Senior Program Coordinator

About the job

Position Summary: The Senior Program Coordinator for Vanderbilt Student Volunteers of Science is responsible for the community outreach programming for Metro Public Schools. Responsible for hiring student volunteers who assist in the VSVS lab and also travel to designated Metro Public Schools to help with STEM focused projects. Manages all logistics for all four VSVS programs (VSVS Local Classroom Program, VSVS Rural Outreach Program, VSVS Local Outreach Program, and VSVS at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital), HHPH (Hip Hop Public Health), and STEM Speaks.

About the Work Unit: VSVS is a service organization composed of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students who are committed to bringing inquiry-based, hands-on science lessons to elementary and middle school students. VSVS partners a team of 2-5 volunteers with a 5th – 8th grade classroom teacher from the Metro Nashville Public School System. VSVS offers a STEM outreach program to rural counties for grades 6-8 sponsored by the Vanderbilt Institute of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE). VSVS also pairs with other programs at Vanderbilt and the Monroe Carel Jr. Children’s Hospital that provides hands-on science lessons and health lesson plans. VSVS has developed middle-school lessons in accordance with the Tennessee Academic Standards for Science used within Davidson County.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Manages all logistics for all four VSVS programs (VSVS Local Classroom Program, VSVS Rural Outreach Program, VSVS Local Outreach Program, and VSVS at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital), HHPH, and STEM Speaks.
• Maintains relationships with current schools (34) and community partners (30) and develops new partnerships each year.
• Manages all funding sources for VSVS, HHPH, and STEM Speaks organizations including funding from the Tennessee Space Grant Consortium (TSGC), Vanderbilt Institute for Nanoscale Science and Engineering (VINSE), Vanderbilt College of Arts & Sciences, Vanderbilt Department of Student Organizations and community donations.
• Manages all materials purchasing for all VSVS programs, HHPH, and STEM Speaks program.
• Plans and facilitates ~5 VSVS outreach events with public schools and community partners each year (STEM Nights, Science Fair judging, Service Days, etc.).
• Writes grant applications as needed to support new VSVS initiatives.
• Refines and designs lessons for curriculum in all VSVS programs that are aligned to state standards and supports the development of new content for STEM Speaks programming.
• Manages VSVS Local Classroom Program volunteer base of 300-400 students per semester and STEM Speaks volunteer base of 2-20 students per semester.
• Manages VSVS student executive board of 40-55 student volunteers per year and STEM Speaks student executive board of 2-10 student volunteers per year.
• Hires, trains, and manages ~20 part time student lab employees each year.
• Plans and facilitates ~5 annual professional development sessions for teachers in grades 6-8.
• Facilitates all student volunteer transportation needs for VSVS Local Classroom Program and VSVS Community Outreach Program.
• Guides Vanderbilt undergraduate students through special projects via the Vanderbilt Immersion Program, Nichols Humanitarian Fund, Ingram Scholars Program, and other programs as requested.
• Provides support to local schools seeking STEM designation through the Tennessee Department of Education.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities but will serve as a Line Manager to the student volunteers. This position reports administratively & functionally to the Associate Administrative Officer.

Education and Certifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, or the equivalent in experience, is necessary.
• A Bachelor’s degree in science, science education, or experience in science engagement is preferred.

Experience and Skills:

• Microsoft Office skills are necessary.
• Strong administrative support skills are necessary.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills are necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal skills are necessary.
• Outstanding attention to detail is necessary.
• Problem solving skills and ability to be flexible are necessary.
• Lab Management skills is preferred.
• Previous experience with Oracle reporting is preferred.
• Two years of directly related experience is necessary.

About Us

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 10008983
• Job Category: Academic Affairs
• Posting Date: 2026-10-07
• Apply Before: 2026-10-11
• Job Schedule: Full time