Student Affairs Specialist: Programs and Engagement

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Programs and Engagement, the Student Affairs Specialist, Programs and Engagement, will advise 2-3 members of the Purdue Student Union Board (PSUB) board of directors, as well as general members, and will assist in the supervision of student worker staff. This position will work with student volunteers in the planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating of approximately 100 programs a year that are developed by the students. This person will help supervise major campus events, including safety and security, crowd control and compliance with contractual obligations and University policies.  They will assist and provide student volunteers with training in leadership development, programming skills, policy development, budget development and marketing. They will serve as on-site event supervisor and provide supervision of student volunteers, while representing the Student Activities and Organizations Office administratively. This person will cultivate and manage University-community partnerships, faculty partnerships and alumni networks that enrich campus programming. They will act as a liaison with other campus leadership educators and provide assistance and collaboration where appropriate. They have the potential to serve on campus-wide committees representing Student Life and Student Academic Affairs. This position will collaborate with other students, staff, and departments to enhance the quality of student life of the Purdue campus. As a specialist, this staff member will assist in the review all Activity Planning Forms and serve in an on-call rotation to provide consult to student organizations while planning events. Evening and weekend hours required.

The Purdue Student Union Board (PSUB) is the source for campus entertainment! PSUB provides a variety of programs and services that enrich and entertain the lives of college students. The board works hard to bring fun-filled exciting programs to campus while providing hands-on experience in event planning for those helping host the events. PSUB also serves as the voice of Purdue students in the cooperative management of the Purdue Memorial Union.

Even before the Union was built, PSUB was an active organization dedicated to serving the Purdue student body and assisted with the funding to build the Purdue Memorial Union. In 1920 the first Student Union Board consisted of five students, today there are nearly 100 active members. To learn more, visit: https://www.union.purdue.edu/psub/index.html#redirect

Education and Experience:
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in college student personnel, business administration, human resources, education, or related field
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in a student affairs related field
  • Two years of a graduate assistantship in a college union or a student activities program, or related field, equals one professional year 

Preferred: 

• Master’s degree in higher education
• Experience coordinating or participating in student groups
• Experience managing volunteers, students, or staff, as well as large scale/high risk programs

Skills:
Required:

• Strong skills in decision making, communication, interpersonal and intercultural relations
• Ability to coach and lead others, strategic thinking, and drive for results
• Ability to supervise of volunteers and work with diverse student populations
• A clear understanding of student development theories, co-curricular development, learning outcomes and ability to collaborate
• Ability to relate well to students, develop rapport, trust, and work within a shared decision-making model with the students
• Quick learner with attention to details
• Ability to collaborate and relate to people of all ages and backgrounds
• Must represent the university with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy at all levels
• This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekend hours as business need dictates

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period
• Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days