Engagement Coordinator

The Student Engagement and Leadership Programs Coordinator plays a vital role in enhancing student success, leadership development, and community building through dynamic co-curricular programming at the College of Design (CDes). This position is responsible for planning and executing student engagement initiatives that support holistic student development-including mental health, academic success, fiscal responsibility, equity and inclusion, and career readiness. The coordinator advises student/alumni organizations and leadership groups, coordinates major events, and fosters strategic partnerships across campus and with external stakeholders. The role also includes managing student staff and ensuring the effective delivery and continuous improvement of student-focused programs that promote well-being, belonging, and lifelong learning.

Position Details

This is a 100%, full-time, 12-month, on-campus, annually renewable appointment in the academic professional and administrative (P&A) personnel series. Most work is conducted during normal business hours, Monday through Friday. However, evening and weekend work is occasionally required, as necessary, to properly execute the duties of this role.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Event Coordination (65%)

• Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of student engagement programs and events, including signature events such as Welcome Week and College Day, career readiness initiatives (e.g., CDes Mentoring Program), and student development programming that supports mental and physical health, academic success, and financial literacy.
• Advise, support or oversee student leadership groups such as the CDes Ambassadors, Design Student and Alumni Board (DSAB), and other registered student organizations (Design House), with a focus on inclusive leadership, peer support, and personal development.
• Oversee the College of Design Mentor Program, including mentor and student recruitment, matching, communications, and event facilitation, with an emphasis on career exploration and professional growth.
• Support student organization recognition, new club creation, and event planning processes, ensuring compliance with university policies and promoting responsible budgeting and fiscal management.
• Develop and implement training programs and workshops for student leaders and peer educators on topics such as inclusive leadership, stress management, academic strategies, and financial wellness.
• Lead assessment and evaluation efforts for student programs, including data collection, analysis, and reporting to inform continuous improvement and student impact.
• Engage students in the co-creation of programs through feedback mechanisms and leadership development.
• Coordinate Parent & Family Weekend programming in collaboration with university partners, integrating wellness and academic success resources.
• Partner with the director of advising to promote engagement opportunities at orientation.

Leadership & Strategic Engagement (25%)

• Serve on college and divisional leadership teams and committees to align student engagement efforts with institutional goals related to student success, equity, and well-being.
• Cultivate partnerships with faculty, staff, alumni, and industry professionals to enhance programming and student opportunities, particularly in areas of career development and mental health support.
• Collaborate with CDes Alumni Director to support and manage the Design Student and Alumni Board and the CDes Mentoring program.
• Integrate equity, inclusion, and belonging into all student engagement initiatives, ensuring programs are accessible and affirming for all students.
• Develop and maintain advising models and training for student organization advisors that emphasize holistic student development and inclusive practices.
• Contribute to strategic planning and continuous improvement of engagement services, with a focus on student-centered outcomes.

Administrative & Communications Support (10%)

• Supervise, train, and evaluate student staff supporting engagement programs, fostering their professional and personal growth.
• Manage program budgets, track expenses, and support financial planning for events and initiatives, while modeling fiscal responsibility.
• Maintain and update student engagement web pages, social media, and marketing materials in collaboration with communications teams, highlighting resources for academic success, wellness, and leadership.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and documentation to support program visibility, effectiveness, and alignment with student development goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in student affairs, higher education, communications, or a related field, and 4 years of experience in student engagement, event planning, leadership development.
  Master's and 2 years of experience in student engagement, event planning, leadership development.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supervising student staff and managing budgets.
• Commitment to equity and inclusion in student programming.
• Familiarity with social media and/or social platforms.
  

Pay Range: $59,000 - $65,000; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 100% appointment.)

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).