Student Affairs Coordinator - Student Engagement

About Us

As a comprehensive institution of the University System of Georgia, Valdosta State University (VSU) is a welcoming, aware, and vibrant community founded on and dedicated to serving our communities rich and diverse heritages. Through excellence in teaching, basic and applied research, and service, VSU provides rigorous programs and opportunities that enrich our students, our university, and our region. As such, the VSU mission consists of three interrelated parts that includes a student mission, university mission and regional mission. The university is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity and citizenship. As members of this community and proud Blazers we strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University, as stated in the Blazer Creed and reflected in our commitment to the University System of Georgias Core Values.

Blazer Creed

Valdosta State University is a learning environment based on trust and mutual respect in which open dialogue, vigorous debate, and the free exchange of ideas are welcome. The University is equally dedicated to the core values of community, including a commitment to practice civility, integrity, and citizenship. As members of this community, and proud Blazers, we will strive to uphold these core values for the advancement of the University.

Civility - A Blazer shows courtesy and compassion as well as respect for the dignity of every human being.

Integrity - Each Blazer is responsible for his or her own actions, and our community is stronger when we contemplate the context of our decisions and uphold the principles of trust and honesty.

Citizenship - Every Blazer has an interest in the well-being of the community, and, therefore, a duty to stay informed, to make positive contributions, and to offer support to those who need help.

As a Blazer, we pledge to uphold the core principles of Civility, Integrity, and Citizenship.

Job Summary

Coordinate and oversee a variety of student affairs/student life programs and services in order to improve the quality of student life and improve student retention.

Based on the recent Proclamation: Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers (H-1B), VSU will not be sponsoring any new H-1B visa petitions until further notice.

Responsibilities

Department Summary

The Student Affairs Coordinator is a key contributor to creating a vibrant campus experience by coordinating, implementing, and assessing student engagement opportunities that foster belonging, community, leadership development, and school spirit. The coordinator collaborates with students, campus partners, and the Student Life team to deliver high-quality programs and events that support student success and engagement.

Typical Allocation of Duties:

Deliver Programs and Services for Students - 40%

Develop, implement, and market programs and/or services which reflect the goals of the student affairs office and meets the needs of students. Implement data-based initiatives to gather and analyze formal and informal feedback from students. Stay abreast of trends, issues and best practices regarding a specific professional area.

Support Student Development - 20%

Provide coaching, guidance, and supervision of both individuals and student organizations on issues related to academic achievement, student development, leadership, conflict resolution, community building, and collaboration with other students and student groups on campus. Focus on creating an inviting and welcoming environment. Foster an atmosphere of student-staff learning and development.

Promote and develop partnerships - 20%

Develop and maintain initiative-based partnerships with campus partners and student organizations that address assessed needs and further the goals and vision of student affairs. Respond to campus partners, alumni and parents questions, concerns and inquiries.

Enforce policies and procedures - 10%

Enforce university and system policies and procedures. Respond to issues and resolve problems.

Manage reports, records, and budgets - 10%

Maintain program files and records. Prepare a variety of regular and special report. Manage programming budgets.

Supervisor Expectations:

Programming and Event Management

• Coordinate the planning, promotion, implementation, and assessment of campus programs and events designed to enhance student engagement and community building.
• Serve as the primary staff advisor and resource for assigned programming initiatives and student planning committees.
• Assist in the execution of major campus traditions and signature events, including Fall Explosion, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Lighting of the Palms, Spring Welcome Week, Mayhem Music Festival, and other university-wide initiatives.
• Ensure programs are engaging, student-centered, and aligned with the mission and goals of Student Affairs.
• Maintain detailed event timelines, checklists, contracts, reservations, and logistical plans to ensure successful event execution.
• Serve as an active and visible presence at programs and events, engaging directly with students and campus partners.

