The Fifth-Year Fellow is an essential team member supporting the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs by assisting with public programming, coordinating events and supporting student engagement initiatives. This role provides a recent Colby graduate with hands-on experience working with a high-performing team in event planning, program coordination, and communications within a dynamic academic center focused on politics, policy, and public discourse.

Working closely with Center staff, the Fellow contributes to the successful execution of a wide range of events and programs that connect the Colby community with leaders in public affairs. The position offers an opportunity to build professional skills while supporting the Center's mission to connect the Colby community to public affairs and its integrated approach  of  dialog,  experiential  learning,  and  interdisciplinary  collaboration.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

To be successful in this position, an individual should be able to perform the essential duties and bring the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that support the role. Colby College supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This list of duties is intended to be representative rather than exhaustive, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Event Coordination & Public Programming (60%)

• Coordinator logistics for the Center’s events, including scheduling, space reservations, catering, A/V needs, guest travel/accommodations, event registrations

• Serve as a primary point of contact for campus partners, and vendors

• Support day of event execution and develop event run-of-show materials

• Collect and organize post-event data and participation metrics

Program Development & Support (20%)

• Collaborate with the Deputy Director to support academic and co-curricular programming

• Assist with student-facing initiatives, including internships and leadership programs

• Contribute to program planning and execution

Communication & Outreach (10%)

• Create and distribute marketing materials for Center events and programs, liaising with the Office of Communications as necessary or needed.

• Assist with compiling reports, impact summaries, and program evaluations

• Update website content and support digital communications

Administration & Operational Support (10%)

• Track expenses and support budget related processes for events and programs

• Maintain records of event attendance, guest speakers, and programming activities

• Support advisory board and student council logistics

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Education and/or experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from Colby College (Class of 2026) required

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

• Ability to work independently and take initiative while contributing to a collaborative team environment

• Knowledge of or an interest in engaging with the ecosystem of public affairs, including such domains as journalism, advocacy, politics, policy-making, and public administration and service

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace

• Valid driver’s license required and must meet Colby’s Fleet Safety Policy requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings and occasional weekends in support of events

Preferred Qualifications or Skills

• Experience in event coordination, student leadership, communications, or program support

• Familiarity with event management tools, design platforms, and social media

Additional Information

• This is a fixed-term fellowship position intended for a recent Colby College graduate

• Evening work during the academic year and occasional weekend availability is required

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• To perform this role effectively, an employee is expected to handle employee information, documents, and sensitive matters with care, professionalism, and respect for privacy.

• This position involves working with a variety of timelines, including some that require quick turnaround and responsiveness to urgent needs.

• In this role, the employee will interact with members of the public and others in a variety of situations and conversations. Presenting oneself in a professional, respectful, and thoughtful manner at all times is an important part of the role.

• This position includes regular movement throughout office spaces, hallways, meeting rooms, and other campus locations.

• Daily work may involve extended use of a computer, including keyboard and mouse

• Physical requirements differ by position. In general, most roles involve lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, with some positions requiring occasional lifting of up to 35 pounds or, in more physically demanding roles, up to 50 pounds.

• Vision requirements for this position include the ability to see clearly at close and far distances and to adjust focus as needed.

• The work environment is dynamic and engaging, often involving multiple tasks and projects that require shifting focus and strong organizational skills.

• The noise level is generally moderate; however, there may be occasional moments of louder sounds depending on campus activity.