Staff Assistant - Cultural Engagement Center

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The staff assistant supports the Cultural Engagement Center (CEC) in developing programs, services, and partnerships that foster curiosity, connection, and community across Emerson. Reporting to the Director of the CEC, the staff assistant leads cultural initiatives, advises student organizations, supports students, and manages CEC operations and space.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

Program Development & Engagement

- Develop and implement CEC programs, including dialogues, workshops, cultural events, and community-building activities.
- Partner with student organizations, Student Affairs departments, the Center for Spiritual Life, and Boston-area organizations to expand opportunities for cultural learning and engagement.
- Support programs that promote reflection, dialogue, community, and cross-cultural understanding.
- Ensure programming aligns with institutional expectations and applicable federal nondiscrimination and equal opportunity guidance.

Student Support & Leadership Development

- Advise and mentor cultural and affinity-based student organizations on leadership, event planning, budgeting, policies, and organizational development.
- Develop a peer mentorship program connecting students across class years, backgrounds, and interests.
- Support students navigating cultural, community, or adjustment-related challenges and connect them with appropriate campus resources.
- Provide outreach and support to cultural organizations and first-generation students.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs partners, including Student Care and Support, Community Standards, the Emerson Wellness Center, and the Office of Equal Opportunity, when appropriate.

Center Operations & Communications

- Manage daily CEC operations, including scheduling, room reservations, event logistics, equipment requests, work orders, and space accessibility.
- Maintain a welcoming, accessible, and comfortable Center environment.
- Assist in support and supervising CEC student employees.
- Manage the CEC event calendar, website, social media, EmConnect, and print communications.
- Coordinate communications and promotional campaigns for cultural heritage months and signature CEC programs in accordance with Emerson’s brand and accessibility guidelines.

Assessment & Strategic Alignment

- Assist with program assessment, data collection, and reporting to identify student needs and inform future programming.
- Align CEC programs and services with Emerson College’s strategic priorities and applicable federal guidelines.

QUALIFICATIONS – Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to effectively perform job.

- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, or a related field strongly preferred.
- Minimum 3-5 years of professional experience in student engagement, identity development, intersectionality, and community building across differences or related area(s) in higher education required.
- Experience advising, mentoring, and supporting college students required.
- Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing, and assessing student engagement events, training, and space management
- Prior experience managing projects independently and collaborating across departments required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

- Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication, organizational, and facilitation skills.
- Ability to build effective relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community partners representing diverse identities and perspectives.
- Creative, collaborative, flexible, self-motivated, and detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, or similar communication/design tools preferred.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES – Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

- Primarily office-based; requires the ability to sit or stand for extended periods and concentrate for extended periods.
- Occasional lifting and movement of light materials.

WORK ENVIRONMENT – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

- Evening and weekend participation is expected for campus programs and event

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.  Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Grade of Position: T01N

Employment Category: Temporary (Fixed Term)
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Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20.00

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.