Job Description Summary
The Gemstone Program at the University of Maryland is a unique multidisciplinary four-year research program for selected undergraduate Honors College students of all majors. Gemstone engages students under the guidance of faculty mentors in a rigorous and rewarding undergraduate research experience utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach. Gemstone students are members of a living-learning community that challenges and supports student growth and learning in a community that values leadership, mentoring, and relationship building.
The Program Coordinator for Gemstone Operations coordinate the operations functions of the Gemstone Honors Program within the following major areas: financial management, academic and facilities management, personnel management, event coordination and website maintenance. The position also assists as needed with other aspects of the Gemstone Program. This position reports to the Associate Director of the Gemstone Honors Program.
Examples of work:
- Financial coordinator of Gemstone Honors Program: Forecast and monitor unit budget resources, track expenditures and create expenditure reports for Gemstone accounts and individual research team accounts; make budget allocation recommendations to unit leaders. Conduct purchasing for the general office and ~34 research teams. Coordinate with research teams and mentors to dispense human subject research incentives. Manage charges to sponsored research grants. Process expense reimbursements and travel claims.
- Academic and facilities coordinator of the program: Coordinate academic course scheduling for GEMS coursework in SIS. Spearhead record tracking for all information for GEMS courses in Student Information System (SIS) and ELMS course management system. Conduct audits of Gemstone classes. Schedule rooms for all Gemstone classes and events. Coordinate the reservations for Gemstone spaces. Oversee and coordinate repairs and upgrades to the Gemstone office area and equipment, furniture, computer and audio-visual systems. Serve as the unit liaison for Facilities Management and Residential Facilities for Gemstone.
- Personnel administration for the program: Coordinate personnel processes for the unit, including the appointments and payments for faculty mentors and teaching assistants. Train ~34 research team financial liaisons to onboard them to the Gemstone purchasing process. Onboard new employees/graduate assistants or student workers. Maintain the listserv and the database of current and former students, faculty mentors, and librarians.
- Event coordination: Coordinate operational needs for the following events for the research teams and program: Mentor Onboarding (1 day), Ideas Colloquium (1 evening), Do Good Showcase (1 evening of research presentations), Libraries Awards (1 evening of research presentations), Undergraduate Research Day (1 day of poster presentations), Senior Team Thesis Conference (1 day of research presentations), Citation Ceremony (1 evening) and other smaller events as needed.
- Gemstone website coordination: Administer Gemstone website by updating and creating new pages and content. Oversee student team websites and coordinate updates with the student teams.
- Other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands: There is an expectation of work performed primarily in the office with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and at a computer. The qualified candidate is required to perform activities such as preparing spreadsheets, working in databases, viewing a computer terminal and reading extensively. Ability to traverse short/long distances on and off campus to attend meetings and events. Occasionally required to lift, carry or move office items. Must be able to work some night and weekend hours for specific events or meetings.
Licenses/Certifications: N/A
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: One (1) year of professional program, outreach, or event coordination experience.
Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of outreach and marketing strategies.
Knowledge of clerical and administrative procedures and systems such as filing and record-keeping.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Additional Job Details
Preferences:
- Two or more years of full-time administrative experience in an academic setting
- Knowledge of systems in use at USM institutions: Workday, Concur, SIS, and Adaptive Planning.
- Skill in the use of Google Suite products.
- Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision.
Required Application Materials:
Cover Letter, Resume, List of three references
Best Consideration Date: 11/8/2026
Posting Close Date: N/A
Open Until Filled: Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
Yes
Department
UGST-HCOL-Gemstone Program
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$59,520 - $71,424
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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