Connecticut College is conducting a regional search for a Student Community Engagement Specialist who will design and implement recruitment strategies to increase student participation in community learning and civic engagement projects, with a specialization in first year student engagement. Network with programs, offices, and courses serving first-year students to develop awareness of engagement opportunities in New London. Develop and deliver student training sessions based on high impact practices for ethical and equity-minded community engagement. Supervise team of student drivers and student transportation coordinators to provide accessible community engagement transportation for students. Liaison between Holleran Center and participating community agencies to foster mutually beneficial relationships and enhance students’ civic development, and will manage the Holleran Center communication initiatives and strategies across multiple mediums such as social media, website, and newsletters.

1. Design and implement outreach and recruitment strategies for student community and civic engagement. Liaison with clubs, student groups, offices, programs, and departments to increase awareness of opportunities for students within the Holleran Center (e.g., community work study, community learning courses, volunteer opportunities, community learning transportation). Represent the Holleran Center at admissions open-houses, incoming student events, and student engagement fairs.

2. Develop targeted outreach and recruitment strategies to engage first year students including working with orientation and mentoring programs for incoming students, working with first year seminars to introduce students to the city of New London and engagement opportunities, and serving as Holleran Center lead in collaboration with the Office of Residential Education and Living for first year community engagement housing support.

3. Direct operations for student community engagement transportation services that operates 8:30am-5pm, Mondays-Fridays.  Oversee three vans and bike rental program, manage all transportation logistics, identify and train student transportation coordinators, and supervise a team of student drivers. Educate students about making transportation arrangements to community partner sites. Solve transportation problems as necessary, serve as first responder in transportation emergencies, and monitor risk management practices.

4. Create and manage Holleran Center communications; including but not limited to newsletters, website updates, social media accounts, posters, and information via other campus channels. Work closely with the Holleran Center leadership team to develop a communications strategy and to increase the visibility of Holleran Center programs both internally and externally.

5. Facilitate quality local internships, work-study, and course placements between students and community sites. Deliver preparatory training sessions for students based on high impact practices for ethical and equity-minded community engagement.

6. Implement student education and awareness activities to mobilize the campus around current issues of local and national importance and social justice priorities for the campus and the community. Support voter registration and election engagement programs run by the Holleran Center (e.g., Camels Vote).

7.  Serve as an advisor to students connected to Holleran Center partnership programs and initiatives using high-impact strategies to support the development of student civic identity.

8. Provide operations support in the Holleran Center office.

9. Participate in civic and community engagement related events both on and off campus and represent the Holleran Center in these activities.

10. Educate the student body about the availability of the annual Holleran Center Student Community Engagement Grant. Manage the distribution of the call for proposals and the collection of materials for grant submissions. Participate with the leadership team in grant evaluation and selection process.

Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years related experience working in higher education, community engagement and/or volunteer programs required. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, experience with social media platforms, strong ethics and personal integrity, as well as ability to maintain confidentiality, collegiality, strong interpersonal skills, and excellent networking abilities vital and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice required.  Having experience working with students from underrepresented populations is essential.  Demonstrated ability with setting priorities and managing multiple tasks and projects, experience in facilitating community engagement and leadership development training for students, and being well-organized, able to work under pressure, plan and accomplish goals are important.  Candidates who have a knowledge of the New London community and community resources and who are Bilingual, English/Spanish is preferred.  ome evenings, weekends, and local travel required. Must have a Driver’s License and clean driving record required.

Thorough applicant credentialing, including criminal records check, will be conducted on the selected candidate.  

Connecticut College requires employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. This includes the booster vaccine. New employees must present their COVID-19 vaccination record to Human Resources prior to the first day of employment. Individuals who have a medical condition or sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent them from getting the vaccine may confidentially request an exemption through the office of Human Resources. Additional COVID-19 safety protocols such as participation in weekly testing will be required of faculty, staff and students who have approved vaccine exemptions.