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Mathematics Community and Outreach Officer

Position Summary

The MIT Mathematics Department proposes to create a new staff-level position to serve our mathematics community and assist with mathematics outreach. Our mathematics community encompasses all members of the Mathematics Department, including faculty, graduate students, undergraduate mathematics majors, staff, instructors, postdocs, and other affiliated people. Mathematics relates to activities across MIT and so our mathematics community also encompasses individuals from other departments, labs, and centers who interact with our Department, including students taking mathematics classes. Our outreach programs are important in expanding the pipeline of young people interested in pursuing mathematical careers. Mathematics is central to our broader society in understanding the many problems facing us today.

The individual serving in this position, known as the Mathematics Community and Outreach Officer (MCOO), will be responsible for the planning, development, and oversight of activities that enhance our community and outreach. The MCOO will work with faculty, staff, and students to promote a sense of belonging to our community and to increase the diversity of participants in our programs. The MCOO will help mentor and advocate for students from under-represented minorities and from socially or economically disadvantaged groups. In order to understand the particular needs of our mathematics community and play a leadership role in community activities, an undergraduate degree in mathematics or a closely related field is essential and an advanced degree in one of these fields is preferred.

Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate closely with the Mathematics Department Head, faculty, and senior staff to provide guidance on achieving community and outreach goals for diversity and inclusion.

Develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion, and strengthen the community within the Department. Regularly assess their effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Help develop and document departmental processes for hiring, recruiting, mentoring, advising and onboarding.

Provide oversight and support for our outreach programs, especially those aiming to increase diversity in mathematics such as MathROOTS and PRIMES Circle, and our student activities.

Liaison activities, engagement and reporting:

  • Engage with students (graduate and undergraduate), postdocs, and staff, formally and informally, to provide support and hear concerns related to DEI issues. Work with Department leadership toward resolution.
  • Act as a liaison with various student groups.
  • Work with counterparts in other departments and in the School of Science Dean’s office to exchange ideas and best practices.
  • Represent the Department on Institute initiatives related to diversity and inclusion.
  • Attend relevant national meetings and workshops to represent MIT to under-represented groups.
  • Collect relevant community and outreach data for reporting.
  • Promote the visibility and reputation of our Department as providing a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds.

Recruiting and retaining a diverse community:

  • Participate in recruiting and retaining a diverse faculty, graduate students, postdocs, and outreach participants, ensuring that good practices are followed.
  • Develop a database of Department alumni including information that will assist us with recruiting diverse members.

Training:

  • Lead workshops and other training activities across the community in areas such as fair and unbiased recruiting, good practices in teaching, and how to be an effective mentor.
  • Provide advice and mentoring to community members, especially supporting under-represented groups.
  • Develop resources and activities to enhance a supportive and inclusive departmental culture.
  • Develop classroom activities that enhance inclusiveness and the overall student experience.
  • Depending on interest and background, an opportunity exists for curriculum development and teaching.

Job Requirements

  • Undergraduate degree in mathematics or a closely related field is essential. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Commitment to working to expand diversity and inclusion within mathematics is essential. Prior experience in the DEI field preferred.
  • Knowledge of issues related to diversity and inclusion in mathematics, including barriers to entry and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
  • Knowledge of relevant regulations and policies related to diversity and inclusion in higher education.
  • Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills, with an enthusiasm for and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
  • Constructive approach to problem-solving and an ability to find common ground and build consensus.
  • Ability to think critically and strategically.
  • Willingness to work primarily in-person on campus.

To apply, visit https://www.mathjobs.org/jobs/list/22209

Human Resources Administrator

Primary Responsibility

This individual will coordinate all human resources employment activities, assist with, and provide advice on all operational and procedural matters involving HR.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Prepare academic appointment forms and coordinate the submission of all hiring information as required, insuring that all necessary information for employment and payment is accurate and complete. Provide preliminary orientation for new employees.

Coordinate the initiation of requests for all immigrant and non-immigrant visas to the International Scholars Office. Process all visiting student requests. Function as liaison between the prospective visitor and the office. Monitor eligibility and maintain follow up for visa (B, J, H, TN) expiration dates.

Develop and prepare search plans for hiring staff. Prepare and maintain statistical information. Prepare employment offers and employment verification letters.

Work on the development of promotions to new and existing non-academic positions, provide guidance on classification, qualifications and salary. Organize information and prepare clear and concise position descriptions on standard Institute forms for review by the supervisors and the Personnel Office.

Respond to inquiries regarding Institute personnel policy and its interpretation for faculty and staff. Serve as resource for routine personnel information regarding employee rights and eligibility. Act as principal facilitator/liaison for support staff issues and concerns.

Work closely with supervisors on annual salary reviews (SRS, Support, Rank List II); coordinate review process; provide information and counsel regarding annual performance appraisal process; and organize review data and maintain relevant statistical summaries. Maintain current job descriptions for all administrative and support staff positions.

Coordinate the summer salary process, and assist in the gathering of information for the Outside Professional Activities report.

Maintain vacation accrual data for administrative staff, and confidential personnel records.

Coordinate with outside staffing contractors, including interviewing, hiring and supervising temporary support staff to fill departmental needs. Set up requisitions, suggest pay schedules, and approve timesheets for MIT Temps.

Support Assistant to the Department Head in the faculty search and promotion process and assist with the development of search plans for faculty hiring, and prepare all faculty employment offers.

Supervise Web Administrator and help with online web directory and department e-mail mailing lists updates.

General Department Responsibilities

Coordinate with AO and Special Project Coordinator on the department space planning.

Perform other duties as directed.

Supervision Received

Individual reports to the department head. Works closely with Administrative Officer as well.

Supervision Exercised

Supervise at least two staff employees.

Contacts Required to Perform Duties

Contacts including central Human Resources Offices, Payroll Service Center, School of Science Dean’s Office, International Student and Scholars Office

Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, and 5 years of direct related experience, preferably at higher education field

Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated attention to details necessary, Ability to prioritize and complete tasks in an environment with frequent interruptions. Strong listening, communication, facilitation, and mediation skills. Requires good judgment, discretion, integrity, tact, diplomacy, and collaboration.

Prefer individuals who has HR certification from SHRM or HRCI; and familiarity with MIT policies and procedures as well as Atlas.

To apply, visit the MIT Careers Site here.

MIT is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.