Basic Needs Coordinator

About MassArt:

Founded in 1873, having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), is the nation's first and only independent, free-standing public college of art and design in the country. MassArt is an inclusive community of thinkers, doers, makers, educators, innovators and leaders striving to shape the future through art and design. We've spent 150 years demonstrating the truly amazing things that happen when a world-class art and design education is an option for every deserving student. Located in Boston's hub of arts and culture along the Avenue of the Arts, MassArt enrolls 2,000 students and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in 18 disciplines, as well as continuing education and youth programs.

MassArt strives to be a model of diversity and inclusion; the campus community reflects the layers of cultural and self-identity that proudly make up our region, nation, and world. We build effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the College by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance to all and maintain an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Job Description:

The Basic Needs Coordinator plans, coordinates, and supports the daily operations of MassArt's Basic Needs initiatives. The Coordinator will serve as a central resource for students experiencing basic needs disparities and works collaboratively with campus partners and community-based organizations to reduce barriers to student success, retention, and completion.

The Basic Needs Coordinator maintains a non-clinical caseload of students experiencing basic needs challenges and provides short-term support, resource navigation, referrals, and follow-up. This position also oversees daily operations of The Shelf, MassArt's on-campus college food pantry, supervises student employees, supports outreach and educational programming, and assists with budget tracking and reporting.

Salary Range:$55,000.00 - $58,000.00, commensurate with experience.

Supervision Received: Non-Clinical Case Manager

Supervision Exercised: Student employees

Hours:37.5

Position is a grant-funded position and governed by the following APA Policies Handbook.

This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Please note that this position is funded through an external grant. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon the availability and renewal of grant funding.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the daily operations and activities of MassArt's Basic Needs programs, including oversight of related resources, services, and initiatives.
• Serve as a liaison between students, program staff, administrators, faculty, and community partners.
• Maintain a master calendar of Basic Needs-related events, workshops, and activities.
• Maintain and manage a non-clinical caseload of students experiencing basic needs challenges; provide short-term, strengths-based support, resource navigation, referrals, and follow-up.
• Assist students with applications for food assistance and other community-based support programs.
• Document student interactions and maintain accurate, confidential records in accordance with college policies.
• Coordinate with campus partners to ensure appropriate referrals and continuity of care.
• Manage the overall operations of The Shelf, MassArt's food pantry, including ordering, receiving, stocking, distributing supplies, and maintaining inventory and food quality standards.
• Train and supervise student employees.
• Plan and implement workshops, class presentations, and information sessions related to housing, food access, and Basic Needs.
• Coordinate outreach efforts and create accessible, culturally affirming informational and presentation materials to engage students experiencing basic needs disparities.
• Assist with monitoring program expenditures and budget projections and maintain accurate budget records.
• Work with the assigned administrator to establish and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations and collaborate with relevant campus offices.
• Evaluate policies, procedures, and practices related to Basic Needs services and recommend improvements.
• Work with Financial Aid and Student Success and Enrollment Management to identify students with long term financial planning needs and work directly with those students to create long term financial solutions for their educational journey.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the College's Strategic Plan

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, public health or a closely related field.
• One to three (1-3) years of relevant experience in student services, community services, program coordination, or human services.
• Experience providing support, resource navigation, or case coordination in a non-clinical setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to working with students from diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with campus partners.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in higher education or with college-aged populations.
• Experience supporting Basic Needs initiatives, food pantries, or community resource programs.
• Experience supervising or training student employees.
• Familiarity with equity-minded, trauma-informed, and student-centered practices.
• Personal financial planning experience and knowledge of financial aid programs at the state and federal level.
• Experience with outreach, programming, or student engagement initiatives.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds, including food pantry items and supplies.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach stock shelves and manage pantry inventory.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.