A Letter from the President

Dear all,

Thank you for your interest in the President’s Administrative Fellows Program. This program is an exciting opportunity for both professional and personal growth for recent Vassar graduates. Our goal is to expose recent graduates to a range of experiences and prepare graduates for future careers in higher education administration. Over the course of the year-long program, Administrative Fellows will report to a senior administrator at the College and work on central projects and programs that are poised to make Vassar a better institution for our students, faculty, administrators, alums, and community partners.

I hope you will consider staying at Vassar after graduation as part of the President’s Administrative Fellows program. In doing so, you will learn from administrators who will have your professional development at the forefront of their minds, as you work on projects together and continue to share your talents with the College.

Thanks,

President Bradley

Program Description

The President’s Administrative Fellows Program is a year-long program that exposes recent Vassar graduates to roles in higher education administration. At the end of the Fellowship, Administrative Fellows will have both a broad understanding of how institutions of higher education function and a deep understanding of the area in which they are placed. The Administrative Fellows Program will prepare students to take on leadership roles at Vassar, other institutions of higher education, and organizations in other sectors.

Administrative Fellows are full-time paid employees and are placed in a variety of offices across the College. Administrative Fellows are placed in offices that are overseen by individuals in senior leadership roles at Vassar. Over the course of their fellowship year, Administrative Fellows will engage in activities ranging from the management of administrative tasks to strategic program development and implementation. As part of the program, Administrative Fellows will be members of a cohort and will have exposure to a number of different professional development opportunities. These opportunities include lunchtime conversations with the President, Dean of the College, Secretary and Chair of the Board of Trustees, Vice President of Advancement, Vice President of Communications, and other individuals in leadership roles at the college; one-on-one alum mentoring between Administrative Fellows and alums whose current careers align with the Administrative Fellows’ placement or future career goals; and specialized professional development sessions focused on benefits and retirement, financial planning, and navigating career changes.

The Administrative Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for recent graduates to add to their Vassar experience and prepare for a meaningful career in higher education or other sectors in which a deep understanding of issues in higher education can be helpful. See below for more information on this year’s placements and information on how to apply.

Apply

If you are interested in applying to the President’s Administrative Fellows Program, please send us a cover letter and resume by Sunday, January 28th at 5:00 p.m. EST. If you are interested in being considered for more than one Administrative Fellow role, please note that in your cover letter and indicate how you would rank the roles in which you are interested.

If you have any questions about the Administrative Fellows Program overall, please contact Wesley Dixon.

If you have any questions about individual placements, please contact the supervisor of that particular placement. 

Current Fellows

  • Naima Saini, Vassar College Libraries
  • Claire Zickl, Department of Athletics and Physical Education
  • Chase Engel, Office of Advancement
  • Melisa Torres, Career Development Office
  • Julian Aguilar, Office of the Vice President of Human Resources and Technology
  • Kevin Llaguno, Office of International Programs

2024–2025 Placements

Scope of Responsibilities/Job Description

The Center for Career Education (CCE) at Vassar College invites applications for a one-year position that serves as an integral member of the office team and supports the work of several functional areas. The primary responsibilities of the Administrative Fellow include advising, programming, and communications. The Administrative Fellow will be trained to host daily drop-in hours and to conduct basic advising interactions with students for resume reviews, internship searching, and more. They will also work closely on CCE programs focused on career education (eg, workshops) and alum engagement (eg, panels, Sophomore Career Connections, etc.). The Administrative Fellow will also play an active role in publicity, marketing, and communications for the Center for Career Education.

Key Advising Responsibilities

  • Introduce students to career resources and services through daily drop-in appointments
  • Provide students with resume and cover letter reviews, as well as basic information about job/internship searches, interview advice, etc.; recommend relevant resources and make referrals to career counselors as needed

Key Programming Responsibilities

  • Represent the CCE through tabling, open houses, study breaks, and other collaborative events with campus partners (eg, First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program), ALANA Center, HPE, and more)
  • Present workshops on topics such as resume writing, internship search, interview skills, etc.
  • Provide support for alum-connected programming, such as panels and signature events

Key Communications Responsibilities

  • Compile and design the CCE’s weekly email newsletter
  • Develop and implement creative strategies to promote CCE events, services, and resources using a variety of media including email, e-newsletters, targeted marketing, social media, and print
  • Manage program-specific marketing timelines by working closely with CCE staff
  • Design print marketing and informational pieces such as posters, flyers, email blasts, programs, etc.
  • Update web content using the content management system (CMS)

The Administrative Fellow will also support office coverage, greeting students and other visitors in the main office and answering phones as needed.

Significant training is provided for all aspects of this position. Successful applicants have come from a variety of majors and with myriad skill sets. Past Administrative Fellows in Career Education have gone on to work in the fields of student affairs, career education, recruiting/HR, education, arts administration, and more, and have successfully matriculated into a variety of master’s and PhD programs.

