Purdue University

Job Summary

This role delivers services and programs that support the mission of Student Activities and Organizations and the umbrella unit of the Roger C. Stewart Office of Student Leadership, Engagement and Community (SLEC), enhancing the overall quality of the student life experience at Purdue University, focused on both the individual student and the overall community here at Purdue. The Student Affairs Specialist serves as a resource to students and university staff, and provides advising to student organizations/councils, officers, and advisors. Will cultivate and manage partnerships to enhance the overall student leadership experience across all SLEC units, Student Life, and the wider university. While assigned to a specific unit within SLEC, the Student Affairs Specialist will be expected to assist with overall support for programming and student leadership development across all SLEC areas. This position will provide intentional opportunities for leadership development focused on cultivating self-awareness, communication skills, collaboration, critical thinking, and an understanding of how a student should utilize their Strengths as they matriculate through Purdue. The Student Affairs Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting over 950+ recognized student organizations across West Lafayette and Indianapolis. This position will be an integral member of the Student Activities and Organizations (SAO) team, responsible for student organization recognition, leadership development, and training.

The individual will also receive training to assist in planning and reviewing major campus events, focusing on safety, security, crowd control, and adherence to university policies and contractual obligations. We are seeking a highly self-motivated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for student engagement, leadership development, and event management.

This position will require evening and weekend hours.

Who We Are at Purdue University:

Student Activities and Organizations (SAO) at Purdue University is the heart of the campus community. We strive to strengthen the educational mission of the institution and foster an inclusive environment by providing engaging programs, iconic gathering places, and needed services that enrich students’ lives and create lasting memories. Our purpose is to engage students in intentional co-curricular learning experiences, act as a catalyst for personal growth and provide resources that enrich the campus community. To learn more, please visit: https://www.purdue.edu/sao/index.html

What you will be doing:

• Responsible for implementing programs that advance a tiered leadership development model based upon established competencies.
• Assist student leaders in conceiving, planning, organizing, implementing, and evaluating programs that support student leadership development while remaining financially solvent and in compliance with University and organizational policies.
• Serve as a general resource for student organizations assisting with program planning, risk management, budget/fiscal affairs, business transactions, and student organization registration processes. Assist with the investigation and adjudication of student organization conduct matters as requested.
• Provide on-site support and serve in an on-duty rotation, as needed, to support large-scale events and programs. Some weekend and/or evening work
• Provide support as requested to support student expressive activity events
• Managing the constitution review and approval process for student organizations.
• Overseeing the registration and recognition process for new student organizations, including meetings, constitution reviews, grade checks, and communications.
• Conducting daily event reviews (APF) to ensure smooth and compliant event planning.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelors degree in any relevant field
• Three (3) years of experience in career advising, university administration, student recruitment, student services, event/program planning, human resources, education, academic counseling, communication, or related field
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

Skills Needed:

• Strong skills in decision making, communication, interpersonal and intercultural relations.
• Ability to train, coach and lead others, strategic thinking, and drive for results.
• Supervision 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.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from different viewpoints and backgrounds and teamwork in daily work activity.
• This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekend hours as business need dictates.

What is helpful:

• Master’s degree and experience coordinating or participating in student groups.
• Experience managing volunteers, students, or staff.

Additional Information:

• To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary
• https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/pdf/summaries/2023/Benefits-summary-Admin-Op-2023.pdf
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Education

Typically requires a Bachelor's degree

Experience

Minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience

FLSA Status

Exempt