Temporary Project Assistant, Water Resilience

About the Role

The Syracuse University Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) is seeking a temporary project assistant to support mission-critical program outreach, technical assistance projects, in-person and virtual event delivery, and program evaluation and tracking for water and sustainability programming. The assistant will work across multiple sponsored projects that provide training, research, and technical assistance to water sector stakeholders including municipal staff, utility managers, and industry representatives.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Assistance (TA) Project Support

• Support technical assistance projects with water/wastewater utilities and/or municipalities across EPA Region 2
• Assist with the preparation of technical reports, workplans, and tracking documents, keeping project information organized and up-to-date
• Facilitate logistics for internal meetings and coordinate external consultations, including tracking next steps and follow-up
• Help maintain outreach communications with new communities, demonstrating a strong skillset in public engagement and professionalism

Virtual And In-person Event Support

• Provide logistical support during online events, including leading and/or acting as technical host for large virtual gatherings including webinars and online trainings
• Coordinate and facilitate meetings between speakers, project partners, and teammates
• Create and monitor event registration
• Correspond with registrants and attendees before and after training events
• Develop and distribute certificates of attendance
• Assist in coordinating, attending, and exhibiting at industry and community events, conferences, and trade shows

Project Evaluation And Tracking

• Input event details and participant information into established project management platforms, keeping program-related files organized and up-to-date
• Working with ISE managers and associates, support grant reporting efforts by organizing program attendance, engagement, and evaluation metrics, including event feedback and evaluation data
• Help document and communicate program impact by compiling and summarizing participation and evaluation data for internal and external audiences, including preparing post-event summaries and compiling data or findings to communicate program impact

Outreach And Content Development Support

• Provide support for outreach and marketing efforts to promote programs, services, events, and trainings
• Assist as needed with the development of outreach and marketing materials, such as brochures, flyers, presentations, and social media content
• Support efforts to increase visibility and attendance for events and trainings through targeted outreach
• Collaborate with staff on educational content development in web, digital, and print formats.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels in a timely and professional manner.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to create engaging content for various communication channels.
• Comfort working with data, with the ability to track, organize, and summarize quantitative and qualitative metrics for program reporting and impact evaluation.
• Detail-oriented mindset with a commitment to accuracy, quality, and professionalism in all communications and deliverables.
• Applies critical thinking to diagnose problems and develop effective solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work well under pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science/studies, public health, communications, sustainability studies, or a related field.
• Experience with water resource topics, including policy, state and federal programs, and understanding of water sector stakeholders is a plus.
• Previous experience in a program or event coordination role, or related support role, is preferred but not required.