Learning And Development Program Coordinator

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Learning and Development Program Coordinator at Research Foundation of The City University of New York — Research Report

Introduction

The Learning and Development Program Coordinator role at Research Foundation of The City University of New York offers hands-on experience in designing training programs that empower CUNY's vast academic community. With no specified application deadline, you can apply anytime, making it ideal for students seeking flexible entry into higher education administration. This position stands out for building skills in program management and adult learning, often leading to full-time opportunities in a stable, mission-driven organization.

Overview of Research Foundation of The City University of New York

Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) serves as the administrative arm for CUNY, one of the nation's largest urban public university systems with over 500,000 students across 25 colleges. It manages grants, research initiatives, and support services, funneling federal and state funding into faculty projects, student programs, and community outreach.

In the higher education nonprofit sector, RFCUNY competes with entities like the City University of New York itself and similar foundations at SUNY or private university affiliates, carving a niche in urban research administration and workforce development. Its key services include grant administration, HR support, and professional development programs that bridge academia and real-world application.

RFCUNY boasts a strong market presence in New York, handling billions in research funding annually and supporting initiatives in STEM, humanities, and social sciences. Growth has been steady, driven by increased federal grants post-pandemic, positioning it as a hub for innovative education solutions.

The culture emphasizes collaboration and public service, with a diverse workforce reflecting New York's demographics. Remote work is available, fostering work-life balance in a supportive environment known for mentorship and professional growth. People flock here for job security, meaningful impact on education equity, and pathways to leadership in academia.

Learning and Development Program Coordinator Role

Role Overview

As a Learning and Development Program Coordinator, you'll design and deliver training programs for RFCUNY staff and CUNY affiliates, focusing on skill-building workshops and compliance training. Your work directly enhances organizational performance by upskilling over 10,000 employees, contributing to CUNY's mission of accessible higher education.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Develop curriculum for professional development sessions on topics like grant management and diversity training.
• Coordinate virtual and in-person workshops, managing logistics for 50+ participants per session.
• Track program effectiveness using metrics such as completion rates and feedback scores.
• Collaborate with HR teams to align training with organizational goals like retention and productivity.
• Assist in evaluating intern and new hire onboarding programs for seamless integration.
• Research best practices in adult learning to innovate program delivery.

Day-to-Day Workflow

Your day starts with reviewing participant feedback from recent sessions, then planning the next workshop agenda using shared drives. Mid-morning involves stakeholder meetings via Zoom to gather input on training needs, followed by content creation in tools like PowerPoint or Canva. Afternoons focus on data analysis for reports, ending with outreach emails to promote upcoming programs. Expect a mix of independent tasks and team syncs, with flexibility for remote schedules.

Tools and Technologies

Core tools include Microsoft Teams and Zoom for virtual delivery, Google Workspace for collaboration, and Learning Management Systems like Moodle or Canvas for hosting courses. You'll use SurveyMonkey for evaluations, Excel for metrics tracking, and Canva or Articulate 360 for interactive content design. Familiarity with ATS platforms aids in talent development tracking.

Skills and Requirements

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in LMS platforms like Moodle for course deployment.
• Excel and data visualization for program analytics.
• Content creation with Canva, PowerPoint, or e-learning authoring tools.
• Basic knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication for facilitating engaging sessions.
• Adaptability to handle diverse learner needs in a multicultural setting.
• Organizational skills for juggling multiple program timelines.
• Problem-solving to refine programs based on feedback.

Experience Expectations

Candidates need enrollment in at least six credits per semester if undergraduate, with preference for education, HR, or related fields. No prior professional experience required, but campus involvement like tutoring or student affairs roles strengthens applications. A GPA above 3.0 helps, alongside a portfolio of sample training materials or volunteer coordination.

Salary and Benefits

For this coordinator role, expect an hourly rate of $20–$28, translating to $32,000–$45,000 annually for full-time equivalents, aligned with New York nonprofit standards for entry-level positions. Interns receive stipends around $18–$22 per hour for 15–20 hours weekly.

Benefits include remote work options, professional development reimbursements up to $1,000 yearly, and CUNY transit perks. Full-time conversions are common, with 60% of strong performers transitioning within a year, offering health insurance and retirement plans.

Research Foundation of The City University of New York Hiring Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Stages

1. Application: Submit resume, cover letter, and enrollment verification via RFCUNY's portal.
2. Screening: HR reviews for keywords like "program coordination" and "learning development."
3. Assignment: Complete a sample training outline or feedback analysis task.
4. Interviews: 30-minute video call with HR, followed by panel with program leads.
5. Offer: Background check and start date negotiation within two weeks.

Application Timeline

Applications are accepted year-round with no deadline, but cohorts start in fall, spring, and summer. The process takes 4–6 weeks from submission to offer, peaking during semester breaks for quicker placements.

Screening Methods

RFCUNY uses an ATS scanning for terms like "instructional design," "workshop facilitation," and "CUNY experience." Portfolios with sample agendas or evaluations are reviewed; enrollment proof is mandatory at screening.

Interview Preparation

Example Interview Questions

• Describe a time you designed a training session—what was the outcome?
• How would you measure the success of a learning program?
• Tell us about coordinating a group event with diverse participants.
• Why are you interested in learning and development at RFCUNY?

How to Answer

Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. For the design question, outline a campus workshop scenario, your planning steps, tools used, and metrics like 90% satisfaction. Keep responses concise, tying back to RFCUNY's education focus.

What Recruiters Evaluate

They prioritize initiative, cultural fit with public service values, and evidence of organizational skills. Enthusiasm for metrics-driven improvements and remote collaboration stands out most.

How to Get Selected

Practical Tips

• Tailor your resume with keywords from RFCUNY job descriptions.
• Highlight CUNY coursework or New York education involvement.
• Prepare a one-page portfolio of mock training modules.
• Follow up via email one week post-application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Generic cover letters ignoring RFCUNY's research mission.
• Ignoring enrollment verification requirements.
• Skipping the assignment or rushing low-quality submissions.
• Poor virtual interview setup, like background noise.

How to Stand Out

Network via CUNY career fairs or LinkedIn with RFCUNY staff. Submit a customized video intro demonstrating a micro-lesson on a relevant topic. Reference specific RFCUNY programs, like staff development grants, to show research.

Final Thoughts

Landing the Learning and Development Program Coordinator role at RFCUNY launches you into a rewarding career shaping higher education. With its blend of impact, flexibility, and growth potential, it's a smart move for ambitious learners. Polish your application today and step toward coordinating real change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the salary for Learning and Development Program Coordinator at Research Foundation of The City University of New York?

Hourly rates range from $20–$28 for coordinators, with intern stipends at $18–$22, based on New York nonprofit benchmarks and role scope.

Q: How competitive is it to get hired at Research Foundation of The City University of New York?

Moderately competitive, favoring enrolled CUNY students; strong applications with portfolios convert at 40–50% post-screening.

Q: What skills are most important for this role?

Instructional design, program coordination, and data analysis top the list, paired with communication for diverse audiences.

Application Tips

• • Reference specific company initiatives mentioned in the research
• • Align your experience with the role requirements
• • Prepare questions that show you've done your homework
• • Practice explaining how you can contribute to their goals

Interview Preparation

• • Study the company culture and values
• • Understand the industry challenges and opportunities
• • Prepare examples that demonstrate relevant skills
• • Research recent company news and developments