Manager, Student Basic Needs

Pay Grade: 30E

Context of the Job:

 

Working under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, Student Advocacy & Support/Assistant Dean of Students, the Blue Hen Essentials Manager , manages daily operations and supports the continued development of basic needs services using trauma-informed and equity-minded practices that support coordination across the Food & Supply Pantry, Clothing Coop, and Student Crisis Fund to help students access appropriate basic needs resources.

The Manager works directly with students experiencing food insecurity, financial hardship, and related barriers to success, while also coordinating services, resources, and partnerships that strengthen the University’s response to student basic needs. Through direct supervision of student employees and coordination with campus and community partners, the Manager helps ensure high-quality, dignified, and confidential service delivery. In partnership with campus stakeholders and community organizations, the Manager helps strengthen referral networks, coordinated support, and access to institutional and community-based resources.

Major Responsibilities:

 

Program Operations and Administration

• Manage the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of core basic needs initiatives, including the Food & Supply Pantry, Clothing Coop, and Student Crisis Fund, while ensuring effective inventory practices, documentation, confidentiality standards, and stewardship of program supplies and funds.
• Develop, implement, and maintain procedures, workflows, and service standards to support consistent, confidential, equitable, and effective program operations
• Coordinate the ongoing improvement of Blue Hen Essentials services using trauma-informed, student-centered, and equitable practices
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate student employees, fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and service-oriented team environment
• Monitor the program budget, use available resources, and engage with donors to effectively support ongoing operations and service needs

Student Support and Care Coordination

• Meet with students experiencing complex or sensitive challenges, assess needs, and coordinate individualized support and referrals
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for students experiencing basic needs insecurity and connect them with appropriate campus and community resources
• Coordinate responses to student situations related to basic needs insecurity, ensuring timely, collaborative, and student-centered support
• Provide support and guidance to students navigating personal, financial, social, and academic concerns that affect access and persistence

Partnerships, Outreach, and Assessment

• Track and review trends related to undergraduate and graduate student basic needs and use data to identify trends, inform day-to-day service improvements, and support supervisor-level planning.
• Maintain assessment and reporting practices for Blue Hen Essentials programs and services, including utilization trends, service gaps, and recommendations for continuous improvement
• Maintain and strengthen working relationships with community-based organizations, including food banks, housing authorities, and social service agencies, to maintain referral relationships and expand available resources for students
• Coordinate with campus partners to clarify referral pathways, align support processes, and reduce duplication of services
• Lead outreach and education efforts and programs to increase awareness of basic needs resources, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking
• Prepare reports and updates for divisional leadership and relevant stakeholders regarding student needs, program activity, and recommendations for service improvement
• Other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications:

 

• Bachelor’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, social work, or a related field and four years of relevant experience working with college students required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in case management or basic needs initiatives within a higher education or community-based setting.
• Ability to design, implement, and assess programs and services that support student success and well-being.
• Experience developing and leading outreach initiatives that engage diverse student populations and reduce barriers to access.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with the ability to effectively support students from a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
• Record of success as a student advocate, with the ability to navigate complex systems and champion equitable outcomes.
• Knowledge of campus and community-based resources, including public benefits and social service systems.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and effectively manage sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to respond calmly and effectively in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Experience working collaboratively across departments and with external partners in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency with case management systems, student information systems, and general computer applications preferred.
• Ability to use assessment, data, and evidence-based practices to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to use student needs trends and service data to inform operational improvements and program recommendations.
• Experience developing procedures, workflows, or service practices that improve consistency, access, and quality of support.
• Ability to work outside of regular business hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to consistently stand, bend, stoop and reach, including lifting up to 25 pounds