Senior Program Coordinator

The Promoting Ethnic Racial Socialization and Identity (PERSI) Lab, directed by Dr. Esther Calzada, seeks a Senior Program Coordinator, to support the implementation of community-engaged research focused on advancing the wellbeing of young children and families from historically marginalized communities. Grounded in Dr. Calzada’s work, the lab examines how cultural values, ethnic-racial socialization, parenting practices, and systemic inequities shape children’s mental health, social-emotional development, and early academic outcomes.

The Senior Program Coordinator will play a central role in coordinating research and outreach activities that integrate culturally responsive approaches and community partnerships. This includes collaborating closely with community-based organizations, schools, and families to support data collection, develop culturally informed resources, and promote strengths-based frameworks that highlight resilience, such as ethnic identity and family processes.

This position also manages the day-to-day operations of the lab and supports a collaborative team of graduate students and undergraduate research assistants. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational and communication skills, experience engaging diverse communities, and a demonstrated interest in equity-focused, community-based research and interventions that aim to reduce disparities in child development and family wellbeing.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY

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Demonstrated experience collaborating with community-based organizations, schools, healthcare settings, and/or populations in the Greater New Orleans area.

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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.

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Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

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Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.

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Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

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Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, public health, education, psychology, or a related field

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One (1) year of related professional experience

OR

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High School Diploma with 4 years of related professional experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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Experience with participant recruitment and community outreach strategies

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Experience developing outreach materials, social media content, or public-facing resources.

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Familiarity with human subjects research (e.g., IRB processes)

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Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English)