Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions Join to apply for the Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions role at American University Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions Join to apply for the Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions role at American University Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department

Program Initiatives

Time Type

Full time

Job Type

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Work Modality

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union

SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SEIU Local 500 - Provost & Enrollment Division.

Job Description

Summary:

The Coordinator for Student Engagement and Traditions supports the development and execution of campus-wide engagement initiatives that foster student thriving, community connection, and active involvement at American University. This position plays a key role in advising major student programming boards and contributes to the planning and delivery of a wide range of events such as Welcome Weeks, late-night programs, Eagles After Dark, Thank Clawed Its Wednesday, university festivals, class-year programs, and signature traditions. The coordinator is responsible for event logistics, budget management, adherence to university policies, and supervision of graduate and undergraduate student staff. Success in this role requires strong project management skills, a deep commitment to student development, and the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed. Through intentional programming and student support, this position helps create a vibrant, inclusive campus culture that enhances the overall student experience, builds school spirit and promotes community building.

Essential Functions

Student Advising and Training Meet regularly with student leadership cohorts within the assigned functional areas to provide proactive feedback, individualized support, and strategic guidance that promotes personal development, leadership growth, and organizational success. This position serves as the primary advisor for Students for Change, and Sprit and Traditions Board, offering ongoing mentorship and high-level event advising, and provides support to other programming boards under the Student Activity Council as needed. Through this work, the coordinator fosters a student-centered approach to programming that enhances campus life and encourages collaboration, innovation, and school pride. Student Engagement and Campus Programming This position is responsible for planning and implementing a broad range of programs that enhance the student experience and contribute to a vibrant campus life. This role involves working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful event execution, while continuously refining programming based on student feedback and assessment data. In partnership with the broader student engagement team, the coordinator will support and channel student advocacy, energy, and creativity into the development of a dynamic and inclusive campus experience. This includes establishing new campus traditions with students that foster community and belonging among students, faculty, and staff, as well as designing, implementing and sustaining and enhancing existing signature events. The coordinator will also help shape and implement a strategy to increase AU spirit and pride, grounded in the universitys history and culture. Key responsibilities include supporting the planning and execution of the Eagles After Dark Program, Late Night Events, Welcome Weeks, Thank Clawed Its Wednesday, class-year programs, and day-to-day engagement/programming opportunities as well as recurring programs and other events as needed throughout the academic year as directed by the Associate Director for Student Programs and Signature Events. Administration & Budget Management Manage budget and oversee funding process for student cohort groups and programming within functional area. Ensure fiscal responsibility, effective planning, effective use of resources, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and University policies and procedures. Create end-of-year reports for assigned functional area. Represent department on university and division wide committees. Manage contracting processes as needed. Develop and implement systems for assessing student engagement, satisfaction, and feedback related to program attendance and participation, to inform programmatic improvements and demonstrate the impact of engagement. Coordinate program storage, supplies, and resource management. Supervises graduate and student staff as needed. Marketing, Communications, and Event Production This position oversees the departments digital presence, including the maintenance of the departmental website, newsletters, and related student organization pages. The role manages and sustains a robust and creative social media presence across platforms, graphic design, and marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent engagement with the campus community. Serve as the departments programming point person for CampusLabs Engage, maintaining up-to-date records, forms, and assessment information in collaboration with the Associate Director. Lead the planning and implementation of student retreats, including logistics, content development, and facilitation. Demonstrating a strong passion for creativity and student outreach, the position collaborates with the Student Affairs marketing team and the University Communications office to develop and produce promotional materials for all departmental events and programs. In addition, the position utilizes strong project management and organizational skills to lead the execution of assigned events, overseeing all production elements including audiovisual requirements, space setup, facilities coordination, staging, and other logistical needs to ensure successful event delivery.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises student staff and graduate assistants.

Competencies

Evaluating and Implementing Ideas. Developing Plans. Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions. Building and Supporting Teams. Managing Talent.

Position Type/Expected Hours Of Work

Full-Time. 35 hours per week. Staff will work on an adjusted work schedule as needed, including late nights and weekends to support student programs.

Salary Range

$45,000 - $50,000 annually.

Required Education And Experience

Bachelor's degree. 1-3 years of relevant experience. An ability to welcome, value, and affirm individuals of all identities and experiences, and a commitment to ensure they are understood, appreciated, and fully included in the university community. Ability to exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy while interacting with students, faculty, university staff, management, internship employers and other stakeholders on confidential and/or sensitive matters. Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, using language with precision; constructing logical arguments; accurate note taking, editing and summarizing; and writing reports or correspondence free of spelling and grammatical errors. Ability to engage in active and empathetic listening and communicate with a service minded orientation. Ability to review ones own and others work and information to ensure completeness and accuracy; carefully prepare for meetings and presentations; organize information or materials for others; follow up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled; and set up procedures to ensure high quality of work. Ability to serve as bridge to services, intervene and/or advocate on students behalf with offices across campus to support needs, drive engagement and empower students to achieve their goals. Ability to seek out relevant people to obtain information; probe skillfully to get at the facts when others are reluctant to disclose the full details; ask clarifying questions; and gain a complete and accurate picture by checking multiple sources. Skill using email, word processing, spreadsheet/ data analysis and presentation development software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint while preparing briefings, reports, and presentations.

Preferred Education And Experience

Master's degree. 2-4 years of relevant experience.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individuals genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Education and Training Industries Higher Education Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at American University by 2x Get notified about new Student Coordinator jobs in Washington, DC . Washington, DC $67,500.00-$107,500.00 2 months ago District of Columbia, United States 1 year ago Laurel, MD $55,000.00-$65,000.00 1 month ago Washington, DC $48,664.00-$54,747.00 1 month ago Program Coordinator, Center for Student Engagement Washington, DC $39,930.00-$59,694.78 2 months ago FY26: Teacher, Kindergarten, Sligo Creek Elementary School, 1.0FTE Silver Spring, MD $64,591.00-$131,472.00 1 week ago Auxiliary Program Team Members (2025-2026 School Year) Full-Time Educator | Georgetown, Washington, DC District of Columbia, United States $20.50-$25.59 1 month ago Washington, DC $50,000.00-$56,000.00 1 month ago Washington, DC $37,232.00-$62,046.40 1 week ago Washington, DC $52,602.48-$52,602.48 3 days ago 2025 - 2026 SY College and Career Counselor District of Columbia, United States 5 months ago Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI. #J-18808-Ljbffr