Student Engagement and Community Building

• Foster meaningful relationships with students through intentional interactions and engagement opportunities.
• Support efforts to create a welcoming campus environment where students feel connected, valued, and supported.
• Develop programs that encourage student participation, school spirit, leadership development, and a sense of belonging.
• Assist with initiatives designed to strengthen community among residential, commuter, transfer, graduate, and traditionally underserved student populations.
• Encourage student involvement through outreach, recruitment, and relationship-building efforts.

Campus Activities Board and Student Leadership

• Advise and support the Campus Activities Board and assigned student leaders in the development and implementation of programs.
• Mentor student leaders in event planning, leadership skills, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of student volunteers and student programming teams.
• Promote leadership development opportunities through involvement in campus programs and committees.

Collaboration and Partnerships

• Collaborate with campus departments, academic colleges, Residence Life, Career Opportunities, Campus Recreation, Athletics, and other university partners to develop innovative programming.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with vendors, performers, community organizations, and campus stakeholders.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance the overall student experience.

Marketing and Assessment

• Assist in developing marketing strategies that increase student awareness and participation in programs and events.
• Utilize social media, digital platforms, and campus communication channels to promote engagement opportunities.
• Track attendance, participation trends, and program outcomes.
• Collect and analyze student feedback to improve future programming efforts.
• Utilize engagement data and assessment results to inform program planning and outreach strategies.

Budget and Resource Management

• Manage assigned program budgets responsibly and in accordance with university policies.
• Monitor expenditures and maintain accurate records related to events and programming initiatives.
• Ensure effective stewardship of Student Activity Fee resources and departmental funds.
• Assist in identifying sponsorship and partnership opportunities when appropriate.

Risk Management and Operations

• Ensure all programs comply with university policies, procedures, and risk management standards.
• Complete event planning documentation and required approvals in a timely manner.
• Anticipate operational challenges and develop contingency plans to support successful events.
• Assist with emergency response and problem-solving during programs and events as needed.

Professional Expectations

• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a solutions-oriented approach to student engagement.
• Maintain strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Contribute positively to the Student Life team through collaboration, communication, and accountability.
• Remain knowledgeable of current trends and best practices in student engagement, campus programming, and student development.
• Support the mission of the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs by creating experiences that foster student connection, belonging, leadership, and success.

Required Qualifications

Required Experience

Bachelors degree and one (1) years of related work experience.

Proposed Salary

$23.50/hr ($48,880/annual)

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Applicants are required to provide:

• professional references with current contact information

• documentation of academic credentials

• employment history

Please note that during the search process, VSU reserves the right to:

• ask candidates who will serve in Positions of Trust to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment,
• view social media outlets, and
• remove job postings without additional notification.

Employment is contingent upon:

• successful completion of a background check investigation, including a criminal background check
• reference checks

Employment may also be contingent upon the job-based requirements if applicable for your position:

• satisfactory credit check
• successful completion of a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR)
• pre-employment drug testing
• confirmation of credentials

After initial hiring, employees will be required to successfully complete all of the following training:

• New employee orientation

• VSUs Annual Compliance Training:

• USG Ethics Policy

• Conflict of Interest/Outside Activities Policy

• Drug Free Workplace

• Sexual Misconduct and Title IX

• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

• Motor Vehicle Policy

• Workers Compensation (new hires)

• Georgia Open Records Act (new hires)

• USG Cybersecurity Training (required twice yearly)

• Job-specific training such as: FMLA and Workers Compensation, Budget Manager training, Purchasing Training (ePro & PCard), and Defensive Driving

Equal Employment Opportunity

Valdosta State University is an equal opportunity educational institution. It is not the intent of the institution to discriminate against any applicant for admission or any student or employee of the institution based on the age, sex, race, religion, color, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation of the individual.

Background Check

• Position of Trust + Credit

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.

Accommodations

If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings, apply for a job on this site, or participate in the search process as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Catherine Wills, in the Office of Human Resources at croark@valdosta.edu.