Program Assistant

## Program Assistant — The Difference Engine The Office of University Affairs at Arizona State University is hiring a Program Assistant to support The Difference Engine, ASU's venture studio for good. This is a temporary, part-time position based in the Phoenix metro area (Campus: Tempe). Position Hourly Rate: $24.00 per hour. Max Pay – Depends on experience: $24.00 USD Hourly. This role is limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week. This role sits within the Administrative Operations Specialist 2 Non - Exempt profile, Job Family: Administrative Operations, Time Type: Part time. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Program Coordinator and report directly to the Executive Director. The Difference Engine is a small team where all members wear many hats; we are looking for someone detail-oriented, analytically minded, and community-focused who is early in their career and eager to learn. ### What you will do day to day You will combine operational, administrative, and analytical support across all Engine activities. On the analytics side, you will conduct economic analysis to assess program effectiveness, utilization, and scalability within institutional and budgetary constraints. You will apply statistical and econometric methods to analyze program data and translate quantitative findings into actionable insights for leadership. Examples of tools and outputs you will work with include Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, dashboards, reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track outcomes and support forecasting and evidence-based decisions. Operational and logistical work includes supporting calendaring and scheduling for the Executive Director and staff, coordinating with internal and external partners and community organizations, and assisting University Affairs travel staff with travel reservations, itineraries, and documentation for Engine staff, faculty, and guests. You will help maintain Engine services and software programs, assist in procurement and purchasing of products and services, and own and maintain Engine software tools to ensure the team has proper access and training. You will support the scaling and running of three flagship programs: the Creative Justice Lab, Difference. Corps, and the Distinguished Innovation Fellows (DIF) program. Work will include assisting with program and event development, event and conference coordination (including the annual BUILD gathering), registration, venue logistics, travel arrangements, preparing periodic reports and financial statements, and supporting recruitment pipelines by screening applications, coordinating interviews, and managing applicant communications. Administrative responsibilities will include assisting with development and maintenance of databases, preparing and formatting correspondence, manuscripts, routine letters, and memos, answering phone calls, receiving mail, and responding to routine inquiries. ### Experience, education, and skills we expect Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Desired qualifications include coursework or experience in economics, econometrics, statistics, or business analytics, and proficiency with data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, Tableau, or Power BI. Interest in or experience with public policy, social justice, entrepreneurship, or community organizing is valued. Candidates should demonstrate ability to work independently and as part of a team, experience working in a higher education environment and with diverse populations and communities, strong organization skills and attention to detail, and technical fluency with modern productivity tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management platforms (Basecamp, Monday.com, etc.). Evidence of effective written and verbal communication skills, empathy, compassion, and a genuine desire to support communities and build something meaningful are also important. ### Working environment and logistics Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extended periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. The role may require standing for varying lengths of time and walking moderate distances. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities. You must be able to clearly communicate verbally, read, write, see and hear to perform essential functions. Use of standard office equipment is required, including computer workstation/laptop, printer, copier, telephone and associated technology. Occasional travel within the Phoenix metro area may be required. Driving is not required for this position. ### Application details To be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume or CV. Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section, or applicants may combine required materials into a single PDF. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Your resume should include all employment information in month and year format (for example 6/04 to 8/14), along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted. Arizona State University conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Be part of something new: as an early team member you will have a big influence on the direction of The Difference Engine. Professional growth opportunities and meaningful work await; your analytics skills will help the team understand what's working and better serve communities.