For more information, contact Stacy Bingham, Associate Dean of the College for Career Education, at stbingham@vassar.edu

About the Office of the Vice President for Technology and Human Resources

Vassar College is amongst the only higher education institutions to identify the value of coordinating the administration of Technology with that of Human Resources. As technology strives to enhance and facilitate the teaching, learning and administration of the College, Human Resources strives to engage current employees and attract a diverse and talented workforce to continue to make Vassar College an incredible place to work, live, teach, and learn.

Both departments have the shared vision of minimizing process barriers to make the administration of the College as effective and inclusive as possible.

About The Administrative Fellow in the Office of the Vice President for Technology and Human Resources

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Planning & Engagement, you will have the unique opportunity to directly impact the student and employee experiences at Vassar College by contributing directly to the objectives of both departments. You will help to advance the College’s mobile strategy and other programs to enhance student and employee engagement while developing valuable skills in effective communications, strategic planning and creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. Read on to learn more about how, together, we will transform the work of the College to enable our community members to engage with the Vassar experience in a deep and meaningful way.

With support and guidance from College administrators, you will impact the future of:

  • Student Engagement
    • Collaborate with leadership to develop and continually improve student-facing programs, particularly the student innovation and entrepreneurship program, working directly with participants to (help them) develop business plans, do market research, match them with mentors, and prepare their ideas for market.
    • Foster a culture of collaboration and communication that incorporates the student perspective through feedback, focus groups, and testing strategies.
  • Mobile Strategy
    • Impact the development of Vassar’s mobile strategy by identifying gaps and opportunities and surfacing new approaches to providing equitable and inclusive access to student resources
    • Identify areas for mobile growth and adoption amongst all audiences
    • Play a central role in working groups to define a multi-phased approach to mobile strategy and content development
    • Inform our outreach and communications plans by using analytics and feedback to identify opportunities for improvements to content, cadence and channels
  • Employee Engagement
    • Support the adoption and understanding of Vassar’s digital engagement program by helping to create communication and engagement plans
    • Socialize the employee engagement and digital engagement program(s) including technology and available services
    • Design new programs and resources that will leverage technology to enhance the employee experience by identifying opportunities and surfacing new approaches to successfully engage all types of employees
    • Work to formalize and promote skills development across our workforce by supporting and identifying new opportunities for the Human Resources Employee Professional Development programs
    • Support for Employee resource groups and enhanced employee onboarding
    • Impact the policies and processes that allow us to refine our commitment to inclusive hiring and equitable employee development through research and collaboration with other similar institutions

What your journey will look like

30 days: The first 30 days, you will familiarize yourself with the multi-year plans of the Computing and Information Services and Human Resources departments and attend meetings related to the goals and objectives of those plans. This will help you to get a broad understanding of how best to engage with the various teams and initiatives. Throughout, you will shadow the Assistant Vice President for Planning and Engagement and other members of the Office of the Vice President for open dialogue and ongoing support.

60 days: The next 30 days, together we will identify the best initiatives for you to focus on and develop a plan for how you can be most impactful during your time in the position.

90 days: Well established in your role, the next 30 days and beyond will be spent being an active member of various teams, working groups, and projects, contributing to and having a direct impact on the direction of these initiatives.

What you will gain from this experience

This role will serve as an unparalleled professional development opportunity where you’ll gain skills in leadership, culture, engagement, communication, and planning, while developing robust knowledge of the administration of campus technology, business processes, organization development, and engaging regularly with senior campus stakeholders. These skills will serve you well on whatever future career path you choose.

We are extremely proud of our departments’ culture of collaboration and reputation for being trusted partners across campus. We are service-minded teams who continually strive to put the experience of our community members above all else and would be thrilled to have you join us!

The Vassar Office of Advancement (OA) Fellow is responsible for planning and executing the College’s Digital Philanthropy program of roughly four student managers and 5–10 student callers. This is an integral role in the development of Vassar’s digital alum & parent outreach and engagement efforts. Additionally, the OA Fellow will collaborate with the Assistant Director of Annual Giving in Student Education & Young Alumni Engagement to develop, enhance, and build on student education and young alum engagement programs, such as the Student Philanthropy Council. The Office of Advancement Fellow will report to the Director of Annual Giving and oversee all aspects of a fresh and innovative Digital Philanthropy Program, Student Education Program, and Senior Gift Program.

Position Summary and Responsibilities

The OA Fellow will learn key transferable skills in strategic leadership, management, and oversight of the student caller team through the management of a multi-channel/digital solicitation program that includes recruiting and interviewing students, managing technology platforms (calling software), developing scripts, training, and analyzing data. The OA Fellow will develop a strong working knowledge of advancement in the higher ed world. The OA Fellow will have a supportive role in Student Education.

