Job Description
Req Id:  37784
Job Title:  Student Affairs Specialist - Programming (Purdue Indianapolis)
City:  Indianapolis
Job Description: 

Job Summary

The Student Affairs Specialist-Programming fosters student development and engagement on campus and within the Indianapolis community. They are responsible for supporting co-curricular activities and large-scale events and programs that enrich student experiences and celebrate their accomplishments. They will execute programs and events for students in Indianapolis, including budgeting, reserving space, acquiring supplies, catering and vendors, risk management, and on-site logistics. They will support programming for Purdue traditions such as Parent and Family Weekend, Boiler Gold Rush, Homecoming, Mental Health Action Week, etc. They will also work with students to establish and support new traditions for the Indianapolis location. They will facilitate student engagement within the city of Indianapolis by arranging opportunities for student participation in events such as athletics, arts, theater, and museums. In collaboration with Purdue Bands and Orchestras, Purdue Musical Organizations, and Purdue Convocations, they will establish arts and music engagement for students in Indianapolis, as well as arranging arts events open to the greater Indianapolis community.

 

The specialist will stay current on higher education trends and University policies to provide quality, student-centered service. In addition to providing direct service, the specialist engages in intentional and continuous efforts to improve service to students, which includes improving internal processes and procedures. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Students at Purdue University in Indianapolis (along with dotted lines to Purdue West Lafayette leadership), the specialist serves on the team that supports all aspects of Purdue University Student Life including areas of residential life, student-initiated activities and governance, student support and crisis management, counseling, student conduct, health/wellness services, and recreation.

 

As part of Purdue’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging, growth, and impact, this position plays a key role in creating a vibrant campus environment where students are empowered to thrive and make meaningful contributions. This position will require evening and weekend hours

Who We Are

The Office of the Dean of Students (ODOS) is an umbrella of units that empower, support and advocate for students in the classroom and beyond. Specialized areas within ODOS includes: Center for Advocacy, Response and Education;  Crisis Management; Student Support Services; and the Roger C. Stewart Office of Leadership, Engagement and Community which encompasses: Fraternity, Sorority and Cooperative Life; Leadership and Professional Development; Off-Campus Housing; Student Activities and Organizations; Student Legal Services; and Student Rights and Responsibilities. 

What We Are Looking For

Education and Experience:

 

Required:

  • Two (2) years of professional experience providing direct student service in higher education
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

 

Preferred:

  • Master's degree in higher education, college student development, student affairs counseling, student personnel services, or a related field 

 

 

Skills:

 

Required:

  • Effective rapport building and strong interpersonal skills including excellent written, oral and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated experience planning and implementing a wide variety of outreach/educational programs
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve complex and sensitive problems creatively and efficiently with minimal supervision
  • Ability to grasp knowledge of policies and procedures related to different aspects of student services
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective collaborative relationships with campus departments, student groups and colleagues
  • Ability to discern appropriate level of communication with multiple audiences and maintain confidentiality around complex and sensitive issues to be in compliance with applicable ADA, FERPA, and other applicable state, federal, University, and College of Professional Studies guidelines
  • Proven ability to engage with and build relationships within the greater Indy community through collaborative initiatives, outreach events, and sustained community partnerships
  • Knowledge of college-student development issues and commitment to student service with a vested interest in staying abreast of research in the field of academic and student affairs
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications including Power Point, Access, Excel, and Outlook
  • Flexibility in work assignments and work hours to include some evenings/weekends

Additional Information

Career Stream

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.

Posting Start Date:  7/22/25