Research & Community Programs Assistant

Research & Community Programs Assistant

The Research & Community Programs Assistant supports the implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of community-based and grant-funded initiatives within the Center for Workforce Development. Working closely with program leadership, faculty, evaluators, and community partners, this position provides administrative, research, data management, communications, and stakeholder engagement support for the Community Health Workers (CHW) Training Program and the Haitian Mental Health (HMH) Network.

The incumbent assists with program operations, evaluation activities, reporting requirements, and community engagement efforts that advance workforce development, behavioral health, and health equity initiatives. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a collaborative environment.

Essential Functions

• Assist with data collection, entry, validation, management, and reporting activities across multiple projects and grant-funded initiatives.
• Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to support program planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis using established methodologies and software tools.
• Assist with the development, administration, and maintenance of surveys and other data collection instruments.
• Contribute to the preparation of grant reports, evaluation reports, presentations, and stakeholder summaries.
• Maintain project records, datasets, documentation, and evaluation materials in accordance with established protocols.
• Support compliance with institutional research requirements, including IRB processes and research ethics standards.

• Provide administrative and operational support to ensure successful implementation of program goals, deliverables, and grant requirements.
• Coordinate meetings, trainings, advisory groups, and community convenings, including scheduling, materials preparation, and follow-up activities.
• Assist in planning and executing community-based events and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Maintain communication with community partners, agencies, and external stakeholders to support collaboration and program objectives.
• Assist with resource mapping, environmental scans, and policy research related to behavioral health, workforce development, and community health initiatives.
• Track program activities, participation data, and project milestones to support reporting and compliance requirements.

• Assist in developing and disseminating newsletters, reports, briefs, presentations, and other program materials.
• Support website, social media, and digital communications efforts to promote program initiatives and community engagement.
• Maintain and update program-related communications content across digital platforms, as assigned.
• Prepare stakeholder-facing communications and informational materials that support program visibility and impact.

• Participate in departmental, program, and evaluation meetings.
• Collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, evaluators, students, and community partners.
• Maintain organized project files and administrative records.

Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the responsibilities and objectives of the position and the mission of the College.

Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred in Public Health, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Community Health, Public Policy, Data Analytics, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated understanding of research methods, program evaluation, and ethical research practices.
• Experience with data collection, management, analysis, and reporting. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications required.
• Familiarity with survey design and administration, including experience with platforms such as Qualtrics or similar data collection tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate records across multiple projects and initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects, track timelines, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary and community-engaged environment.
• Experience supporting grant-funded programs, research projects, program evaluation efforts, or community-based initiatives preferred.
• Interest in or experience related to behavioral health, community health, workforce development, health equity, or community engagement strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural humility, equity, inclusion, and working effectively with diverse populations and communities.

Learning & Professional Growth Opportunities

• Apply academic and professional training to real-world community-based programs, research, and evaluation initiatives.
• Develop practical experience in data collection, analysis, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Build skills in community engagement, partnership development, and stakeholder communication.
• Gain exposure to grant-funded program administration and workforce development initiatives.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, evaluators, and community organizations working to advance behavioral health and health equity.
• Contribute to reports, presentations, and other professional work products that support program and community impact.

Compensation Range: $23.00 per hour

This range represents the College's good-faith estimate of the compensation for this role. Placement within the range will depend on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Typically, candidates are hired within the lower to mid-point of the range, with the upper end reserved for individuals who bring significant, directly relevant experience and fully meet or exceed the role's requirements.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Compliance & Equal Opportunity Statement

At William James College, we are a community grounded in excellence, fairness, and respect for all. We are committed to developing leaders and change agents who can navigate and shape an increasingly complex world, while fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace.

William James College is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts laws. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and be able to perform the essential functions of the position.

William James College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without accommodation.