Program Specialist Professional Affairs & Development

The Program Specialist for Professional Affairs & Development plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient operation of multiple departments at NECO. This position provides administrative logistical and event support. The role includes managing donor and alumni relations supporting fundraising initiatives coordinating CE programs overseeing industry partnerships and assisting with research projects. The Program Specialist is a key point of contact for internal teams and external stakeholders supporting the organizations strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

1. Development (Donor & Alumni Relations Fundraising)

• Maintain accurate records of donor and alumni interactions using LGL.
• Assist with donor stewardship efforts including thank-you notes updates and event invitations.
• Coordinate donor recognition efforts and support fundraising campaigns.
• Support alumni engagement activities including communications and organizing events.
• Serve as a point of contact for alumni inquiries assisting with issue resolution.
• Assist in preparing donor reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Process donations track fundraising goals and assist with financial reporting.

2. Continuing Education (CE) Administration & Logistics

• Assist in planning coordinating and executing CE programs including live and online courses.
• Manage CE course logistics including scheduling registration and communication with attendees and faculty.
• Coordinate event materials such as handouts presentations and evaluations.
• Maintain CE attendance records and reports for accreditation compliance.
• Oversee the accreditation process for CE courses.
• Maintain NECOs CE webpage with updated course information in collaboration with the marketing department.
• Upload and manage course information in the Learning Management System (LMS) in collaboration with the instructional design team.
• Provide technical support for virtual and in-person CE events.

3. Industry Collaboration (Events & Stakeholder Engagement)

• Oversee planning and execution of the annual Industry Collaborative event.
• Coordinate logistics such as venue booking catering transportation and guest lists.
• Track RSVPs and ensure all event materials and communications are prepared on time.

4. Corporate Partnerships (Sponsorships & External Engagements)

• Track industry pledges and corporate support for events and programs.
• Assist with corporate communication and outreach initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics for corporate events held on campus.
• Oversee the planning and execution of student-related workshops/events with our industry partners.

5. Industry Research (Innovation & Special Projects)

• Assist with data collection organization and reporting for industry research projects.
• Maintain records of research activities including project timelines and deliverables.

Additional Responsibilities (Cross-Departmental Support)

Administrative & Office Coordination

• Coordinate office operations including answering calls/emails handling bulk mailings and maintaining office supplies.
• Coordinate and schedule meetings appointments and travel arrangements for Development Professional Affairs and CE teams.
• Prepare and maintain confidential files and records.
• Assist in preparing reports presentations and materials for leadership and meetings.
• Ensure document management including filing organizing and data entry.
• Coordinate and assist with meetings and tasks related to government affairs.
• Monthly AMEX reconciliation for all departments.

Clinic & Equipment Support

• Assist with tagging optometric equipment in the Manage Engine database.
• Order supplies for the repair technician and track open repair tickets.
• Communicate repair progress to faculty and staff.
• Track supplies needed for labs on a semester basis.

NECO is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetic information disability age or veteran status.

New England College of Optometry offers a robust benefits program including:

• 3 plan options for BCBS medical coverage (employer subsidized at 75% or greater)
• Mental Health and Wellness benefits
• BCBS Dental
• Discounted vision services
• 13 paid holidays and generous paid time off for sick vacation and personal days
• Employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability
• Voluntary Insurance: life critical illness hospital indemnity accident
• Voluntary Benefits: employee discounts and pet insurance
• 9% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan after 1 year of service with no vesting schedule or match requirement
• Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness Employer.