Job Description

Van Andel Institute (VAI), a world-class biomedical research institute, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is dedicated to improving human health. We are pioneers in the fight against cancer, Parkinson's, and other diseases. We are committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and educators.

The Van Andel Institute People Development team strives to make VAI a recognized destination for building a thriving career—a place where employees are inspired to learn, collaborate meaningfully and advance human health and education.

We are seeking an organized, service-minded full-time People Development Coordinator who enjoys turning plans into well-run experiences. Reporting to the Director of People Development, you will coordinate programs and events while providing the day-to-day administrative support that keeps the team moving. You will manage timelines and logistics, support communications and systems, schedule meetings, maintain records and help ensure the details behind successful work are handled accurately and on time.

This role is a strong fit for someone who notices what others may miss, follows through reliably and takes pride in helping a team deliver excellent work.

What You’ll Do

You will coordinate the details that allow People Development programs, training activities and team operations to run smoothly. Your work will include:

• Working with project owners to coordinate timelines, tasks and deliverables for People Development events and programs.
• Using project management software to organize events, tasks and deadlines and helping team members use the system effectively.
• Coordinating event logistics, including space, food, agendas, supplies, vendors and visitor travel, accommodations, arrival, escorting, reimbursements and honoraria.
• Coordinating event communications and learning management system activities, including promotional materials, registration, waitlists, reminders, materials and evaluations.
• Tracking event-related spending against approved budgets.
• Providing administrative support for the Cancer Epigenetics Training Program and the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs.
• Providing administrative support to team members, including calendar management, meeting scheduling, document preparation and new staff onboarding.
• Managing People Development and Postdoc Office SharePoint sites, department records, procedures, vendor lists and project documentation.
• Serving as a central point of contact for department inquiries and logistical needs, providing courteous assistance and directing requests appropriately.
• Anticipating routine needs, identifying missing information or overlooked tasks, and resolving standard issues independently or with team members, as appropriate.

What You’ll Bring

You are a dependable coordinator who pairs close attention to detail with a welcoming, people-first approach. You also bring:

• An associate or bachelor’s degree is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• At least two years of experience providing administrative support or coordinating events, programs or projects.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce accurate, timely work.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• The ability to work independently, anticipate routine needs, resolve standard issues and keep team members informed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to learn and effectively use project management, learning management and other administrative systems.
• Professionalism, discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive information.

Compensation and Benefits

All full-time employees of Van Andel Institute are eligible for benefits effective on their first day. Compensation for this role will be based on the successful candidate’s experience and skills and range from $25-$30 per hour. This role is full-time, in person at Van Andel Institute; remote work one day a week is possible based on job performance.

Your Next Steps

If this sounds like work you would find meaningful, we invite you to apply. Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your experience and interest in the role as one PDF through our online application.

ABOUT VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through cutting-edge biomedical research and innovative educational offerings. Established in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1996 by the Van Andel family, VAI is now home to more than 650 scientists, educators and support staff, who work with a growing number of national and international collaborators to foster discovery. The Institute’s scientists study the origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and translate their findings into breakthrough prevention and treatment strategies. Our educators develop inquiry-based approaches for K–12 education to help students and teachers prepare the next generation of problem-solvers, while our Graduate School offers a rigorous, research-intensive Ph.D. program in molecular and cellular biology. Learn more at vai.org.

Van Andel Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) Employer. We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, disability (physical or mental), marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology, or membership in any other legally protected class. We are an Equal Opportunity employer.

As Van Andel Institute is a drug free employer, all prospective new employees undergo a urinalysis/drug test as part of our pre-employment process. This is a 7-panel drug screen and it includes testing for Marijuana, Cocaine, Amphetamines, Opiates, PCP, Barbiturates, and Benzodiazepines.

About Grand Rapids, MI

Van Andel Institute is in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan in the center of the Medical Mile. A remarkable combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere and small-town warmth, Grand Rapids is known for its philanthropic and sustainability-driven community. It’s fun affordable and family-friendly.

Located on the banks of the Grand River, Grand Rapids offers all the big-city excitement you'd expect from a million-resident metropolis, featuring hundreds of restaurants and nightspots, theaters, museums, sports and concerts. The safe and clean downtown is surrounded by an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas. The downtown area is safe and clean with an eclectic mix of walkable neighborhoods and natural areas.