Community Engagement And Communications Coordinator

About Alvernia University

Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.

Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.

Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education.

Job Summary

The Community & Communications Coordinator position is a multifaceted role centered on managing, documenting, and promoting community service and engagement for the university. The primary responsibilities include overseeing the documentation and validation of students' community service hours, as well as managing the university's community service database and volunteer management system, "Get Connected by Galaxy Digital." Additionally, the coordinator will function as the full-time staff administrator for Clare's Cupboard and manage the Alvernia Veteran's Center and Alvernia Seniors College. This position will support the implementation of both internal and external community events.

Essential Functions:

• Promote Franciscan ideals and adherence to the Mission of the University as demonstrated by the University's Ideal Characteristics. As we are an equal opportunity employer committed to Franciscan values, all employees share responsibility for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the performance of their roles while demonstrating service orientation, respect for all, intellectual curiosity, solution focus and innovation, and mutual accountability.

• Student Service Management: Input and approve community service hours for students using the Get Connected by Galaxy Digital platform. Ensure accurate data entry and maintain records of student participation in community service activities.

• Database Management: Manage and update Alvernia's community service database and volunteer management system, Get Connected by Galaxy Digital. Maintain accurate records of community partners, service opportunities, and student engagement.

• Administration of Clare's Cupboard: Serve as the full-time staff administrator of Clare's Cupboard, overseeing its operations and ensuring efficient distribution of resources to those in need.

• Community Engagement: Cultivate relationships with community partners to assess needs and identify service opportunities. Collaborate with stakeholders to organize on-campus events and initiatives that promote community engagement.

• Veteran's Center and Seniors College Coordination: Manage and coordinate the Alvernia Veteran's Center and Alvernia Seniors College, providing support and resources to these populations.

• Data Management and Reporting: Run data reports, assist in data collection, and coordinate with the Registrar's Office to track community service requirements and update student transcripts accordingly.

• Event Planning: Assist in planning and executing University-Wide Days of Service and Franciscan Service Days, coordinating logistics, recruiting volunteers, and ensuring successful outcomes.

• Marketing and Promotion: Design marketing materials to promote internal and external events, raising awareness of service opportunities and encouraging participation among students, staff, and faculty.

• Holleran Corps Program Oversight: Oversee the Holleran Corps program, delegating marketing and social media tasks as needed to support program goals and objectives.

Additional Duties:

• Participate in the MDI leadership team meetings.

• Attend university-wide days of service.

• Represent MDI at various university events such as Packapalooza, Open Houses, Connection Days, etc.

Qualifications/Education:

• Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.

• Bachelors required; Masters preferred

• Effective oral and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently but also display collaborative leadership

• Excellent organizational and time management skills

• Must be knowledgeable and proficient in Microsoft Office (to be able to input data design flyers and t-shirts)

Physical Requirements:

• Attendance is required in order to perform the job duties.

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.