Lead Program Administration Specialist

Req Id: 44711

Job Title: Lead Program Administration Specialist

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

At Purdue University, your work can connect students, scholars, and communities to meaningful learning experiences that inspire civic engagement and academic discovery. As the Lead Program Administration Specialist for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement (CCSE), you will provide strategic leadership for the Centers programs, partnerships, and experiential learning initiatives while advancing its mission to promote research, education, and public engagement through the C-SPAN Video Library.

In this highly collaborative role, you will oversee signature student programs, national scholar engagement initiatives, conferences, and outreach efforts while helping students connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape impactful educational experiences, support innovative research, and expand Purdues national visibility in civic and communication scholarship.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and manage the programs, operations, and strategic initiatives of the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement.
• Direct and teach the Boilers Go to D.C. (BGDC) Maymester and BGDC Summer Scholars Internship Program, providing mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for students.
• Recruit, supervise, and support student interns participating in Washington, D.C.-based programs.
• Coordinate and host guest speakers, educational events, and public engagement activities.
• Lead the planning and execution of the Centers biennial research conference focused on the C-SPAN Video Library.
• Organize and manage the biennial research institute that brings leading scholars to Purdue to explore video-based research methodologies.
• Promote and advance the Centers education, research, and outreach initiatives.
• Oversee marketing, communications, student engagement, alumni engagement, and fundraising activities.
• Foster partnerships and collaborations across academic departments, university units, and external organizations.
• Support and grow the CCSE Student Community and CCSE Research Community.
• Manage program budgets, logistics, reporting, and operational planning.
• Teach Communication courses, including the Boilers Go to D.C. program and other COM 400-level courses.

What Sets Us Apart

This role blends higher education leadership, experiential learning, student mentorship, research administration, and public engagement in a way few positions can. Youll help students gain firsthand experience in the nations capital, engage with nationally recognized scholars, and lead programs that bridge academic discovery with civic participation.

What Were Looking For:

Required:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Six years of progressive experience in organizing and coordinating programs, teaching and advising students.

Skills Needed:

• Strong management, organizational and communication skills.
• Able to work with students and faculty to familiarize them with the principles and mission of C-SPAN and the Brian Lamb School of Communication.
• Experience with or appreciation of the C-SPAN and Lamb School missions.
• Strong project management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising, with willingness to teach, train and advise students and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Experience with relationship/partnership or alumni relations maintenance.

What is Helpful:

• Master's Degree.
• Adobe Suite and Social Media Marketing experience.
• University Brand experience.
• Budgeting and Fundraising Experience.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue's benefits summary CLICK HERE
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Professional 4

Pay Band S075

Job Code #20002088

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.

Apply now

Posting Start Date: 10/23/26