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Assistant Director for Student Activities

Basic Function and Responsibility
Serves as part of the Student Activities Office team in providing Institute support, advice, and direction to and for MIT student activities, clubs, and organizations, particularly in the area of event planning and program coordination. Works with ASA recognized groups, Class Councils and student governments to strengthen the ongoing visibility and diversity of student-run programs on campus. Fosters communication and collaboration between and among students, the staff of Student Life Programs, and the relevant programs and operations at MIT, particularly those of the Campus Activities Complex (CAC) and Campus Police.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

I. Supports and advises student organizations and governments, particularly in the area of event planning, advising, and leadership development. Encourages and assists in facilitating students’ efforts to provide a balanced program of social activities that is consistent with the Institute’s educational mission:

1. Advises student organizations on an individual basis with regards to event planning: from pre-planning, to promotion and advertising, to creativity in program planning, to contracts and paying negotiations, to leadership opportunities, etc. Initiates outreach to groups who may need assistance.
2. Advises two of the four Class Councils and provides programmatic planning support for their accompanying programs. Meets with them regularly and helps them maintain appropriate records of their events including budgets, publicity materials, final reports, etc.
3. Oversees some of the student government specialty funding boards, working with a committee of students to publicize and allocate these funds on a semesterly basis.
4. Shares responsibility with other Program Coordinator for coordination of major campus-wide events organized by students, such as concerts, lectures, or complex events with multiple components (including Fall Festival and Spring Weekend).
5. Works with the staff of Student Activities to maintain and develop a resource file through which student groups and organizations can obtain relevant information about MIT, local vendors, national agencies, and organizational development.

II. Participates in the overall development of support for the Student Activities Office. Encourages the growth and development of student organizations and helps maintain an environment that maximizes the personal growth potential of students and student leaders. The Program Coordinator is responsible for these basic functions:

1. Assists students through the Event Registration process by advising and authorizing event requests. Participates in weekly Event Review Meetings and in improving event-related policies.
2. Develops and implements a series of training workshops available for student leaders on a variety of leadership related topics.
3. Serves as the primary Office of the Dean for Student Life (DSL) representative during major campus parties requiring metal detectors.
4. Responsible for coordinating, producing, and designing specific promotional materials and publications for Student Activities.
5. Has signatory authority on student organization’s accounts and participates in the operation and development of the Student Activities Finances Office.
6. Performs other duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean for Student Activities.

III. Serves as a member of the Student Life Programs (SLP) staff. As such, the Program Coordinator helps support the Public Service Center; the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered (LBGT) Program; The Latino Cutural Center (LCC); Fraternities/Sororities and Living Groups Program; and Residential Programming efforts:

1. Responsible for the creation of an interactive Resource Library of books, videos, CDs, and a list of potential speakers around issues of Leadership, Group Dynamics, Motivation & Delegation, Diversity, Ethics & Integrity, Public Speaking & Communication, Organization & Time Management, Alcohol Training, Icebreakers, etc.
2. Works with other staff members in SLP to create and implement leadership development programs to support student leaders on campus.
3. Together with other staff, will help develop and implement programs to address issues of diversity on MIT’s campus and to support students of color and LBGT students and their organizations.
4. Will assist in major campus-wide programs supported and coordinated by the DSL Office such as Orientation, Charm School, and Commencement.
5. In collaboration with SLP and other staff, implements programming within the residential system.
6. Coordinates administration of a professional preparatory program for Graduate Assistants and Interns for Student Activities within SLP as needed.

Supervision Received
Direct supervision is received from the Assistant Dean for Student Activities on an ongoing basis. Weekly meetings are held as well as daily problem solving and issues resolution.

Supervision Exercised
Supervision may be exercised over a Graduate Assistant and other student workers as appropriate.

Qualifications
Bachelors Degree and 2-4 years of experience in the area of student activities, event planning, and/or student union management required. Master’s degree in Student Personnel and/or Higher Education preferred. Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-task environment strongly preferred. Experience and skills in conflict resolution, leadership training, and collaboration. A demonstrated commitment to and appreciation for issues of diversity and community. Must possess ability to articulate a student activities philosophy and the role of student activities in a high intensity academic environment. Excellent writing and public speaking skills essential. Knowledge of computer programs and desktop publishing required, including PageMaker; HTML/WEB design preferred. Some evening and weekend hours are necessary.