Overview
The Department Coordinator will be responsible for department purchasing and accounting and will provide support for the monitoring and maintenance of the budgets. They will bear primary responsibility for the hiring and monitoring of work-study students, the creation and maintenance of web-based departmental information and social media presences, and communication of events and opportunities within the departments and College. They will provide administrative support for all department members and will collaborate with department members to provide needed data and reports both within and beyond the College. They will plan and support department events and serve as a point of contact for visitors to the department. A campus-wide network of academic staff with similar responsibilities is available to provide professional advice and mentoring.This is a part-time position (0.42 FTE) that works 20 hours during the academic year (September through May) and approximately 5-10 hours a week during the summer months.
About the Department:
The Chemistry Department provides opportunities for students to learn chemistry and biochemistry through challenging classroom, laboratory, and research experiences. Students participating in our program will master chemical content and laboratory skills, and develop critical thinking and communication skills that will prepare them well as scientists, health professionals, and scientifically literate citizens. The Chemistry Department fosters the professional growth of faculty and staff through participation in research and other scholarly activities that contribute to the field of chemistry.
Responsibilities & Qualifications
- Make departmental purchases including office supplies, some lab and instructional supplies, and refreshments for department functions; pay invoices, report and document expenses, and perform transfer of funds to and from department budget; support chair in monitoring of department budget; other accounting and financial support as needed.
- Hire student employees and monitor their work-study awards; work with the relevant departmental staff and faculty colleagues to train and supervise student employees; oversee department student office workers; monitor department work-study budget.
- Take primary responsibility for the department webpage and collaborate with department colleagues to keep online information updated; maintain and moderate department’s social media presence; communicate announcements for relevant opportunities and events to department, students, and the College community.
- Provide general administrative support for department faculty and staff colleagues; attend department meetings and take notes; together with the chair, compile department minutes; work with the chair to compile and distribute data and reports to college offices, the American Chemical Society, and other organizations.
- Collaborate with chair and other faculty, staff, and students as appropriate to plan and support community-building events and other special events as needed, including weekly department tea; serve as the first point of contact for visitors, students, and others seeking information about the Chemistry Department.
- Other Responsibilities:
- Complete other responsibilities as assigned. Participate as an active member of the team. Participate in department and college activities and support implementation of shared goals and initiatives. Provide backup support to other members of the team.
Qualifications:
- 1-3 years of general administrative and office coordinating experience; higher education-related experience is a plus.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s Degree preferred
- Experience in event and meeting planning/organization.
- Experience with expense reporting and other budgetary financial management experience.
- Ability to organize and prioritize work; work independently; provide support for multiple individuals; maintain confidentiality with materials, information, and communications
- Ability to hire, train, and supervise student employees
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office
- Experience with maintaining webpages and social media platforms
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Compensation:
$23.19-$24.25 HourlyUnion:
MAPEBenefits
At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:
- 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan.
- Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
- Competitive health, dental, vision, and life & disability insurance
- Generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
- Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 90% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
- Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
- Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching, and activities.
These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page
Bargaining units may have slightly different benefits negotiated in their contracts. Please see applicable contracts for more details.
Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.
Application Guidelines
For best consideration, please submit both your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities page. Review of applications will begin immediately. Priority will be given to candidates who apply by November 4th, 2026 , however, we will continue to accept applicants after this date. The interview process will begin after this date and the role will be posted until filled.
Jaclyn Howard
Talent Acquisition Manager
jhoward3@Macalester.edu
Macalester College does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, veteran status, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, or other categories protected by law. For additional information, see Macalester College's full Notice of Nondiscrimination.