The OA Fellow will focus on managing a Digital Philanthropy program that includes increasing new alum, young alum, lapsed alum, and parent engagement measured by a wide variety of metrics including social media engagement, VassarNet onboarding, club membership, and donor engagement. The Fellow will also collaborate with the entire Annual Giving team in supporting our premier Generation Vassar Alumni Participation Challenge, Student Philanthropy Council program, and a campus-wide Student Education program.

Responsibilities

  • Support and manage Vassar’s Digital Philanthropy Program.
  • Hire and supervise the student callers and student managers. Re-up managers and student callers.
  • Revise/create scripts for student callers within various digital channels.
  • Develop timing strategy for Digital Philanthropy program outreach (i.e. new alum, young alum, lapsed alum, pledge reminders, parents, value outreach)
  • Direct short- and long-range planning and implementation for Digital Philanthropy Program.
  • Analyze data as it comes in, track metrics.
  • Oversee 4–5 shifts weekly.
  • Ensure that the Vassar Fund is well-positioned to adapt and appeal to the habits and philanthropic preferences of recent graduates and students. This includes proactively sourcing next generation digital fundraising and payment tools i.e Venmo, caller program.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop a meaningful student education program re: Vassar Fund.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop high impact alum athlete challenges.
  • Coordinate the sharing of prospect and donor information with other development colleagues and collaborate to ensure upward movement of prospects through the pipeline for major gifts.
  • Design a series of management information reports that demonstrate key leverage points, outcomes and efficiency.
  • Manage the compilation and submission of regular department reports to the Director of Annual Giving.
  • Develop “visit and activity metrics” with Vassar Fund team members including measuring face to face conversations with current students.
  • Oversee a Digital Philanthropy Program budget.
  • Develop culminating high level presentations to the Advancement office and others.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • A minimum of a Vassar Bachelor’s degree is required.
  • Strong appreciation for Vassar’s values and key strategic initiatives along with the ability to effectively communicate with them for a diverse audience.
  • Ability to create and manage a Digital Philanthropy Program with goals, objectives, identified deliverables, and timelines.
  • Strong experience on social media.
  • Superb interpersonal communication skills with colleagues and alums.
  • Excellent data analysis and report generation skills.
  • A willingness to work 37.5 hours weekly beginning at 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.

Position Overview

Vassar’s Facilities Operations (FO) assumes the broad responsibility for overseeing all design and construction projects as well as the repair and maintenance of all buildings and grounds across our expansive campus. FO invites applications for the role of Administrative Fellow, a one-year position that will be an integral part of the Planning, Design and Administrative Office team within FO. The Administrative Fellow will help shape the trajectory of campus development and maintenance strategies, assisting in adding depth and strategic insight to our dynamic operations.

The Administrative Fellow will have the opportunity to work alongside a diverse team of architects, project managers, FO administrators, contractors, engineers and skilled trades people. The exposure to many facets of real-world problems and solutions facing each project will serve as a launchpad for those eager to pursue a career in design, project management or operations while also providing meaningful contributions to the evolution of Facilities Operations. This work will develop management, data analysis and organizational skills transferable to many fields outside of facilities, design and construction.

Key Responsibilities

  • Organize and catalog building information, documenting scopes and dates of major projects
  • Create a comprehensive FO newsletter covering diverse topics such as sustainability practices, upcoming projects, and other news
  • Analyze work control data and monitor metrics related to building projects and various work types
  • Participate in meetings with community members to coordinate work schedules and address health and safety concerns
  • Contribute to the enhancement of Energy Management Reporting
  • Establish and implement new organizational protocols for the department
  • Contribute to the design and construction management on various projects
  • Promote Facilities Operations (FO) initiatives and projects through our website
  • Engage in the strategic planning of upcoming projects
  • Organize and catalog building information, documenting scopes and dates of major projects

Qualifications

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from Vassar College is required
  • Strong appreciation for Vassar’s incredible campus preferred
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to learn new computer programs quickly
  • Adaptability and flexibility

Additional Information

The Administrative Fellow will report directly to the Assistant Vice President of Facilities Operations and collaborate closely with the Campus Architect, Director of Project Management & Construction, and other members of the Facilities Operations team. For additional information please contact Maxine Coleman at coleman@vassar.edu.

