The Program Specialist role is designed for individuals seeking to build a career in student affairs, intercultural engagement, and student leadership development. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Carolyn Barber-Pierre Center for Intercultural Life (CBP-CIL), the Program Specialist contributes to learning-centered, welcoming, and community-focused experiences that foster student growth, belonging, and leadership capacity.

This position is ideal for a motivated professional eager to learn through hands-on experience in student organization advising, intercultural programming, dialogue facilitation, and support for residential learning communities. The Program Specialist works closely with other Program Specialists and student leaders, receiving mentorship and guidance as they develop core competencies in advising, program design, assessment, and advocacy-centered student support. The role offers clear ownership of defined program areas, alongside shared responsibility for advising, assessment, and Center-wide initiatives.

By balancing direct student engagement with structured supervision and professional development, this role offers a strong foundation for an emerging student affairs or higher education professional.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree and at least two years of directly related professional experience supporting college students, student organizations, student leadership, or student development OR high school diploma or equivalent and five years of professional experience in these areas.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES:

1. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across audiences (students, staff, faculty, partners) and co-facilitate dialogue-based programs that promote listening, perspective-taking, and respectful engagement across difference.
2. Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to plan and implement learning-centered programs with clear goals, timelines, and outcomes while managing multiple advising relationships simultaneously.
3. Demonstrated ability to apply theory to practice, drawing on frameworks in student development, leadership, and retention to inform advising and programming decisions.
4. Capacity to build trust with students from varied lived experiences, especially first-generation and low/limited-income students, while navigating institutional policies through an advocacy-centered approach.
5. Ability to analyze basic quantitative and qualitative assessment results, identify themes and areas for improvement, and willingness to learn and apply Center-identified assessment tools, rubrics, and frameworks.
6. Ability to provide clear expectations, ongoing guidance, and developmental support to student staff in alignment with program goals and learning outcomes.
7. Ability to work effectively as part of a team, actively seek feedback and professional development, demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office and willingness to learn advising and coordination platforms, and work occasional evenings and weekends as programming requires.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

1. Master’s degree in student personnel, higher education, social work, or a related field.
2. Experience supporting students across multiple developmental stages within a higher education context.
3. Experience supporting students in higher education settings (e.g., NPHC organizations, pre-college programs, intercultural residential learning communities).
4. Experience supporting and/or leading interfaith programs or organizations
5. Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and assessing student programs that support retention, engagement, and belonging.
6. Experience advising student organizations and mentoring student leaders.
7. Familiarity with trauma-informed practices and inclusive leadership development frameworks.
8. Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.