Student Activities Specialist – Programming

Salary/Position Classification

• $50,700 - $52,700 Annual, Dependent on Experience, Exempt
• 40 hours per week
• This position will work onsite at UND Grand Forks, ND campus

Purpose of Position

The Student Activities Specialist – Programming supports the missions of the University, the Division of Student Affairs, and Student Involvement & Parent Programs Department. The Student Activities Specialist – Programming serves as an advocate for student life and services on campus, works in partnership with all constituencies and supports the principles and values of the Student Affairs Division.
The Student Activities Specialist – Programming develops, implements, and assesses co-curricular engagement opportunities which support students social involvement in the campus community. In addition, the Student Activities Specialist – Programming provides support to students seeking to be involved in the UND campus community and assists in facilitating various signature programs in support of students’ success.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Coordinate co-curricular student engagement programs and events.
  • Develop and execute on-campus student programs and events with attention to event selection, planning, organization, logistics, risk management, implementation, and evaluation of programs.
  • Coordinate and execute programming for Distance Students.
  • Hire, train, and supervise student programming interns.
  • Gather and maintain appropriate data and records regarding student participation in programming events.
  • Monitor financial resources available for programming to ensure good stewardship of student fees.
  • Implement programs that are inclusive of a diverse student body.
  • Negotiate, request, review, and modify entertainment contracts.
• Oversee the Student Ambassador program
  • Serve as the primary advisor of the Student Ambassador Program.
  • Attend and coordinate the monthly meetings.
  • Advise the Student Ambassador Executive Board.
  • Utilize appropriate advising strategies to meet the developmental needs of the Student Ambassadors and Executive Board members.
  • Recruit, orient, and train all Student Ambassadors.
  • Develop and carry out meaningful training (alongside the Executive Board) at each meeting. Content should address student leadership generally and also the specific needs of Welcome Weekend, Homecoming, and other major events the Student Ambassadors assist with.
  • Collaborate with the Alumni Association & Foundation staff to plan, execute, and assess all Alumni Association & Foundation events that Student Ambassadors participate in throughout the year (e.g. Homecoming).
  • Work to maintain the quality and future of the program through thoughtful programming, theory, trends, etc. 
• Assist in the overview and tracking of service/volunteer hours for students
  • Maintain the UND Volunteers website.
  • Create and maintain relationships with organizations in the Greater Grand Forks Community who utilize volunteers to best support UND students secure volunteer opportunities.
  • Manage the volunteer tracking system on the Engage platform.
  • Work with UND faculty to understand the volunteer requirements within coursework/syllabi.
  • Research best practices in providing service/volunteering opportunities on a college campus.
• Assist in the coordination and implementation of various signature events.
  • Collaborate with staff members across campus to develop signature events for students.
  • Assist with the overall coordination and execution of events such as UND Orientation Days, Welcome Weekend, and Sorority Recruitment.
  • Coordinate with staff members across campus to facilitate the programmatic pieces of UND Orientation Days and Welcome Weekend.
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate Hawktober Fest each fall semester.
  • Plan, coordinate, and facilitate UND’s Got Talent each spring semester.
  • Plan between three and four Taste of Culture events each semester, in collaboration with Student Organizations. 
• Participate as an active staff member of the Student Involvement & Parent Programs department and the Division of Student Affairs.
  • Maintain positive and professional relationships with students and colleagues
  • Create a positive and open environment which enhances diversity and supports inclusiveness for all students.
  • Communicate effectively with a diverse community of students, staff, faculty, etc.
  • Works collaboratively and effectively with others
  • Handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy
  • Serve as a professional representative of the department, division and university on committees, at events and at conferences and professional activities
  • Gather and report accurate information as requested
  • Maintain awareness of, applies and follows institutional policies
  • Maintain professional knowledge required of the position
  • Attend and engage in professional development conferences, trainings and events
  • Create and sustain a work environment based on ethics, integrity, trust, and accountability

Required Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex administrative processes effectively and efficiently.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to represent the University in a professional manner
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Experience with personal computer applications and software, including email and internet use.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability and willingness to travel to conferences for professional development and as an advisor to students.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues facing diverse student populations in higher education.
• Ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, to include evenings and weekends.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two years experience working in a college setting
• Experience developing presentations, workshops, classes, and/or training experiences for students.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. This position does not support visa sponsorship for continued employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree
• 1 – 2 years prior experience advising, mentoring, and/or supervising college students.
• 1 – 2 years prior experience in program development and event planning for college students/environments.