Position Overview & Scope of Work

The Department of Athletics & Physical Education is seeking a one-year, post-baccalaureate fellowship focused on student-athlete welfare and athletics regulatory compliance for Vassar’s 29 varsity teams and 550 student-athletes. The Administrative Fellow for Compliance and Student-Athlete Welfare is an entry-level administrative position that will report to the Deputy Director of Athletics & Director of Student-Athlete Welfare. The selected candidate will assist with the implementation of a comprehensive student-athlete welfare strategic plan and contribute to the operations of the department. The successful candidate will assist with the administration of programming towards the holistic development of student-athletes and oversight of NCAA rules compliance, student-athlete welfare, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

This position provides an opportunity to create and manage education and leadership programs, campus events and sustained learning experiences that transform the Vassar student-athlete experience. The administrative fellow will interact with cross-campus colleagues on a daily basis and positively impact the collegiate experience for more than 20% of the student body.

Position responsibilities

  • Assist with the implementation of the department’s comprehensive student-athlete welfare plan including, but not limited to:
    • Development and logistics of RISE, the department’s student-athlete development program
    • Market and promote student-athlete welfare initiatives and events via social media, email and messaging
    • Collaborate with key campus stakeholders, external facilitators, student-athlete working groups, and representing the department on campus committees
    • Implement a four-year curriculum plan for department inclusion initiatives
    • Implement and co-facilitate support, advocacy and violence prevention programming
    • Serve as the co-advisor to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)
  • Assist with coordination of pre-season and intersession housing, meals and orientation scheduling for student-athletes
  • Assist with the management and oversight all aspects of NCAA, Liberty League, and other applicable governing body rules compliance
  • Assist with the maintenance of accurate student-athlete data, preparation of all NCAA, conference and college reports

Required skills and experience

  • A minimum of a Vassar bachelor’s degree required
  • Strong appreciation for the value and role of intercollegiate athletics in the Vassar higher education experience
  • Excellent communicator
  • Experience with social media and marketing platforms
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively with department, campus personnel and external partners
  • Weekend, holiday, early morning and/or late evening hours are required

Learning Outcomes

  • The successful candidate will learn leadership and team building skills by working collaboratively with campus partners, current students and external facilitators.
  • This experience will provide professional networking opportunities.
  • This experience will assist the candidate with the pathway to pursue a career in higher education including student affairs or collegiate athletics.
  • The position will enhance the candidate’s facilitation skills, event planning, social media and marketing skills, and understanding of regulatory compliance.

Contact

If you have any questions about the Administrative Fellows Program overall, please contact Wesley Dixon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: If I am selected as an Administrative Fellow, when would I start my Fellowship? 
Answer: Administrative Fellows will begin during the summer after they graduate from Vassar. The official start date will likely be on or around Monday, July 8th, 2024.

Question: How will my alum mentor be chosen? 
Answer: If selected as an Administrative Fellow, you will work collaboratively with the Program Director and your supervisor to determine what qualities are most important to you in a mentor. Your supervisor and the Program Director will work with the Center for Career Education and the Office of Advancement to find a suitable mentor for you based on your personal and professional interests.

Question: Is the Administrative Fellows role a paid position? 
Answer: Yes, the Administrative Fellows role is a full-time, year-long, paid position.

Question: Is housing included as a part of the Administrative Fellows Program? 
Answer: No, housing is not provided as a part of the Administrative Fellows Program. If you are selected as an Administrative Fellow, we encourage you to work with the Program Director and the Dean of Strategic Planning and Academic Resources to explore affordable housing options in or around Poughkeepsie.

Past Administrative Fellows

2022–2023

  • Daniella Torres-Skendi, Grants Office
  • Eric Feeney, Campus Activities
  • Kayla Gonzalez, Center for Career Education
  • Clay Antonatos, The Environmental Cooperative, the Preserve, and Office of Sustainability
  • Majella Sheehan, Office of the Vice President of Technology and Human Resources

2021–2022

  • Sefa February, Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center/First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program)
  • Megan Reyes, Office of Community Engaged Learning
  • Gillian Redstone, Office of Advancement
  • Yu Ge Zhang, Career Development Office
  • Vanessa Vazquez, Vassar Farm and Ecological Preserve, Environmental Cooperative, and Office of Sustainability

2020–2021

  • Damian Zapien, Office of Communications
  • Kate Titowsky, Office of Advancement
  • Ivanna Guerra, Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center/FLI
  • Loizos Karaiskos, Career Development Office

2019–2020

  • Tamar Ballard, Dean of the College
  • Lily Berman, Career Development Office
  • Rori-An Chuck, Office of Alumnae Affairs and Development
  • Samantha Hoher, Office of Health Education and Promotion
  • Brian Hong, Office of Communications
  • Elaina Peterkin, Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center
  • Ezra Weissman, Office of the President

2018–2019

  • Udbhav Agarwal, International Services
  • Juleen Graham, Career Development Office
  • Alquan Higgs, Jeh Vincent Johnson ALANA Cultural Center
  • Cecilia Hoang, Engaged Pluralism Initiative
  • Samantha Hoher, Health Education and Promotion