Campus Programs and Special Events Specialist

Stony Brook University•Town of Brookhaven, NY

1d•$65,150 - $67,150

About The Position

The Campus Programs and Special Events Specialist is a newly created position within the Division of Student Affairs supporting campus-wide student programming and special events, with a focus on identified and priority student populations. Reporting to the Associate Director of Campus Programs and Special Events in the Office of Student Life, the Specialist assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing programs across the West, East, and Southampton campuses. The role supports student engagement and retention through cross-divisional collaboration, program coordination, and student-centered practices. It requires strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple priorities, and a commitment to collaboration, innovation, equity, and student success. Evening and weekend work is required at times. The Specialist helps plan and execute annual Student Life events and traditions, develops new campus events and programs with the Associate Director, collaborates with student organizations and university departments, gathers student feedback, and supports New Seawolves Welcome Week. The position supervises hourly undergraduate and graduate student assistants and assists with program budgets, purchasing, vendors, and event inventory. In collaboration with Family Services, the Specialist also supports family orientation and engagement activities throughout the academic year. This is a full-time, non-exempt appointment eligible for FLSA overtime provisions. It is designated as an essential position and may require reporting to or remaining at work during campus emergencies or limited operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent.
Two years of full-time experience with small- and large-scale event management.
Experience with event logistics.
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and/or Google Applications.
Experience working with a diverse population.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or foreign equivalent in Higher Education or a related field.
Experience working in a higher education setting.
Supervisory experience; supervision of students may be considered.
Experience with risk management.
Experience with purchasing.
Experience with event management software or registration platforms.
Experience with assessments to support event design and planning.

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and executing annual Student Life events, initiatives, and traditions, including the Shirley Strum Kenny Arts Festival, Earthstock, Winterfest, and Homecoming.
Support the Associate Director in creating new small-, medium-, and large-scale traditions and events hosted by the Office of Student Life.
Support existing collaborations and develop programs that create an educationally rich environment for student growth and learning.
Collaborate with Student Engagement and Activities, Student Community Development and Diversity, and Intercultural and Community Engagement to expand evening and weekend programming.
Work with student clubs and organizations and administrative and academic departments to create student-interest-based experiences.
Assist in gathering student feedback through focus groups and identify opportunities to enhance the student experience.
Collaborate with Orientation and Transitions Programs, Student Community Development, and Student Engagement and Activities to support and execute fall and spring New Seawolves Welcome Week events.
Recruit, select, hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and conduct performance reviews for undergraduate and graduate hourly student assistants; manage their time reporting and tracking.
Monitor program budgets, track expenditures, coordinate with vendors on contracts and purchasing, support efficient spending, and identify partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
Track and manage inventory for events and programs.
Plan, assign, and review student assistant work to ensure objectives are met.
Collaborate with Family Services to plan family orientation activities, coordinate schedules and agendas, arrange speakers and presentations, and organize campus tours.
Develop and coordinate educational and social family engagement opportunities during the academic year, including Family Weekend, Siblings Weekend, New Family Member BBQ, Homecoming, Visit Days, and Giving Day.
Participate in professional learning and development opportunities, including classes, training, committees, and webinars.
Attend and/or support events, activities, and programs sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and Stony Brook University.
Perform other duties or projects as assigned, appropriate to rank and departmental mission.
Work evenings and weekends when required.