Student Engagement & Well-being: Communications and Operations Coordinator

Metropolitan State University of Denver; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Metropolitan State University of Denver is seeking a Communications and Operations Coordinator to support Student Engagement & Well-being (SEW) across multiple units. The role emphasizes coordinating communications, workflows, and administrative tasks to enhance student support in a fast-paced, student-centered environment.

The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, and able to work independently or collaboratively, with a strong commitment to equity and social

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience coordinating communications or marketing initiatives.
• Experience developing timelines and organizing work.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate communication initiatives and operational activities supporting SEW priorities.
• Participate in awards committee selection processes and manage communications for University-level awards and scholarships.
• Coordinate implementation of communication initiatives with campus partners.
• Assess communication and operational needs, gather information, and develop recommendations.
• Develop implementation plans, coordinate activities across departments, monitor progress.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and briefings; support unit-wide communications.
• Serve on student affairs and University-wide committees that support major events and initiatives.
• Lead or participate in committees and working groups that advance department priorities.

Skills

Communication

Project coordination

Time management

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Operations & Systems, the Communications and Operations Coordinator is a multi-faceted role that is responsible for coordinating communications, operational workflows, and administrative activities that support Student Engagement & Well-being and its departments/services. The position responsibilities are broad, dynamic, and essential to the overall operations of the University and to effective student support. The position calls for an individual who is interested in diverse work, detail oriented and an excellent communicator, enjoys a fast-paced and student-centered environment, and who is able to work independently and collaboratively. The position also calls for a creative solution-oriented problem solver with strong cultural consciousness and a deep understanding of equity and social justice issues impacting higher education, and for a professional who exercises sound judgement.

About the University

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver. Our student population consists of over 55% first generation students and over 45% students of color.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Branch

Within the Branch of Enrollment and Student Affairs, we strive to create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. Rather, it requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a foundation for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.

About the Unit

Student Engagement & Well-being (SEW) provides student support through social programming, basic needs insecurity, housing and residence life, health and human services, and other whole person centered care. SEW supports through 23 functional areas aimed at increasing the college persistence and graduation rates. This position will work collaboratively with directors and key leaders across all SEW units and other key University leaders to coordinate communications, digital content, websites, and related communication activities across SEW.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. IND208

Duties/Responsibilities

50% - Communications Coordination and Operational Support

• Coordinate communication initiatives and operational activities that support Student Engagement & Well-being priorities including planning timelines, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders, tracking progress, and supporting timely completion. As needed, participate in and/or lead projects with branch-wide or University-wide objectives.
• Participate in awards committeeselection processes and manage communication for University-level awards, as well as annual unit and departmental scholarships. Plan associated recognition event(s) each semester.
• Coordinate implementation of communication initiatives and provide operational support for unit wide efforts in collaboration with campus partners.
• Assess communication and operational needs, gather information, and develop recommendations.
• Develop implementation plans, coordinate activities across departments, monitor progress, and follow up with stakeholders to support successful completion of communication and operational priorities.
• Coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and briefings; support unit-wide communications and distribute relevant information to colleagues.
• Serve on student affairs and University-wide committees that support major events, divisional initiatives, and related programs.
• Lead or participate in committees and working groups that advance department priorities.

30% - Communications

• Coordinate communication and marketing efforts for events hosted by SEW and other large-scale events in coordination with Enrollment & Student Affairs (ESA) and University Communications & Marketing (UCM). Align calendaring and targeted audience sends based on ESA communications calendars and other relevant university calendars. Coordinate communications with other units in ESA contributing to the aligned strategy.
• Maintain, update, edit, and revise SEW communications and websites.
• Monitor communication effectiveness and compile metrics; document and share successes and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate implementation of the Student Engagement & Well-being marketing and communications strategy in alignment with ESA and UCM.
• Support implementation of the SEW content strategy by developing communications materials, maintaining digital content, and using engagement analytics to inform continuous improvement.
• Lead SEW and Student Affairs communication initiatives, including drafting communication on behalf of SEW and editing documents and materials.
• Serve as a Student Engagement & Well-being representative on the Centralized Student Communications Team to align communication efforts across Enrollment and Student Affairs departments and effectively engage students, specifically for communications.

15% - Administrative Support

• Purchase/procure office supplies and equipment, manage departmental inventories, and develop/maintain systems for effective office operations related to resource and equipment management.
• Coordinate fiscal transactions related to communication initiatives, including the creation and management of Special Purchase Orders (SPOs), Purchase Orders (POs), check requests, and similar processes. Coordinate payment with vendors and/or contractors used to ensure appropriate and timely payment. Manage payment of invoices, prepare contracts, funds transfers, and related transactions, in accordance with state and institutional fiscal policies.
• Track budgets and prepare recurring and ad hoc budget reports, using Workday finance modules to verify expenditures and/or revenue is accurate. Support the AVP and Directors in identifying and mitigating budget concerns.
• Assist with SEW budget forecasting and organization of budget allocations.
• Support calendaring within SEW AVP leadership team.
• As needed, assist with office coverage and/or student employee supervision.

5% - Other Duties as Assigned

Position Competencies

• Demonstrates values-based leadership by modeling CADRE values, building trust through self-awareness and emotional intelligence, seeking feedback, and navigating conflict productively.
• Ensures operational effectiveness by managing priorities, time, and resources responsibly, adhering to policies, delivering measurable results, and meeting performance expectations.
• Aligns individual work with team and departmental goals by contributing to shared priorities, seeking clarity, and adapting to change in support of the 2030 Strategic Plan.
• Practices collaboration by communicating clearly, checking for understanding, building strong relationships, and engaging diverse perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
• Advances equity and belonging with awareness of culture and potential biases, listens openly to diverse perspectives, contributing to respectful and inclusive work relationships.
• Innovates by developing professional skills, staying informed on relevant trends, and identifying opportunities to improve processes and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (error-free and able to clearly articulate ideas in written format)
• Demonstrated ability to organize multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience coordinating communications or marketing initiatives
• Experience developing timelines and organizing work

Important Note: Successful applicants will ensure their resumes clearly demonstrate that their work experience describes how they meet ALL required qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in higher education administration, social work, counseling, business, communications or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university
• Experience with data collection and program evaluation/assessment
• Experience designing communications that promote community engagement
• Experience working in a high volume, multi-faceted work environment
• Experience with technology systems and platforms used in higher education (Workday, etc.)
• Experience developing and/or updating websites using a content management system

Work Hours

• Full-time, 40 hours per week, Exempt
• Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00 pm
• Evening and Weekend Work: As Needed
• This is a 100% in-person role
• Minimal, if any Travel

Salary for Announcement

Under Colorado law, MSU Denver is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $58,189 - $72,736.

This position is paid monthly and is eligible for MSU Denver benefits.

Full Consideration Date

Complete applications received by September 17, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST will receive full consideration, however applications will be accepted after this date until the position is lled.

Open Until Filled

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.