Community Engagement Specialist

Simmons College Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 39,100 - 63,400; Full time

Job summary

Simmons University in Boston seeks a Community Engagement Specialist to coordinate co-curricular service programs, collaborate with students, campus partners, and community organizations, and support student leadership development.

You will help plan, execute, and assess programs advancing community engagement and social justice, build partnerships, manage budgets, and provide supervision for student assistants as part of a dynamic, equity-driven team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2‑4 years of related experience in community engagement, student affairs, non‑profit management, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated experience advising, mentoring, or supporting diverse student populations focused on student leadership development.
• Experience supporting program assessment and monitoring program budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse populations and collaborate across departments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate day‑to‑day operations of current co‑curricular service programs.
• Provide training, professional development, and reflection opportunities for students with a focus on leadership and social justice.
• Coordinate leadership training curriculum with other co‑curricular and academic initiatives.
• Assist in assessing program outcomes, evaluating effectiveness, preparing reports, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Monitor program expenses to use resources efficiently; manage student program budgets, purchases, and track spending.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Public speaking

Mentoring/Advising

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. We offer Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. Our mission is to prepare students to become social justice‑oriented leaders in their professions and communities.

JOB SUMMARY

As Community Engagement Specialist, you will coordinate and support co‑curricular community engagement programs, collaborate with students, campus partners, and community organizations to implement service‑oriented programming, support student leadership development, and cultivate meaningful community partnerships. You will also contribute to the planning, execution, and assessment of programs that advance community engagement and social justice initiatives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Co‑Curricular Program Development and Support
  • Coordinate day‑to‑day operations of current co‑curricular service programs.
  • Provide training, professional development, and reflection opportunities for students with a focus on leadership and social justice.
  • Coordinate leadership training curriculum with other co‑curricular and academic initiatives.
  • Research best practices and new approaches to improve the quality and impact of programming.
  • Assist in assessing program outcomes, evaluating effectiveness, preparing reports, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Monitor program expenses to use resources efficiently; manage student program budgets, purchases, and track spending.
  • Track Community Federal Work Study to ensure annual targets are met.
  • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners that meet student and program needs while providing community benefit.
• General Support for Community Engagement and Social Justice
  • Support overall operations of the Center including campus‑wide engagement initiatives, evaluation across programs, and creation of a comprehensive annual report.
  • Contribute to campus‑wide community engagement initiatives and participate in planning efforts related to student engagement.
  • Assist with implementation of departmental initiatives and projects that support student engagement priorities.
  • Provide day‑to‑day direction, scheduling, and training for student office assistants.
  • Represent Community Engagement at orientation, admission, and other College student recruiting activities.
• Other duties and responsibilities – Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 2‑4 years of related experience in community engagement, student affairs, non‑profit management, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated experience advising, mentoring, or supporting diverse student populations focused on student leadership development.
• Experience supporting program assessment and monitoring program budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with diverse populations and collaborate across departments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment.
• Teamwork and collaboration skills; ability to work toward common goals.
• Capacity to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to evolving community needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Full time, 40 hours a week.
• Eligible for partial remote work up to two days a week.
• Requires occasional night and weekend work.
• Typical office setting with moderate noise.
• Physical demands include finger dexterity, talking, seeing, hearing, walking, sitting, bending, pushing/pulling, and minimal unassisted lifting up to 20 pounds.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

Cover letter is required for consideration.

Pay: $39,100.00 – $63,400.00 annually. This is a benefits‑eligible position. Compensation is based on experience, education, skills, equity, and market benchmarks.

Simmons University is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to inclusive excellence. We encourage applicants from all under‑represented groups.