Program Coordinator, University Student Centers

Grade: 29E

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

The University Student Centers (USC) cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, community in which students learn and thrive at the University of Delaware. As part of the Division of Student Life, the Trabant University Center and the Perkins Student Center serve as the social and educational epicenters for the campus, providing vibrant and intentionally planned engagement opportunities that support USCs’ learning outcomes, but also those of the Division of Student Life and the overall educational aims of UD, as articulated by the General Education purposes and objectives. The USC team affords every student a path to contribute to the campus community and heighten their sense of belonging through on-campus employment opportunities, nationally recognized leadership development programs, over 400 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and dynamic and engaging campus events and traditions. The unique cross-functional nature of the department, which includes facilities, events, student organizations, and leadership programs, necessitates that each professional staff member pursues cross-unit collaborations and partnerships, as well as assumes some cross-functional duties and roles, such as opening/closing the facility based on event coverage; rotating evening-duty, serving as a professional advisor to RSOs, and providing programmatic support for department and divisional events. Collectively and through collaboration, USC team members play a critical role in actualizing the Division of Student Life mission and vision.

Under the general direction of the Associate Director for Programming, the Program Coordinator provides programming assistance and support to events and large-scale programs including concerts, major festivals, films, trips, cultural events, lectures, and traditional and historic events.

Some of the university’s premiere high-profile events including Student Homecoming Week, Parent and Family Weekend Featured Events, Senior Days events, Trabant Now, Perkins Live, Welcome Weekend Events, and UD on Stage.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Advisement

• Plan, produce, and assess a variety of educational, social, and recreational programs, events, and services such as Opening Weekend, Parents and Family Weekend, Senior Days events, Quizzo, Perkins Live and Trabant Now, the USC Film Series, and other student focused campus-wide events.
• Provide campus event programming advisement and assistance to a designated council (e.g., concerts, traditions and community, cultural events) of University of Delaware’s programming board with an annual budget of $500,000.
• Provide campus event programming advisement and assistance to major Registered Student Organizations in developing educational and social activities. Oversee program development and mentor student leaders in developing policy awareness and organizational skills and professional competencies.
• Oversee the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of the student programming board.
• Advise the programming board on risk management, security, and safety practices. Educate board on national standards and best practices for event management.
• Work in partnership with Community Standards and Conflict Resolution (CSCR) to support organization and individual member training accountability as it relates to the student code of conduct.
• Develop curriculum, teach leadership skills, and facilitate educational programs for programming board (e.g., risk management training, contract negotiation, event planning, organizational leadership, meeting facilitation and planning, and officer training).
• Organize and plan curriculum for spring annual retreats and weekly training sessions for programming board members.
• Coordinate and facilitate collaborations as appropriate with student groups, Student Life departments, academic departments, graduate students, and the greater community for the purpose of co-sponsorships, assessment, and implementing programs which strengthen campus engagement.
• Serve as advisor to specific directly advised RSOs (e.g. UDance, E-52, Outdoor Club) as assigned by the Executive Director, assists with training and facilitation for student leaders, and provides facility-related support during large-scale events and campus emergencies.

Programmatic Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and assess large scale programming, including events ranging in size from 2500-5000 people for the university community including sponsored lectures and other campus-wide programs.
• Develop program budgets; negotiate rates with vendors; collect, review, and pay invoices; and perform post-program financial reconciliation.
• Design learning outcomes and student learning strategies for the more than 100 programs focused on engagement, leadership, and community development
• Contribute to the development of a culture of student partnership and ownership. Actively develop and promote community initiatives designed to engage students in the college experience based on national best practices for engagement and retention.
• Provide supervision of weekend and evening programs which may include lectures, concerts, performing artists, comedy shows and major campus-wide events. Act as on-site liaison and troubleshoot issues with public safety, UDPD, EHS, FREAS, and parking and transportation.
• Coordinate performance and production aspects of the annual Fall Student Involvement Fair featuring more than 300 student organizations and departments and attracting approximately 6000 students.
• Respond to and resolve student/event concerns and emergencies, as needed, such as crowd management, artist breach of contract, weather and facility-related emergencies, transportation (trip) accidents and breakdowns, participant injuries, etc.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist supervisor in implementing major departmental initiatives related to department strategic plan and program plans.
• Participate in department, divisional, and institutional professional development and growth opportunities to maintain current knowledge of student development and student learning research, theory, and practice that best serve the needs of students. Develop scholar practitioner practices to create and share knowledge with colleagues.
• Assist with assessment and data collection initiatives pertaining to student development and program and event management utilizing Divisional assessment tools (Qualtrics) to ensure learning outcomes are achieved.
• Develop and cultivate positive working relationships and partnerships with other University departments in Student Life, Academic Departments, Athletics, Development and Alumni Relations, UDPD, Risk Management, and Purchasing / Accounting / Business, and Dining Services in the advisement of students and delivery of creative, innovative programs, and large-scale institutional events.
• Ensure compliance with university financial, facilities, and risk management policies and procedures.
• Support the work and mission of the Division of Student Life through committees, task forces and special assignments.
• Serve on-call for evening events as part of rotational team to support student staff and provide a new lens and perspective about facility operations, students, events, and programs to inform training programs and services.Write reports, provide benchmarking and best practices research, and fulfill other projects assigned by the Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree preferred in student personnel or other related discipline and one-year related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of college student learning and development theories.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community and rapidly changing technical environment
• Ability to apply assessment practices related to student growth, learning and success within student organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, presentation skills, and program development skills are essential.
• Ability to develop and coordinate multi-task projects and implement large-scale programming events.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively prioritize competing needs.
• Ability to apply learning outcome approaches preferred. Proficiency in training, group facilitation, programming, advertising, and/or marketing events.
• Ability to provide direction and guidance in maintaining existing programs. Ability to create new programs.
• Ability to provide direction and guidance in maintaining existing programs. Ability to create new programs.
• Ability to interpret, adapt, and apply guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Demonstrated understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evening and weekend events.