The Center for Academic Excellence at Portland State University seeks a Student Leaders for Service (SLS) Program Coordinator with professional experience supporting student leadership development, experience working in community-based settings, and planning/facilitating service-learning and/or community-service activities. This position will provide program and individual support for a team of student leaders who are working in a variety of community-based settings.

The job responsibilities for the SLS program coordinator are designed with consideration for two key university goals: 1) Supporting student leadership development and 2) Addressing the PSU motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City”.  The SLS Program Coordinator supports these university goals by managing a program that provides opportunities for students to reinforce academic learning by applying it to real community issues, consistently resulting in increased student learning, increased career opportunities, and stronger campus-community partnerships. The Program Coordinator provides leadership to support students in nine-month community-engagement placements, and ensures that community partners utilize student hours in meaningful and productive ways.

Primary job responsibilities include:

• Support leadership development for 25 students working with PSU community partners in nine-month community engagement placements. Work with students to develop roles as volunteer/community-based learning coordinators for other PSU students at community partners.
• Recruit, hire, train and supervise the program’s student leaders (20-25 students per term). Coordinate all aspects of program marketing, including; creating flyers, brochures and other print and electronic promotional materials.
• Develop curriculum and facilitate weekend orientation at the beginning of the year and weekly leadership development meetings (for which students have option to earn credit).
• Collaborate with Center for Academic Excellence and Office of Student Affairs to develop Student Leaders for Service’s presence on campus and ability to meet the engagement/volunteer needs of the PSU community.
• Support community engagement efforts of students and faculty campus-wide by facilitating service opportunities at SLS community partner sites on dates designated as Viking Days Day of Service, Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Day, and Earth Day/Global Youth Service Day.
• Support the development, funding, and operations of Alternative Spring Break programs.
• Maintain and continue to develop the community partner and SLS alumni databases.
• Collaborate with Oregon Campus Compact and area colleges and universities to coordinate collective engagement opportunities for students across the region.Actively pursue external funding for SLS Program.
• Manage and maintain accountability for budget allocations made to the SLS Program through the Student Fee Committee.

Qualifications:

• Experience supporting student leadership;
• Knowledge of service-learning pedagogies and experience facilitating reflective learning in relation to community-based experience;
• Ability to facilitate training;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate interpersonally and using multiple mediums including strong writing, public speaking, and using online and social networking tools;
• Experience planning and facilitating community-based service projects; and
• Bachelor’s degree with intention of working towards a higher level degree.
• Criminal background check required.

Portland State University is a thriving urban-serving public university with nearly 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The 49-acre campus located in the heart of Portland, Oregon, one of the nation’s most livable cities. Portland State’s motto, “Let Knowledge Serve the City,” inspires its innovative approach to education, which combines academic rigor in the classroom with field-based experiences through internships and classroom projects with community partners.

Application Process:
Screening of complete applications will begin immediately. Applications received after June 22 will only be considered if a suitable candidate is has not yet been identified. Applications should be submitted in one .pdf document including:

• Cover letter addressing applicant’s experience with the qualifications for the position and how the position supports personal and professional goals;
• Resume’
• A piece of professional writing (not to exceed 600 words) that effectively demonstrates applicant’s writing ability; and
• Names and complete contact information for three professional references.

Compensation and State Date:

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position is available mid June, 2011.

Please email application materials in one .pdf document to: caestaff {at} pdx(.)edu with the subject line: Students Leaders for Service Search

Other contact information:
503.725.5642 phone
503.725.2780 fax

Portland State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, committed to the development of an inclusive and diverse community. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged.