University of Florida

Academic Program Spec III

Apply now Job no: 536320

Work type: Staff Full-Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Academic Advising/Support, Communications/Public Relations/Marketing, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support

Department:52081000 - TT-UF ONLINE

Classification Title:

Academic Program Spec III

Classification Minimum Requirements:Master’s degree and three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Description:

Are you energized by building inclusive, high-impact student experiences? The UF Online Student Belonging & Community Specialist creates meaningful connections among students through signature events, peer engagement programs, and co-curricular initiatives. Reporting to the Associate Director for UF Online, this role also serves as a visible brand ambassador and liaison to student organizations, helping foster belonging, well-being, and school spirit within the fully online Gator community. If you're passionate about inclusion, creativity, and student life, this is an exciting opportunity to impact community and connection in one of the nation’s top online programs.

The UF Online Student Belonging & Community Specialist is a student-centered professional dedicated to enhancing the holistic experience of fully online undergraduate students at the University of Florida. Reporting to the Associate Director for UF Online, this position fosters emotional, social, and psychological connections among students, their peers, and the broader university community—key elements that drive motivation, satisfaction, and long-term success.

This role designs and leads intentional programming, signature events, and community-building initiatives that support students’ sense of belonging, engagement, and well-being throughout the student lifecycle—from onboarding and orientation through graduation and beyond. By collaborating with a wide range of campus partners and stakeholders, the Specialist helps integrate UF Online students into the broader Gator community and promotes early peer connections. The role also serves as a student-facing representative for UF Online, including as a liaison to Student Government and the PaCE student organization, and as a visible brand ambassador in student-facing communications, events, and outreach - including video content.

The Specialist supports co-curricular involvement and recognition programs, develops targeted outreach for special populations, and contributes to inclusive programming that affirms student identity and experience. By continuously integrating student feedback and data, the Specialist improves engagement initiatives and embeds belonging elements into broader student success strategies—contributing to UF Online’s commitment to operational excellence and student achievement.

Opportunity

• Community Building and Signature Event Planning
• Design, implement, and evaluate community-building initiatives that foster meaningful peer engagement among UF Online students and strengthen their connection to the broader University of Florida community. Plan, coordinate, and manage signature virtual and in-person events—including new student welcome activities, orientation support, graduation celebrations, and recognition events for students, staff, and faculty. Develop and promote programs such as mentorship opportunities, virtual clubs, and social interest groups. Partner with the Pathway to Campus Enrollment (PaCE) program and collaborate closely with the Division of Student Life, student organizations, and other university units to create inclusive, high-impact experiences for all UF Online students. Use student feedback and participation data to refine and enhance engagement offerings. This role requires comfort, engaging directly with students and serving as a visible brand ambassador for UF Online.
• Student Engagement Strategy and Recognition Programs
• Create welcoming, inclusive co-curricular experiences that promote student involvement and belonging. Collaborate with the Division of Student Life, student organizations, and campus partners to develop and deliver virtual and in-person programming tailored to UF Online students. Lead planning and execution of student recognition initiatives—such as awards ceremonies and milestone celebrations—managing all logistics to maximize impact. Coordinate with campus partners on onboarding and orientation programming for new students, as well as graduation activities. Support engagement efforts for special populations, including international, military-affiliated, and first-generation students.
• Collaboration with Campus Stakeholders
• Serve as a liaison between UF Online and university departments—including the Division of Student Life, Student Activities & Involvement, and mental health and wellness services—to connect UF Online students with a broad array of engagement opportunities. Promote participation in campus-wide programs and events, encouraging inclusion both virtually and on campus. Partner on campaigns and resources that align with institutional goals for belonging and inclusion and expand opportunities for online learners, when possible. Provide faculty and staff with insights into the online student experience to support student-centered practices in virtual learning spaces. Serve as the UF Online liaison to Student Government and the PaCE student organization, fostering collaboration and ensuring representation of UF Online student interests.
• Communication and Outreach
• Develop and distribute targeted communication campaigns that promote UF Online student programs, events, and opportunities. Use CRM systems to manage inquiries and support requests. Coordinate with marketing, academic advising, and student services partners to ensure clear, consistent messaging—particularly to new, graduating, and special student populations. Support digital storytelling and content creation, including video outreach and student features, to showcase UF Online student engagement and success.
• Assessment and Continuous Improvement
• Collect, evaluate, and report on student engagement, belonging, and satisfaction using surveys, event participation data, and focus groups. Use insights to improve programming and inform strategic planning. Ensuring offerings are inclusive, responsive, and aligned with UF Online’s mission and evolving student needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and strategic priorities of UF Online. These may include participation in university-wide initiatives, task forces, and committees; support of special projects; assistance with accreditation or compliance efforts; and providing leadership coverage or cross-functional collaboration as needed. Flexibility, initiative, and responsiveness are essential to maintaining the ongoing effectiveness and innovation of UF Online.

Expected Salary:

Annual Salary $65,000-$75,000

Preferred:

• Master’s degree with experience in student affairs, student engagement, leadership development, or co-curricular programming—preferably with leadership responsibilities.
• Proven experience designing, implementing, and assessing student engagement, community-building, or co-curricular programs, especially for online student populations.
• Strong skills in communication, event planning, facilitation, and collaboration with diverse campus stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrators.
• Familiarity with best practices in online student support, student development theory, virtual engagement platforms, and strategies to foster student belonging and engagement in virtual environments.
• Experience using data, assessment tools, and CRM or case management systems to evaluate program effectiveness, guide continuous improvement, and manage student communication and outreach.
• Knowledge of UF’s student services, academic policies, and campus life is strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, take initiative, work independently and collaboratively, and adapt effectively in a fast-paced, evolving online environment.
• Commitment to fostering student belonging, enhancing engagement, supporting holistic student success, and promoting continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the university community.
• Creativity, cultural awareness, and a passion for community-building.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:No

Advertised: 30 Jun 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: 14 Jul 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

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