Application Guide
How to Apply for Information Systems (IS) Associate - Temp
at ScholarMatch
🏢 About ScholarMatch
ScholarMatch uniquely focuses on supporting first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds through individualized advising, scholarships, and mentorship to help them earn bachelor's degrees within five years. Working here means directly contributing to educational equity and social mobility, with a mission-driven culture that values both student success and operational efficiency.
About This Role
As an IS Associate - Temp, you'll provide essential administrative support for ScholarMatch's technology systems, including password resets in Google Workspace, account setup tasks, and maintaining data accuracy in Airtable. This role is impactful because you'll ensure smooth operations for staff who directly support students, helping maintain the data integrity crucial for tracking student progress and program effectiveness.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing and processing Google Workspace password reset requests following verification procedures, then moving to Airtable to update student or donor records and run data checks for accuracy. You might spend time documenting a changed procedure for the IS team, then assist with technology setup for an upcoming virtual advising session, all while maintaining strict confidentiality around sensitive student information.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who ScholarMatch Is Looking For
- Has a STEM bachelor's degree with 2+ years of experience in both data analysis and IT systems, specifically comfortable with the verification processes required for password resets
- Demonstrates hands-on Airtable expertise including customizing bases, building formulas, automating workflows, and integrating with other applications
- Possesses meticulous attention to detail for data integrity tasks and understands database design principles, especially in an educational nonprofit context
- Can balance following established procedures (like security practices) while updating documentation when processes change
📝 Tips for Applying to ScholarMatch
Quantify your Airtable experience - mention specific bases you've customized, formulas you've built, or workflows you've automated, ideally in an educational or nonprofit context
Highlight any experience with Google Workspace administration, particularly password reset procedures and verification processes
Demonstrate your understanding of data integrity by describing how you've maintained accurate records in previous roles
Connect your technical skills to mission-driven work - explain why you want to apply these skills at an organization focused on educational equity
Address both the technical requirements AND the part-time, temporary nature of the role - show you understand this is a focused support position
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Specific examples of your Airtable expertise and how it improved data management in previous roles', 'Experience with verification processes and security practices, especially in handling sensitive information', 'Your ability to balance routine administrative tasks (like password resets) with documentation updates and data integrity checks', "Why you're drawn to applying technical skills at a college access organization serving first-generation students"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → ScholarMatch's specific programs and student demographics - understand who they serve and how
- → Their reported outcomes and impact metrics (like graduation rates for first-generation students)
- → How technology supports their advising model - look for mentions of systems in their annual reports or blog posts
- → Their organizational values and how they approach educational equity
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic IT experience without specifically addressing Airtable expertise and Google Workspace administration
- Focusing only on technical skills without demonstrating understanding of or interest in ScholarMatch's mission
- Overlooking the part-time, temporary nature of the role or appearing to want a different type of position
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!