Coordinator, Student Engagement and Traditions

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 Student Engagement and Traditions Coordinator 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, recurring and weekly student engagement programs such as Red Tuesdays, Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday, Thursday Night Live, Friday Night Films and Saturday Night Socials 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

1.) 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, Spirit and Traditions Board, and as the co-advisor for the Student Activity Council, offering ongoing mentorship and high-level event advising, and provides support to other programming boards as needed. In partnership with the Associate Director for Student Programs and Signature Events, the Coordinator will support the planning and implementation of Student Activity Council retreats, trainings and workshops, including collaborations with campus partners. Through this work, the Coordinator fosters a student-centered approach to programming that enhances campus life and encourages collaboration, innovation, and school pride. In coordination with the Associate Director, this role will support the larger student organization community and university as a whole, with the planning and execution of complex, large-scale events and signature campus-wide traditions.

2.) 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, 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 university’s history and culture. Key responsibilities include supporting the planning and execution of Welcome Weeks and a portfolio of recurring student engagement programs, including Red Tuesdays, Thank Clawed It’s Wednesday, Thursday Night Live, and Eagles at Night. The Coordinator will co-chair the Thank Clawed It's Wednesday and Eagles at Night committees, working collaboratively with campus partners to implement these recurring programs. Eagles at Night includes Friday Night Films and Saturday Night Socials, with the Coordinator providing regular staffing support for Friday Night Films in partnership with the Student Engagement team. The Coordinator will also develop cohort and class-based programming for sophomore, transfer, and junior students, with a focus on fostering engagement, connection, and retention.

3.) Administration and 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, including but not limited to, the University Communications Collaborative, and represent the department on All-American Welcome planning committees. Oversee and manage contracting processes for assigned programs and student organizations in accordance with University policies and procedures. 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 assigned graduate and undergraduate staff.

4.) Marketing, Communications, and Event Production

• This position oversees the department’s 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, with primary responsibility for the CSI Instagram account, social media content calendar, photography, video content, graphic design, and marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent engagement with the campus community for department-led programs and student engagement initiatives. The Coordinator will also coordinate departmental submissions to Student Affairs newsletters and other university-wide communication channels. Serve as the department’s primary point for CSI event pages on the student organization management platform, maintaining event information, records, forms and assessment data in collaboration with the Associate Director. The Coordinator will provide marketing and creative support for student engagement initiatives, including developing marketing campaigns, supporting program branding and providing guidance on promotional strategies and materials. Demonstrating a strong passion for creativity and student outreach, the position collaborates closely with the Student Affairs marketing team and the University Communications & Marketing office on content strategy, social media planning and posting, and day-of content coverage for departmental events and student engagement initiatives. 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 othe