Community Engagement Student Coordinator

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The mandate of the Student Experience portfolio is to encourage student engagement, support student success, and to enhance overall student life at Western. Student Experience encompasses various departments across three pillars: Wellness & Wellbeing, Sport & Recreation, and Leadership & Learning. Careers & Experience is part of the Leadership & Learning pillar along with Academic Support & Engagement and Transition, Leadership & Enrichment. The Student Experience portfolio operates together to create an environment in which students can thrive and succeed. Student Experience also collaborates closely with the University Students’ Council, Society of Graduate Students, and other departments across campus.

The vision of Careers & Experience is for all Western graduates to have the skills and confidence to thoughtfully engage in communities, and build a meaningful life and career.

Responsibilities

The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for the planning and execution of the Orientation Serves program during Orientation Week and launching the Western Serves Network during Orientation Month. The Coordinator works closely with the Experiential Learning Unit (Careers & Experience) to plan and promote a variety of co-curricular community engaged learning (CEL) initiatives throughout the academic year.

The Experiential Learning Unit collaborates with community and nonprofit organizations in London and surrounding area to offer a variety of CEL programs to all students at Western. The Community Engagement Coordinator works closely with this team to support flagship co-curricular CEL programs, such as Orientation Serves, Western Serves Network, and Impact Experience.

Position Dimensions:

• Work with the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Co-Curricular Programs to coordinate Orientation Serves, Western Serves Network, and Impact Experience events.
• Selects and provides support to a team of students to promote and support Co-Curricular Community Engaged Learning programming offered through the Careers & Experience department.
• Meet with community organizations to learn about their needs and identify opportunities to engage Western students.
• Liaise with Orientation committees and the Charity Orientation Commissioner to collaborate on various Orientation Serves elements, including Soph training, scheduling, marketing, and event-day support. 
• Liaise with the Digital Engagement team (Student Experience) to develop multimedia promotional materials for Orientation Serves, Western Serves Network and Impact Experience.

Knowledge and Skills:

Have tacit knowledge and an awareness of the goals and priorities of Western University and the Orientation Program Strategic Plan 

Demonstrate responsible creativity in program planning and resource allocation 

Display strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills 

Demonstrate confidence and enthusiasm for nurturing Student Leaders 

Exceptional written communication skills; experience writing content for print, web, and social media

Strong organizational and time management skills to support multiple aspects of project coordination 

Problem-solving skills and the ability to be flexible in changing environments

Excellent oral communication skills; professionalism in communicating with diverse program partners (e.g., students, staff, faculty, and community partners)

Responds positively to change

High attention to detail

Proven ability to set and work to deadlines

Previous experience with Community Engaged Learning programming, or equivalent learning programs an asset

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Must be a current undergraduate student and returning as an undergraduate student for the duration of your time in the role

Must reside in London and be available to work full-time, in-person hours throughout the summer

Previous leadership experience (Orientation Leader, Faculty Council, staff, the University Students’ Council, etc.) is preferred 

Ability to work with Student Leaders

Background in group facilitation and team-building skills

Technical skills, including PowerPoint, Keynote, Excel, Photoshop, etc.

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Superb organization skills and an ability to work in flexible, fast-paced environments

The CEC will not carry any other orientation or staff roles for the duration of the position (Staff or Soph).

Time commitment:

• The Community Engagement Coordinator’s term will begin November 4, 2024 and end September 26, 2025.
• During the summer (May-August), the Coordinator will be expected to work 35 hours per week, as part of an extended 4-month contract. The Coordinator will maintain a fixed office work week in London, Ontario. Evening and weekend work may be required, on occasion. Typical responsibilities include:
  • Organize CEL opportunities with various community organizations for Orientation Serves, Western Serves Network, and year-long programs.
  • Liaise with Charity Orientation Commissioner to organize Orientation Serves training, scheduling, and event logistics.
  • Facilitate regular team meetings, in person or online, with Community Engagement Champions.
  • Develop and deliver training for Sophs and Community Engagement Champions on Orientation Serves.
  • Create individual and group assessment tools for Orientation Serves participants.
• The Community Engagement Coordinator will be required to be present during Orientation Week and, specifically, during Orientation Serves (September).
• During the academic year (November – April), the Community Engagement Coordinator will be expected to work approximately 10 hours per week. Hours are flexible to fit around classes and other academic commitments. Typical responsibilities include:
  • Promote and facilitate Western Serves Network opportunities.
  • Develop an Orientation Serves report that can be shared with campus partners, participating community organizations, and future Community Engagement Coordinators.
  • Contribute to the development of a comprehensive report based on the findings from the Post-Orientation Week Survey, and various Orientation Serves assessment measures, regarding Orientation Serves’ impact on new students’ transition to Western and the City of London.  
  • Provide guidance to Community Engagement Champions to achieve program outcomes.
  • Promote and support Impact Experience opportunities. 

Training:

The Community Engagement Coordinator will work with the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Co-Curricular Programs to co-develop a training plan that supports them in developing skills that will allow them to be successful in their role and contribute to their career development. The training plan will be informed and supported by Student Experience, in consultation with the Orientation Committee.

Learning outcomes:

The Community Engagement Coordinator will:

• Develop strong professional skills by engaging with the community in a thoughtful and respectful manner, as a representative of Western University
• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing environments, recognizing that community work is complex, unpredictable, and requires innovative thinking
• Develop effective program/event planning, project management, and facilitation skills
• Model a high degree of self-reliance, working effectively independently and within a team environment
• Develop mentorship abilities by supporting a team of student leaders to achieve collective goals

 Supervision:

The Community Engagement Coordinator will report directly to the Experiential Learning Coordinator, Co-Curricular Programs (Careers & Experience).

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth.  Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre.  Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Background Checks

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory prior to any offer of employment.

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please include your cover letter and current resume. 

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.  Applicants should have oral communication skills in English. 

The application package for this position consists of 2 pieces: 

1. Resume 

2. Cover letter

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.  Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more and Apply