Coordinator of Leadership & Student Transitions

Alabama A&M University•Normal, IL

66d

About The Position

The Coordinator of Leadership and Student Transitions plays a vital role in supporting student engagement, leadership development, and co-curricular learning at Alabama A&M University. This position is instrumental in enhancing the quality and scope of student programming and is essential to the university's efforts to improve student retention and persistence. The coordinator provides direct support to students in key leadership and transitional roles, including the Freshman Peer Mentor Program, Royal Court, and First-Generation initiatives. This role is critical to enhancing the student experience through intentional programming, mentorship, and engagement strategies that foster belonging, personal growth, and retention.Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Student Leadership Development Coordinate all training, development, and accountability processes for OSALD student leaders, including workshops, conference travel, and leadership competencies. Plan and implement a year-long student leadership development curriculum. Lead the execution of the annual leadership celebration and student leader check-in processes each semester. Student Transitions & First-Year Support Oversee the Freshman Peer Mentor Program, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing support of peer mentors. Collaborate with campus partners to ensure a holistic and effective transition for first-year students. Design, manage, and assess programs supporting students during critical transitions (e.g., high school to college, undeclared to declared majors, etc.). First-Generation Student Initiatives Develop and implement initiatives focused on supporting first-generation college students. Serve as a liaison to campus departments and offices to coordinate academic and social support services. Host regular events and campaigns that highlight and celebrate the experiences of first-gen students. Royal Court Advisement Advise and support the Royal Court, including training, professional development, and performance management. Assist with planning Royal Court appearances, event preparation, etiquette training, and collaborative campus engagement. Ensure alignment with the university's values and expectations for student leaders representing the institution. Student Leader Travel & Representation Coordinate logistics and compliance for student travel to conferences, leadership summits, and other external engagements. Manage budgets and ensure adherence to university travel policies. Assessment & Reporting Track student participation, engagement trends, and learning outcomes using appropriate software and tools. Prepare reports and presentations on leadership and transition program impacts and student success indicators. Use data to make recommendations for program growth and innovation. Additional Duties & Responsibilities Communicate with prospective and current students regarding student life opportunities. Represent the Office of Student Activities at on- and off-campus recruitment events and fairs. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student and departmental information. Participate in safety drills, training, and emergency preparedness initiatives. Serve on university committees as assigned. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree; Master's preferred
One to three years related work experience; preferably in a university setting
Demonstrated understanding of, and a commitment to the university mission and purpose; teaching and learning; high academic standards; and student success
Ability to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends as needed
Knowledge of student engagement theory, leadership development, and first-year transition programs.
Knowledge of event planning principles and student development best practices.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher).
Knowledge of University policies related to student travel, budgeting, and risk management.
Skills in program development and implementation.
Skills in public speaking, training facilitation, and workshop delivery.
Skills in customer service and student advising.
Skills in writing and editing promotional and publication materials.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion.
Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population and campus community.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing.
Ability to collaborate with peers and stakeholders across the institution.
Ability to serve as a positive role model and mentor for students.
Ability to be present and dependable on-site to meet the needs of a dynamic student-centered environment.

Responsibilities

Coordinate all training, development, and accountability processes for OSALD student leaders, including workshops, conference travel, and leadership competencies.
Plan and implement a year-long student leadership development curriculum.
Lead the execution of the annual leadership celebration and student leader check-in processes each semester.
Oversee the Freshman Peer Mentor Program, including recruitment, training, supervision, and ongoing support of peer mentors.
Collaborate with campus partners to ensure a holistic and effective transition for first-year students.
Design, manage, and assess programs supporting students during critical transitions (e.g., high school to college, undeclared to declared majors, etc.).
Develop and implement initiatives focused on supporting first-generation college students.
Serve as a liaison to campus departments and offices to coordinate academic and social support services.
Host regular events and campaigns that highlight and celebrate the experiences of first-gen students.
Advise and support the Royal Court, including training, professional development, and performance management.
Assist with planning Royal Court appearances, event preparation, etiquette training, and collaborative campus engagement.
Ensure alignment with the university's values and expectations for student leaders representing the institution.
Coordinate logistics and compliance for student travel to conferences, leadership summits, and other external engagements.
Manage budgets and ensure adherence to university travel policies.
Track student participation, engagement trends, and learning outcomes using appropriate software and tools.
Prepare reports and presentations on leadership and transition program impacts and student success indicators.
Use data to make recommendations for program growth and innovation.
Communicate with prospective and current students regarding student life opportunities.
Represent the Office of Student Activities at on- and off-campus recruitment events and fairs.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive student and departmental information.
Participate in safety drills, training, and emergency preparedness initiatives.
Serve on university committees as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director.