Student Life and Services Operations Specialist

Laguardia; New York (NY); On-site; USD 77,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, seeks a Student Life Specialist to support daily CARES operations, front-office procedures, and student-facing services, including the food pantry and other assistance programs.

Reporting to the CARES Director, you will coordinate staff, schedule, onboarding, and events, maintain confidential records, monitor workflows, and help deliver equitable, welcoming student experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and four years' related experience required.
• Proven experience in office administration and program coordination.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience in higher education or non-profit organizations is a plus.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily administrative and operational functions of the CARES front office, establish and maintain efficient office procedures, service-flow processes, appointment systems, and front-desk operations to ensure a welcoming, professional, and responsive student experience.
• Provide operational assistance with CARES student-facing services and basic-needs activities, including the food pantry, and other student-support initiatives; monitor daily operations and implement solutions.
• Lead initial assessment and routing of student inquiries, providing general information on CARES programs, eligibility, applications, referrals, workshops, and resources; determine referrals to CARES staff.
• Coordinate and monitor student service processes, ensuring CARES procedures are followed and confidentiality is maintained.
• Oversee pantry inventory and supply operations, monitor inventory levels, coordinate ordering, storage, and distribution with vendors and partners.
• Coordinate scheduling and daily assignments of student workers and volunteers; communicate expectations and elevate concerns as needed.
• Support onboarding, training, and preparedness by maintaining materials, schedules, and resources; ensure staff understand policies and systems.
• Monitor workflows and records to promote accuracy, efficiency, and compliance; identify opportunities to improve systems and technology.
• Plan and coordinate CARES and college-wide events, including orientation, Weeks of Welcome, and resource fairs.
• Serve as operational liaison among CARES staff, college departments, partners, and vendors; provide updates and manage designated projects.

Skills

Office administration

Program coordination

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Multitasking

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Higher education experience

Bilingual

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

LaGuardia Community College, part of the City University of New York, seeks a Student Life Specialist to support daily CARES operations, front-office procedures, and student-facing services, including the food pantry and other assistance programs.

Reporting to the CARES Director, you will coordinate staff, schedule, onboarding, and events, maintain confidential records, monitor workflows, and help deliver equitable, welcoming student experiences.