Coordinator of Basic Needs AS8762

Oklahoma State University; Stillwater (OK); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Oklahoma State University is seeking a Coordinator of Basic Needs to enhance student support by managing campus food pantry operations and providing direct assistance to students facing food, financial, or housing insecurity. This role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least two years of relevant experience.

The Coordinator fosters partnerships, oversees logistics for essential resources, and leads initiatives promoting student well-being and success. Exceptional communication skills and an ability to work with diverse populations are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, social work, or related field.
• Two years of relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee campus food pantry and food recovery operations.
• Provide trauma-informed support for students in need.
• Manage partnerships and expand resource availability.
• Supervise student staff and manage budgets.

Skills

Knowledge of college student development

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Multi-tasking capability

Experience in working with diverse populations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree in related field (preferred)

Job description

Responsibilities

Campus Life’s mission is to enhance the student experience through intentional opportunities that promote belonging, engagement, and support. The Coordinator of Basic Needs leads a comprehensive system of support that ensures students have consistent access to essential resources, primarily overseeing campus food pantry and food recovery operations. This includes managing day‑to‑day logistics, inventory systems, volunteer staff, and service delivery to ensure efficient, respectful, and stigma‑reducing experiences for students. The role also builds and sustains campus and community partnerships to expand resource availability while implementing strategic outreach and utilization efforts. In addition, the position provides direct, trauma‑informed support to students experiencing food, financial, or housing insecurity by conducting assessments, developing individualized action plans, coordinating crisis interventions, and administering emergency funding in compliance with financial aid regulations. Beyond direct service delivery, the Coordinator advances a coordinated institutional response to student basic needs through campus initiatives, student leadership development, and cross‑campus collaboration. The role advises student organizations and committees, leads outreach and education efforts, and supports programs that promote awareness, engagement, and advocacy. Administratively, the position oversees student staff supervision, budget management, donor reporting, and vendor relationships, while also leading data collection, assessment, and reporting efforts to inform decision‑making and demonstrate program impact. Through strategic analysis, partnership‑building, and continuous improvement, the Coordinator plays a critical role in strengthening systems of care that support student well‑being, belonging, and academic success.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in a related field such as education, higher education, psychology, human development, counseling, leadership, social work, leisure studies, recreation management, or nonprofit management. Degree must be conferred on or before the agreed‑upon start date.
• Two years of relevant professional work experience. Post‑secondary education may substitute for years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s in a related field such as education, higher education, psychology, human development, counseling, leadership, or social work.
• Two or more years of full‑time consistent professional experience in student affairs, student development, or work supporting students in a higher education setting. Two to four years experience in student affairs.

Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledgeable about and/or have skills in college student development and educational best practices and principles.
• High degree of personal and professional integrity, respect for privacy and confidentiality, and a demonstrated sense of ethics.
• Ability to work independently, multi‑task, and coordinate numerous detailed tasks as well as proven success with working on a team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to work with populations of different backgrounds and life experiences.
• Demonstrated asset‑based thinking skills when working with others.
• Demonstrated ability to reframe complex situations to put forward plans of action with deliverables.
• Proven ability to collaborate successfully with multiple departments.

Ability to lift 50 pounds.