Academic Program Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

About SMASH
At SMASH, we aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students. We empower dedicated students in STEM fields through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources, aiming to cultivate success in college and careers. Our vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy. By providing opportunities, we seek to enrich our communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders.
This is a pivotal time for SMASH as SMASH builds on the success of our programs. Working at SMASH is about rapid growth, grit, personal commitment, accountability, and courage to challenge the status quo. If you have what it takes to change the STEM landscape, we want to hear from you.
SMASH is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization operating under the umbrella of the Kapor Center family of organizations.
Position Description
As a member of the Site Management Team, the Program Coordinator (PC) plays a critical support role to the Program Director and liaison to SMASH National team. Working with the instructional and residential teams to support the successful delivery of the SMASH Academy by performing duties related to planning, directing, and coordinating both the programmatic and operational activities of the program is essential. In this position, the Program Coordinator will play a key role in the success of SMASH scholars and staff through effective implementation of administrative processes, communication with scholars and families, and leading logistics for program events. As a Program Coordinator, you will work closely with the Program Director and staff to manage the programmatic, operational, and tech customer support aspects of the SMASH program.
This assignment is a part-time position starting on May 3, 2026, then moving to a full-time engagement starting July 5, 2026.
As this role has a virtual component, we expect staff to provide the following - their own personal computer (desktop or laptop) that has a working webcam, speaker and microphone for video conferencing capabilities (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangouts, Cisco Webex); reliable Internet connection (at least 25 Mbps download speed); and quiet work space for virtual programming. If you cannot provide your own equipment, please speak with your Program Director.
You must be available for all training and program dates.
Onboarding + Training
16 hrs
5.3.2026 -5.9.2026 (National, Virtual)
SMASH Academy Onramp
10 hrs/wk
5.10.2026-6.27.2026 (National, Virtual)
Staff Training
10 hrs
6.28.2026-7.4.2026 (Virtual)
Staff Training
40 hrs
7.5.2026-7.11.2026 (In person)
SMASH Academy
40 hrs/wk
7.12.2026-7.25.2026 (In person)
SMASH Academy
20 hrs
7.26.2026-7.31.2026 (Virtual)
Virtual Close Out
2 hrs
7.30.2026 (Virtual)
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed below.
Program Administration

• Drive program efficiency by improving or creating processes and tools to ensure a successful delivery of SMASH Academy
• Develop and manage site program calendars, including communicating updates
• Ensure completion of site deliverables (e.g. pre + post assessment scores, attendance, staff and scholar surveys, final inventory, etc.)
• Respond to inquiries from multiple stakeholders, including scholars, families, staff, University contacts and SMASH National Office while classes are in session
• Collaborate with SMASH's Communications team to facilitate video or media-related projects
• Establish and maintain a positive, professional relationship with SMASH scholars; serve as a role model during the academy
• Serve as point person for COVID-19 related protocols and procedures based on SMASH and University guidelines.

Class & Event Organization

• Work with key stakeholders, plan and lead logistics for workshops and events
• Collaborate with SMASH's Development and Communications teams to facilitate site tours.

Scholar Tech Support

• Respond to tech support needs of scholars and staff by identifying and resolving minor issues as well as escalating major issues to SMASH IT team
• Work with SMASH IT team to support and track scholar tech issues in our ticketing system
• Work with scholars to facilitate hardware repairs with external product vendors
• Monitor laptops and other technical equipment to ensure they operate as needed
• Assist with virtual classroom setup and troubleshooting, AV, Zoom, and presentation needs
• Work with Program Coordinators from other sites to resolve common tech problems
• Coordinate with Program Director to assist with distributing laptops as needed

Human Resources

• Lead SMASH site-specific Policies and Procedures Training for SMASH Facilitators with support from Program Director

Data Management

• Ensure all created documents are uploaded and organized in designated site repository
• Collaborate with the Curriculum team to ensure LMS data is updated and utilized effectively at a Site level.
• Editing and inputting information into various site documents and spreadsheets
• Maintain and systematize scholar contact, medical records and contracts

Professional Development

• Attend select events and trainings
• Attend various meetings on a regular basis including, but not limited to:
• • Staff meetings
  • 1:1 Check-ins with Program Director
  • SMASH Community Meeting (weekly)
  • Staff Closeout

Required Attributes:

• Collaboration: Exceptional listening, communication, and presentation skills; excellent time management and organizational skills; timeliness and dependability; courageously candid when facing difficult conversations
• Relationship Building: Welcome and embrace individual differences of everyone in the room; humility; patience when navigating situations; ability to listen to multiple perspectives; restorative approach to relationship building and conflict resolution
• Problem Solving: Remain curious, innovative, iterative, and quickly pivot as needed; keep activities on track, think creatively, and act swiftly in the face of unanticipated events; make data-based decisions
• Resilience: Approach situations with a growth mindset, adapt, and reflect to ensure desired outcome(s) are met

What you bring:

• Commitment to SMASH's mission; willingness to embrace goals/values is essential
• Demonstrated programs or operational effectiveness working with students (preferably at high school level) from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds
• Previous experience with adopting and adapting to new technologies through self-guidance and video tutorials
• Results-driven; work around potential obstacles to ensure all goals are met and deliverables are completed by the end of program
• A minimum of one (1) year of administrative or relevant experience
• Proficiency in Google Suite (Calendar, Doc, Sheet, Email, Forms) and Zoom
• Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills are required
• Strong attention to detail, prompt responsiveness and ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule to attend events on evenings and/or weekends

Application Information:
Apply for this position below and ensure you can make the training and program dates (see table in above section of Job Description). If applying to multiple sites, please rank your site preference in the application.
The application includes a place to upload your resume and cover letter and to provide written responses to specific prompts. This position will close when filled.
If you have been selected for this position by your Program Director (PD), an application is required (you do not need to submit a cover letter) and your PD will send you the link to apply Please also submit the recommitment form provided by your PD, and SMASH will send you your updated offer letter.
Compensation:
This is a non-exempt position. The hourly compensation for this position is estimated to be $30.00. Should the employee miss any hours or days of work, the daily and therefore total compensation will be adjusted accordingly. If your assignment ends earlier than we anticipate for any reason, your compensation may also be reduced accordingly. Please note, pay will be variable per pay period based on part-time and full-time phases of the program. These policies are subject to variation based on specific circumstances.
Statement of Non-Discrimination:
In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination/harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination/harassment based on "protected categories," SMASH also strives to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at SMASH.
We value a diverse workforce: people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.