Job Summary

This role supports the mission of the Leadership and Professional Development Department (LEAD) within the Roger C. Stewart Office of Student Leadership, Engagement and Community (SLEC) by enhancing the overall student experience at Purdue University. The Student Affairs Specialist serves as a key resource to students and university staff, building and managing partnerships across SLEC, Student Life, and the broader university to strengthen student leadership initiatives. While housed within a specific SLEC unit, the role contributes to leadership programming and support across all areas of SLEC.

Operating under the internal title of Leadership Development Specialist, this position is responsible for designing and delivering both in-person and virtual learning experiences. This includes facilitating workshops, retreats, and other experiential programs, as well as managing mentoring and coaching initiatives for student leaders. The role also supports the development of new programs within the Executive Leadership Initiative, aimed at advancing leadership competencies at higher levels of student development. Core areas of focus include self-awareness, communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and the effective application of individual strengths throughout the student experience.

This position is student-facing and is therefore not eligible for remote work classification. The position will require evening and weekend hours.

About Us

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two (2) years of professional experience providing direct student service in higher education 

Qualified Candidates Will Need:

Skills Required:

• Strong interpersonal and rapport-building skills, including excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities

• Foundational knowledge of student development theories and practices

• Experience planning, implementing, and assessing educational and outreach programs

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to analyze and resolve complex or sensitive issues independently and efficiently

• Working knowledge of policies and procedures related to student services

• Ability to work effectively with individuals from varied cultural, political, and geographic backgrounds

• Skill in building and maintaining collaborative relationships with campus partners, student groups, and colleagues

• Strong judgment in communication, including maintaining confidentiality and navigating sensitive situations in compliance with ADA, FERPA, and other applicable regulations

• Knowledge of college student development issues and commitment to ongoing professional learning in student affairs

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel, Outlook)

• Familiarity with appropriate and ethical use of AI tools in a professional setting

• Flexibility to adapt to varying work assignments and schedules, including evenings and weekends

Preferred:

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

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Who We Are

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University