Massachusetts Inclusive Post Secondary Enrollment Initiative (MAIPSE) Research Assistant

Job Description

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

The Massachusetts Public Higher Education System

The Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education ("System") enrolls approximately 260,000 students in credit-bearing programs annually. The System consists of 15 community colleges, 9 state universities, and 5 University of Massachusetts ("UMass") campuses. The Board of Higher Education (BHE) has coordination and oversight responsibilities for the entire System, and the BHE, together with each institution's respective Board of Trustees, expects all students, faculty, and staff to be held to exacting standards in the performance of their roles and responsibilities.

The BHE is the Commonwealth's higher education authority with coordinating and regulatory responsibility for all public and private higher education institutions operating in the Commonwealth that are authorized to grant degrees. The BHE is staffed by the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which is run by a Commissioner who serves as the executive and administrative head of the department. Together, the BHE and DHE are the leading voice and advocate for postsecondary education in the Commonwealth.

In addition, the BHE and DHE's authority includes administering state financial aid and federal grant programs; managing and responding to consumer complaints; conducting financial assessments of institutions; managing employee relations and benefits for public higher education employees; managing collective bargaining contracts with state university and community colleges employees; and approving degree-granting authority for all public and most private higher education institutions operating within the Commonwealth. Currently, 80 private institutions of higher education operate in the Commonwealth and are authorized to grant degrees.

The BHE is staffed by its executive agency, the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which is run by Commissioner Noe Ortega. The Department of Higher Education is committed to the Values of Equity, Accountability, Community, Empowerment, Intentionality, and Teamwork, and seeks applicants who value the full diversity of Massachusetts students and who share a sensitivity to and understanding of the academic, socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of the populations served. We employ a hybrid hoteling work model with a fixed weekly team day schedule.

Position Overview

The MAIPSE Program is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support a range of activities under the direction of the MAIPSE State Director. This position requires approximately 15-19 hours per week, depending on project needs, and will run until August 31, 2026.

MAIPSE is a partially state-funded initiative that supports partnerships between local school districts and two- and four-year colleges and universities across Massachusetts. Through MAIPSE, students with disabilities are enrolled in college courses while continuing to receive special education services provided by their partnering school districts.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the MAIPSE Director in conducting research and evaluation activities across all MAIPSE programs throughout Massachusetts

• Support planning and coordination of conferences for MAIPSE partners

• Disseminate promotional materials related to Massachusetts Inclusive Postsecondary Education initiatives

• Provide ongoing support to program coordinators to ensure timely and accurate data entry for the state initiative

• Assist in coordinating the annual grant review process

• Support the renewal and maintenance of project web pages in collaboration with participating grantees