis for grant-funded projects and Center initiatives.
  • Assist in the management of the Center’s evolving data systems, ensuring data integrity, running quality control checks, and maintaining organized records of all research datasets, protocols, and documentation.
  • Administer surveys and assessments, manage response tracking, and compile raw data for analysis and reporting.

2. Grant Reporting and Compliance Support

  • Support the preparation of program evaluation reports, progress updates, and other grant deliverables for funders, ensuring accuracy and adherence to reporting guidelines and deadlines.
  • Maintain organized and accessible files for all grant-related materials, research documentation, and institutional records within grants management systems.
  • Assist in tracking grant milestones and deliverables, helping to ensure the team remains aligned and proactive in meeting project goals.

3. Programmatic and Logistical Coordination

  • Coordinate all logistical aspects of Center activities, including scheduling and organizing meetings, convenings, workshops, advisory group sessions, and special events.
  • Serve as a flexible point of contact for internal and external inquiries related to Center operations and research activities, ensuring requests are properly documented and addressed.
  • Support the Center’s fellows and affiliates program by assisting with communications, scheduling, and event coordination (if needed).

4. Dissemination and Knowledge Management

  • Assist in the production and dissemination of all research products, including policy briefs, reports, presentations, and scholarly publications, managing formatting, proofreading, editing, and distribution.
  • Support the maintenance of the Center’s digital presence and knowledge repositories, ensuring research outputs are accessible and effectively shared with stakeholders.
  • Contribute to the preparation of materials for presentations, conferences, and partner meetings.

5. General Administrative and Operational Support

  • Provide flexible, responsive support across the Center as needs arise, demonstrating a willingness to take on new tasks and assist team members to ensure overall operational success.
  • Assist with scheduling, meeting preparation, note-taking, and follow-up activities for Center leadership.
  • Contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment by anticipating needs and offering proactive solutions.
  • Other duties as assigned

Key Competencies:

Position Mandatories:

  • Department: Operations
  • Location: Hybrid, Washington, DC
  • Employment Type: Full-Time
  • FLSA Status: Exempt
  • Travel Requirement: 10%
  • Supervisory Responsibility: No

Required Competencies and Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in a social science, education, public policy, business administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
  • 2-4 years of experience in an administrative, coordination, or program support role, preferably within a research center, higher education institution, grant-making organization, or non-profit.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, competing priorities, and complex logistics in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong attention to accuracy and detail, with the ability to maintain meticulous records and ensure quality control across various work products.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite and a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new technologies, including survey platforms, grants management systems, and virtual collaboration tools.
  • A proactive and flexible mindset, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, anticipating needs and solving problems as they arise.
  • An understanding of and commitment to the value of diversity of thought, backgrounds, and perspectives, and a deep interest in supporting the mission of HBCUs.

Additional Information:

COMPENSATION:

  • Annual Salary: $45,000 – $60,000
  • Bonus Eligibility: Up to 3% of annual salary

Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and organizational needs, in accordance with applicable laws.

BENEFITS OVERVIEW:

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) offers a benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage on a cost-shared basis; employer-paid short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), and basic life insurance; retirement benefits (including a 403(b) plan with employer matching contributions of up to 6% of eligible compensation); paid time off; paid holidays; and professional development opportunities, subject to eligibility and plan terms.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position may involve extended computer use, lifting up to 15 pounds, and require evening and weekend work. Participation in and assistance with special TMCF events may necessitate a temporary change in normal working conditions, including a shift in days or hours worked, and/or working in alternative locations (e.g., outdoors).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations may contact hr@tmcf.org.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER:

Employment with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is at-will. This posting does not constitute a contract of employment or guarantee employment for any specific duration.

PAID LEAVE ADDENDUM:

In addition to any leave or benefits provided by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), employees may also be eligible for paid sick leave, paid family leave, or other statutory leave and benefits as required by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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