"Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions"

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Department: Program Initiatives

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Summary:

The Coordinator for Student Engagement and Traditions supports the development and execution of campus-wide engagement initiatives that foster student thriving, community connection, and active involvement at American University. This position plays a key role in advising major student programming boards and contributes to the planning and delivery of a wide range of events such as Welcome Weeks, late-night programs, Eagles After Dark, Thank Clawed Its Wednesday, university festivals, class-year programs, and signature traditions. The coordinator is responsible for event logistics, budget management, adherence to university policies, and supervision of graduate and undergraduate student staff. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, a deep commitment to student development, and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Through intentional programming and student support, this position helps create a vibrant, inclusive campus culture that enhances the overall student experience, builds school spirit and promotes community building.

Essential Functions:

1. Student Advising and Training

   • Meet regularly with student leadership cohorts within the assigned functional areas to provide proactive feedback, individualized support, and strategic guidance that promotes personal development, leadership growth, and organizational success.
   • This position serves as the primary advisor for Students for Change, and Spirit and Traditions Board, offering ongoing mentorship and high-level event advising, and provides support to other programming boards under the Student Activity Council as needed.
   • Through this work, the coordinator fosters a student-centered approach to programming that enhances campus life and encourages collaboration, innovation, and school pride.

2. Student Engagement and Campus Programming

   • This position is responsible for planning and implementing a broad range of programs that enhance the student experience and contribute to a vibrant campus life.
   • This role involves working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful event execution, while continuously refining programming based on student feedback and assessment data.
   • In partnership with the broader student engagement team, the coordinator will support and channel student advocacy, energy, and creativity into the development of a dynamic and inclusive campus experience. This includes establishing new campus traditions with students that foster community and belonging among students, faculty, and staff, as well as designing, implementing and sustaining and enhancing existing signature events.
   • The coordinator will also help shape and implement a strategy to increase AU spirit and pride, grounded in the university’s history and culture.
   • Key responsibilities include supporting the planning and execution of the Eagles After Dark Program, Late Night Events, Welcome Weeks, Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday, class-year programs, and day-to-day engagement/programming opportunities as well as recurring programs and other events as needed throughout the academic year as directed by the Associate Director for Student Programs and Signature Events.

3. Administration & Budget Management

   • Manage budget and oversee funding process for student cohort groups and programming within functional area. Ensure fiscal responsibility, effective planning, effective use of resources, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies and procedures.
   • Create end-of-year reports for assigned functional area. Represent department on university and division wide committees.
   • Manage contracting processes as needed.
   • Develop and implement systems for assessing student engagement, satisfaction, and feedback related to program attendance and participation, to inform programmatic improvements and demonstrate the impact of engagement.
   • Coordinate program storage, supplies, and resource management.
   • Supervises graduate and student staff as needed.

4. Marketing, Communications, and Event Production

   • This position oversees the department’s digital presence, including the maintenance of the departmental website, newsletters, and related student organization pages.
   • The role manages and sustains a robust and creative social media presence across platforms, graphic design, and marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent engagement with the campus community.
   • Serve as the department’s programming point person for CampusLabs Engage, maintaining up-to-date records, forms, and assessment information in collaboration with the Associate Director.
   • Lead the planning and implementation of student retreats, including logistics, content development, and facilitation.
   • Demonstrating a strong passion for creativity and student outreach, the position collaborates with the Student Affairs marketing team and the University Communications office to develop and produce promotional materials for all departmental events and programs.
   • In addition, the position utilizes strong project management and organizational skills to lead the execution of assigned events, overseeing all production elements including audiovisual requirements, space setup, facilities coordination, staging, and other logistical needs to ensure successful event delivery.

Supervisory Responsibility: Supervises student staff and graduate assistants.

Competencies: Evaluating and Implementing Ideas, Developing Plans, Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions, Building and Supporting Teams, Managing Talent.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: Full-Time, 35 hours per week. Staff will work on an adjusted work schedule as needed, including late nights and weekends to support student programs.

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree, 1-3 years of relevant experience, and other specified abilities.

Preferred Education and Experience: Master’s degree, 2-4 years of relevant experience.

Benefits: AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits, leadership development certificates, and more. Click here to learn about benefits.