Student Support & Engagement Coordinator

Grade: 29E

Context of the Job:

Working under the general supervision of the Associate Director / Sr. Assistant Dean of Students, Student Advocacy & Support , the Student Support and Engagement Coordinator primarily supports students enrolled in the University of Delaware Flex Pathways Program in Wilmington, Delaware, while also providing services to students on the Newark campus. This role will work to design and implement engagement initiatives. The focus of the position is to enhance student retention, sense of belonging, and engagement in order to help students thrive throughout their time at UD and to realize the University’s aspirations to be a campus of engaged learners.

 

The Student Support and Engagement Coordinator works mainly in the University of Delaware space at the Community Education Building in Wilmington, Delaware. They work collaboratively with the Student Engagement and Support Coordinator, Southern Delaware and the Associate Director / Sr. Assistant Dean of Students to ensure consistency in student support and programming among all three University of Delaware Flex Pathways Program campus locations. In addition, they collaborate with various stakeholders to enhance student success, bolster student support, and engage students in innovative educational opportunities. They will also assist in the transition process for students who matriculate at the University of Delaware Newark campus after completion of the Associate Degree Program. The Student Support and Engagement Coordinator will also occasionally travel to the University of Delaware’s Newark campus to participate in Divisional meetings and mandatory all‑staff events.

Major Responsibilities:

Case Management/Support

• Meet with students and intervene directly to provide support and resources regarding private and sensitive issues involving critical illness or injury, mental illness, and fatalities. 
• Manage active student crisis situations and coordinate response as appropriate.
• Consult and advise families, faculty, and staff on sensitive and private issues regarding concerns for students.
• Support students and assist their families throughout the entire Medical Leave of Absence process.
• Work in tandem with the Student Behavior Consultation Team to influence positive student outcomes or respond to students who are displaying disruptive or distressed behaviors in the Flex Pathways Program.
• Advise students on a myriad of personal, social, and academic issues within all UD colleges.
• Contribute to the design of all administrative processes to support undergraduate students within Student Advocacy & Support including all leave of absence and withdrawal options.
• Partner with Student Life departments and other University departments across the University to envision and facilitate programs and services that integrate and enhance the student experience at the University.

Engagement and Programming

• Design and implement programming to create a campus community that is connected to the mission of the Division of Student Life.
• Partner with other offices, units, and community partners to create vibrant and engaging social experiences (On and off-campus) for students in Wilmington.
• Design and implement a broad range of engagement opportunities to enrich the student experience that are connected to the mission and vision of Student Advocacy & Support and Division of Student Life.
• Develop opportunities for student-led and faculty-led programs.
• Participate on the team of First Year Experience instructors and teach seminars and skills classes.
• Assist with other academic programming as available and partner with the assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, staff associated with the various Flex Pathways, academic advisors and faculty on joint initiatives.
• Assist in the development and coordination of a variety of pre-recruitment and student life programming, including Admitted Student Nights, New Student Orientation, and Transition Day.
• Participate in Campus Operations Meetings.
• Participate in convocation programming held every spring to celebrate Flex Pathways Program graduates.
• Oversight of strategic use of program funds, including evaluation of funding requests and alignment with institutional priorities
• Active collaboration with faculty and campus partners to co-design programs, support student advocacy, and enhance holistic student success
• Ongoing assessment of programs and services, including data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform continuous improvement
• Active collaboration with faculty and campus partners to co-design programs, support student advocacy, and enhance holistic student success
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience working with college students required or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master's degree in higher education, student personnel, counseling services or other related field and one year of experience working with college students preferred.
• Experience working with first-year and second-year student populations.
• Experience with outreach initiatives and program development.
• Commitment to and knowledge of multicultural, diversity, LGBTQ+, equity and access issues.
• A record of accomplishment as a student advocate and a champion for student success.
• Familiarity with college student learning and development theories.
• Knowledge of student support programs and services.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and convey information to a range of clientele.
• Effective interpersonal and community relations skills.
• Ability to build positive and effective relationships with colleagues and student leaders across the University.
• Skill to manage crises and knowledge of and experience using crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to take initiative for projects and development of services.
• Independent judgment to plan, prioritize and organize a diversified workload with attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate and work successfully in a team environment.
• Experience with case management software such as Maxient, student information system software such as PeopleSoft and general computer-based literacy preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in student engagement on a college campus.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and effectively prioritize among competing needs
• Ability to utilize assessment to guide initiatives and inform practice.

Special Requirements:

This position requires some evening and weekend hours. The position will require occasional travel to the University of Delaware campuses in Newark, Georgetown, and Dover, and may also need to work from other campus locations depending on departmental needs.