Program Specialist, Student Engagement & Leadership

Brandeis University

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Brandeis - Waltham Campus Until 10/2/2026 1+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted August 3, 2026 Last posted August 3, 2026
Job description

About the Role

Brandeis University invites applications for the position of Program Specialist, Student Engagement and Leadership — an exciting opportunity to empower students, strengthen community partnerships, and advance the university’s mission of social justice through experiential learning and leadership development.

As a key member of the Student Engagement team, the Program Specialist for Student Engagement & Leadership works as part of a larger team that creates a vibrant student experience outside the classroom. Specifically, the Program Specialist serves as the department’s primary advisor to all recognized student organizations; provides policy guidance, training, and event planning support; and supports the development and implementation of formal co-curricular student leadership programs for undergraduate students.

This role offers the chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and the local community by building programs that connect passion to purpose.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provides advising support to student organizations in the areas of event planning, organizational development, contract negotiation/oversight and budget development through policy development, communications, and individual meetings. Responsible for supervision, risk management and advisement of campus-wide events/programs sponsored by recognized clubs.
  • Manage the implementation of various department-wide leadership and traditional programming and processes that include, but not are limited to, the Involvement Fairs, Recognized Student Organization annual registration, annual training opportunities, and leadership programming that support club leader development and success. Training topics include but are not limited to self-governance, reinforcing the mission of their organization, effective fiscal management, collaborative learning, ethical leadership, diversity and inclusion, contract negotiation, and event planning.
  • Serve as the primary departmental administrator for the student organization management platform to maintain accurate organization records, track events, and promote student engagement. Responsible for understanding and leveraging how technology may advance club, department, division and university initiatives.
  • Provide leadership, supervision, professional development, and evaluation of part-time staff, graduate assistants, and/or undergraduate student staff.
  • Support strategic planning, development of leadership programs, and student advising. Manage related program budgets.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
  • 1–3 years of related experience in community engagement, student affairs, or related areas.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Experience managing budgets and supervising students or volunteers preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and Brandeis’s core values of social justice and community engagement.

Position Details & Benefits

  • Salary range: $53,200–$61,700
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and life insurance
  • Free on-campus parking and access to state-of-the-art athletic facilities
  • Tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents
  • A supportive, mission-driven environment where your work has lasting impact

Why Brandeis?

At Brandeis University, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. The Program Specialist for Community Student Engagement & Leadership plays an essential role in helping students discover their potential as leaders, citizens, and changemakers. Join a team dedicated to empowering students and strengthening the community — one partnership at a time.

Pay Range Disclosure

The University's pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. The pay offered to a selected candidate during hiring will be based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience and education/training, internal peer equity, and applicable legal requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Brandeis University is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law (also known as membership in a "protected class").

About this role

Summary

Advise student organizations, manage programs, oversee student leadership initiatives, and support campus events.

Job title

Program Specialist, Student Engagement & Leadership

Experience level

1-3 years

Minimum experience

1+ years exp

Industry

education

Location requirements

Waltham campus; remote work not specified

Salary

$53k–$62k

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

communicationorganizational skillsbudget managementstudent advisingleadership

Preferred skills

supervisory experiencetrainingteamwork

Specializations

student engagementleadership developmentprogram managementcommunity engagementevent planning
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

Work arrangement unknown