Job Description
About Us
Bioversity is a Massachusetts non-profit corporation formed in 2023. It runs short-term workforce programs for underrepresented and low-income adults with a high school degree or equivalent and no previous biotech experience, to prepare them for entry-level roles in the life sciences industry. In our first two years, we’ve graduated 120 students, making us the biggest biotech certificate program in Massachusetts. Bioversity is a small team that operates as a start-up, always looking to do things better and have a bigger impact on those we serve, their families, and their communities through job placement, increased wages, and more economic opportunity.
The Role
Bioversity is seeking a dynamic individual to serve as Student Engagement Specialist. This critical role is responsible for recruiting and assessing student candidates for Bioversity's workforce training programs while supporting the operations of the organization. Through community outreach, relationship building, and brand awareness, this person will help attract applicants to our programs. From there, the person will individually assess all candidates through a range of tools, including interviews and in-person meetings. Additionally, this position will directly support program operations at Bioversity’s Lowell site, assisting students and instructors during our short-term training programs when class is in session.
The ideal candidate will be deeply connected to the Greater Merrimack Valley community while maintaining flexibility to engage with partners and conduct assessments across all of our service areas, including Boston.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment and Outreach
- Develop and execute recruitment strategies to attract diverse, qualified candidates for our training programs in Lowell and Boston
- Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, workforce development agencies, adult education centers, and social service providers to establish referral pipelines
- Attend community events, job fairs, and partner organization meetings to promote Bioversity's programs and build brand awareness
- Conduct information sessions at community locations to educate potential students about biotech career opportunities and our training pathways
- Collaborate with community partners to identify individuals who would benefit from a career transition into life sciences
Student Assessment and Enrollment
- Conduct initial screening interviews with prospective students to assess readiness and fit for the program
- Travel to Boston at least weekly to participate in in-person candidate interviews and assessment activities
- Guide qualified candidates through the application and enrollment process
- Maintain accurate records of recruitment activities, candidate pipelines, and enrollment metrics
- Follow up with interested candidates to support them through the application process
Program Operations Support
- Provide operational support for the Lowell training program as needed
- Assist with student orientation and onboarding activities
- Support program staff with logistics, materials preparation, and facility coordination
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of recruitment and enrollment processes
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma (or equivalent)
- 3+ years of experience in community engagement, community relations, student support, job placement, or related field
- Strong knowledge of the Greater Merrimack Valley community and its resources
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect with diverse audiences
- Experience building partnerships with community organizations
- Valid driver's license and full-time access to a reliable vehicle for travel between Lowell and Boston
- Relentless desire toward process improvement
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends for community events
- Proficiency with Office Suite, Google Suite, and data management
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual capabilities
- Experience in workforce development, adult education, or career services
- Knowledge of the life sciences/biotechnology industry
- Experience working with underrepresented populations and understanding of barriers to employment
- Existing relationships with community-based organizations in Lowell and the surrounding areas
Why Join Us?
Bioversity is a non-profit organization spun out of MassBio in 2023. Our small team makes a huge impact each day by connecting people who want to work with the training they need to pursue a new career path. In this role, you will have the ability to change lives and see the impact of your work immediately. We are a nimble, fast-moving organization that is seeking hard workers who bring new ideas and are always looking for a better way to do something.
We embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do at Bioversity. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and views to best serve our members and ultimately patients.
Bioversity offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Please submit a resume for consideration for this role. Candidates must have current U.S. work authorization and not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.