Student Life & Career Access Coordinator

Salem University; Salem (WV); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Salem University is seeking a Student Life Coordinator to develop, implement, and promote student engagement initiatives that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and connected campus community. This role creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage socially, academically, culturally, and professionally while supporting the University's mission of student success and holistic development.

The Student Life Coordinator works collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Student Services, Career

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in student affairs, campus activities, event planning, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events or student programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate campus events that promote student involvement and foster a welcoming campus environment.
• Assist students in developing leadership skills through workshops, training, and mentoring opportunities.
• Coordinate career fairs, employer events, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops.
• Collaborate with multiple departments to enhance student engagement and retention.
• Coordinate transportation services and ensure safety and reliability for university-related travel.

Skills

Student development theory

Event planning

Project management

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership and collaboration

Customer service

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Social media management

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Higher Education or related field

Tools

Event management software

Job description

Reports Directly To: Manager, Career Access and Student Advising

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

The Student Life Coordinator is responsible for developing, implementing, and promoting student engagement initiatives that foster a vibrant, inclusive, and connected campus community. This position creates meaningful opportunities for students to engage socially, academically, culturally, and professionally while supporting the University's mission of student success, persistence, and holistic development.

Working collaboratively with Academic Affairs, Student Services, Career Access, Student Government, faculty, and community partners, the Student Life Coordinator plans and coordinates campus events, leadership development opportunities, student organizations, and co-curricular programming designed to enhance the overall student experience for both on-campus and online learners.

The Student Life Coordinator also oversees student transportation services and supports initiatives that strengthen student belonging, campus involvement, and retention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are representative of the responsibilities of this position. Additional duties may be assigned to support departmental or institutional priorities.

Student Engagement & Campus Programming

• Develop and implement a comprehensive calendar of educational, social, cultural, wellness, leadership, and community engagement activities.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute campus events that promote student involvement and foster a welcoming campus environment.
• Create engagement opportunities specifically designed to connect online students with the University community.
• Evaluate student interests and develop programming that reflects the diverse needs of the student population.
• Support orientation activities, welcome events, commencement activities, and other University-sponsored events.

Student Leadership & Organizations

• Serve as the primary advisor and liaison for Student Government.
• Support student organizations by providing guidance, leadership development, and operational assistance.
• Encourage student leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, and campus involvement.
• Assist students in developing leadership skills through workshops, training, and mentoring opportunities.

Career & Student Success Collaboration

• Partner with Career Access to coordinate career fairs, employer events, networking opportunities, and professional development workshops.
• Collaborate with Student Advising, Academic Affairs, Financial Aid, Admissions, Athletics, and other departments to enhance student engagement and retention.
• Support institutional initiatives designed to improve persistence, student satisfaction, and graduation outcomes.

Transportation & Student Services

• Coordinate student shuttle transportation to Pittsburgh International Airport and other approved destinations.
• Develop transportation schedules based on student needs and University activities.
• Coordinate with transportation vendors and drivers to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient services.
• Maintain transportation records and ensure compliance with university safety policies.

Marketing & Communications

• Promote student activities through social media, digital communications, campus announcements, and marketing materials.
• Develop creative strategies to increase student participation and engagement.
• Maintain an active communication plan that keeps students informed of campus opportunities and events.

Budget, Assessment & Administration

• Maintain records of student participation, event attendance, and program outcomes.
• Evaluate programming effectiveness through surveys, assessments, and participation data.
• Ensure all activities comply with university policies and applicable regulations.

Collaboration & Institutional Support

• Serve on University committees supporting student engagement and campus life.
• Build relationships with community organizations and external partners to expand student opportunities.
• Support institutional recruitment events, orientation, commencement, and special University initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of student development theory and student engagement best practices.
• Strong event planning and project management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and customer service skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and events simultaneously.
• Creativity and innovation in developing student programming.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and event management technology.
• Ability to analyze participation data and assess program effectiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Business, Communications, Recreation, Event Management, or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in student affairs, campus activities, event planning, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating events or student programming.
• Strong organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in higher education student affairs.
• Experience advising student organizations or Student Government.
• Experience managing event budgets and campus programming.
• Experience coordinating transportation or logistics.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and movement during campus events.
• Ability to lift and transport materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of computer work and event planning.
• Ability to travel throughout campus and occasionally off campus for university-sponsored activities.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This position is primarily performed on the Salem University campus in a fast-paced, student-centered environment. The role requires frequent interaction with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners while coordinating multiple events and initiatives throughout the academic year.

Regular evening and weekend work is expected to support student programming, campus events, orientation, commencement, and other institutional activities. Occasional local travel may be required to coordinate transportation services or attend off-campus events.

Licenses, Certifications, and Employment Requirements

The successful candidate must successfully complete all required pre-employment screenings, including employment verification, education verification, reference checks, criminal background screening, and any additional screenings required by the University.

A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record is required to support transportation coordination and other University business.

The incumbent is expected to maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with FERPA, institutional policies, and applicable federal and state regulations.

Salem University is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Job Description Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Salem University reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties and responsibilities as institutional needs evolve.