Program Specialist – Student Life Engagement
The Program Specialist – Student Life Engagement supports the development, coordination, and assessment of programs and initiatives that promote student involvement, belonging, leadership development, and campus engagement. This position works collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and campus partners to create meaningful opportunities for students to connect with one another and with the institution.
The Program Specialist provides day-to-day coordination for student engagement programs, events, organizations, and initiatives while contributing to a welcoming and inclusive student experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, coordinate, and implement student life programs, events, activities, and engagement initiatives that support student connection, belonging, leadership, and success.
- Develop opportunities that encourage student participation and strengthen students’ sense of community and connection to campus.
- Advise and support student organizations, student leaders, and student-led initiatives.
- Collaborate with campus departments, faculty, staff, community partners, and student groups to develop and deliver engaging programs and events.
- Assist with event logistics, including scheduling, facilities, reservations, promotion, supplies, staffing, contracts, and day-of-event coordination.
- Promote student life programs through social media, email, digital platforms, print materials, and other communication channels.
- Develop and maintain relationships with students and serve as a resource for questions related to student involvement and campus life.
- Support leadership development, volunteerism, peer engagement, and other initiatives designed to increase student participation.
- Collect and analyze participation data, student feedback, and program outcomes to assess effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Maintain accurate program records, calendars, budgets, purchasing documentation, and other administrative materials.
- Assist with developing and monitoring program budgets and expenditures.
- Support orientation, welcome programs, traditions, recognition programs, and other institution-wide student engagement initiatives as assigned.
- Help ensure programs and services are accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the needs of a diverse student population.
- Stay informed about trends and emerging practices in student engagement, student affairs, and campus programming.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the department and institutional student success goals.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in student affairs, higher education, education, communications, recreation, organizational leadership, or a related field.
- Experience coordinating programs, events, student activities, community engagement, or related initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with students and campus stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
- Proficiency with common office and communication technologies.
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, education, or a related field.
- Experience working in a college or university student affairs/student life environment.
- Experience advising student organizations or student leaders.
- Experience with event planning, student engagement platforms, social media, or campus communication.
- Experience using assessment and engagement data to improve programs and services.
- Knowledge of student development and engagement practices.