What are the responsibilities and job description for the Brennan Wellness Promotion Staff Development Fellowship (78399) position at IONA UNIVERSITY?
The Brennan Wellness Promotion Staff Development Fellowship is a one-year, renewable professional development opportunity for early-career staff within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs who are interested in mental and physical health and wellness promotion. Two fellowship positions are available. Appointments are for one year, with the option to renew following a performance review at the end of the first year. Fellowship responsibilities span 11 months, from August 1 through June 30.
The fellowship is designed to expand wellness education and engagement opportunities for students through coordinated, student-facing initiatives. Fellows will collaborate with health and wellness services on campus—including the Counseling Center, Wellness Center, and divisional leadership—as well as a broad network of campus partners. The experience is intentionally developmental, providing exposure to best practices in wellness promotion, prevention-based programming, and cross-functional collaboration.
Fellows will design, implement, and assess campus-wide wellness initiatives addressing topics such as mental health awareness, suicide prevention, substance use prevention, interpersonal violence prevention, stress management, and physical health promotion. Programming may include events, campaigns, social media outreach, tabling, presentations, and national awareness initiatives. Fellowship activities are completed outside of the Fellow’s primary position responsibilities, and each Fellow receives a stipend in recognition of this additional commitment.
While the number of hours required weekly will vary in accordance with the programs being planned and delivered, Fellows should expect to spend approximately 20 hours per month on Fellowship related responsibilities.
Fellows will receive performance reviews mid-year and at the end of the Fellowship year. Evaluation of performance in the fellowship is separate from, and has no bearing on, performance review in the Fellow’s regular staff position.
Compensation
Each Fellow will receive a stipend of $5,000 for the 11-month period of the Fellowship, to be paid biweekly.
Fellowship Learning Outcomes and Assessment
By the conclusion of the fellowship year, Fellows will be able to:
Learning Outcomes
- Design and implement evidence-informed wellness promotion initiatives addressing identified student health and wellbeing needs
- Demonstrate effective collaboration with campus partners across Health and Counseling services and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
- Apply best practices in prevention-based education, outreach, and student engagement
- Utilize assessment data and student feedback to evaluate program effectiveness and inform future initiatives
- Communicate health and wellness information clearly and responsibly through multiple modalities (e.g., programs, social media, print materials)
Assessment Measures
- Completion of a minimum number of comprehensive wellness initiatives or campaigns across the fellowship year
- Program attendance data, engagement metrics, and post-event evaluations
- Reflection reports or portfolio documenting planning processes, partnerships, and learning outcomes
- Supervisor and divisional leadership feedback at end-of-year
- Fellow self-assessment aligned with stated learning outcomes
Application Guidelines and Timeline
To apply, please prepare a cover letter, CV, and reflective statement (2-3 double spaced pages, 1-inch margins, 12-point font) detailing:
- Your interest in student mental health and wellness
- Experience with designing and delivering student programming
- Educational, professional, and/or volunteer background in health and/or mental health (if applicable)
- Specific ideas for mental health and wellness initiatives, campaigns, and programs that you would like to pursue as a Fellow
All applicants must indicate support for their candidacy from their departmental director in their application materials. Please submit all materials by 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 30th, 2026, via email to wellnessactivities@iona.edu.
Qualifications:
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be full-time or part-time staff members in good standing within the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
- Be considered early-career professionals (generally 0–5 years of professional experience in higher education or student affairs-related roles)
- Demonstrate a strong interest in mental health, physical health, and wellness promotion, prevention, or health education
- Have the capacity to complete fellowship responsibilities spanning both Iona University campuses, outside the hours of their current position during the August 1–June 30 fellowship period
- Demonstrate interest in collaboration, program development, and student-facing work
Preferred (but not required):
- Prior experience with wellness programming, health education, peer education, or student engagement initiatives
- Interest in pursuing future professional roles related to health promotion, wellness, or student support services
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
About Iona/EEO Statement:
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona is a growing, highly accredited institution located just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, with campuses in New Rochelle, Bronxville, and a new location in County Mayo, Ireland. With over 4,000 students, Iona offers small classes, engaged faculty, and a wide range of programs across the School of Arts & Science, the LaPenta School of Business (AACSB‑accredited), the NewYork‑Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences, and the Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Recognized by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and U.S. News & World Report, Iona is nationally ranked for academic quality, social mobility, and long‑term return on investment. The University’s continued growth and rising reputation reflect its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, service, and opportunity.
Iona University values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all employees and applicants for employment. Iona is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered free from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Iona University encourages applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
Salary : $5,000