Coordinator for CARE

Position Summary

Lake Forest College invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Coordinator for CARE (Community, Advocacy, Resources, and Empowerment). Reporting to the Director for CARE, the Coordinator serves as a key member of the CARE team by developing educational programs, advising student organizations, fostering student belonging, and supporting campus-wide initiatives that promote dialogue across difference and inclusive community.

The Coordinator works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to create meaningful educational experiences that strengthen community, encourage engagement across difference, and support the success and well-being of all students. This position also assists with assessment efforts, campus climate initiatives, and the daily operations of the CARE Center.

Job Responsibilities

Student Engagement & Leadership Development

• Advise identity-based, culturally focused, and spiritual/religious/faith-based student organizations, supporting student leadership development, organizational effectiveness, and program planning.
• Support educational, social, and cultural programs that foster belonging, community engagement, and leadership development.
• Recruit, train, supervise, and mentor CARE student employees, interns, and student leaders.
• Collaborate with the Gates Center, Residence Life, New Student Orientation, and other campus partners to integrate CARE initiatives into the student experience.
• Coordinate pre-Orientation New Student program

Dialogue Across Difference & Educational Programming

• Coordinate and facilitating educational workshops and dialogue programs focused on identity, communication, belonging, and constructive engagement across difference.
• Serve as a facilitator for campus conversations, dialogue series, and educational programs.
• Support implementation of dialogue across difference framework through co-curricular programming.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to connect classroom learning with co-curricular experiences.

CARE Center Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day operation of the CARE Center.
• Coordinate the Center's calendar, space utilization, student engagement initiatives, and signature programs.
• Coordinate communication efforts including newsletters, social media, website content, and promotional materials.
• Support budget tracking, purchasing, event logistics, and office administration.

Campus Climate & Community Support

• Assist with campus climate initiatives including focus groups, surveys, and student feedback efforts.
• Monitor student concerns and emerging issues and communicate trends to the Director.
• Support restorative and educational responses following bias incidents or community concerns in collaboration with campus partners.
• Serve as a resource for students seeking support, referrals, or involvement opportunities.

Assessment & Program Evaluation

• Collect participation data and assist in assessing CARE programs and initiatives.
• Utilize assessment results to recommend improvements to programs and services.

Campus Collaboration

• Serve on institutional committees and working groups as assigned.
• Partner with Academic Affairs, Residence Life, Student Organizations, Athletics, Admissions, Human Resources, and other departments to promote an inclusive campus environment.
• Represent CARE during admissions programs, orientation, family weekends, and other institutional events.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience working with diverse student populations in higher education or a related educational setting.
• Experience advising student organizations or facilitating student leadership development.
• Experience planning and implementing educational programs and campus events.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate discussions involving identity, belonging, communication, and community.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Bachelor’s degree in related field

Preferred

• Experience facilitating dialogue across difference or restorative dialogue.
• Experience supervising student employees or graduate assistants.
• Experience collecting or interpreting assessment data.

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Social Work, Education, or a closely related field required.
• Experience with student development theory, leadership education, or campus climate initiatives.Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, College Student Personnel, Counseling, Social Work, Education, or a closely related field required.

Full benefits information including eligibility details is located at:

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