What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Student Engagement Services Specialist position at Purdue Research Foundation?
Working for the Purdue For Life Foundation offers a unique opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to empowering Purdue University alumni and fostering a lifelong connection to the institution. By joining our team, you'll have the chance to contribute to a mission that supports educational initiatives, scholarships, and programs that positively impact the lives of Purdue students and graduates. The Foundation's commitment to education and community engagement provides a fulfilling work environment where you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and the broader community. Additionally, you'll have access to a network of passionate colleagues and the resources needed to drive positive change, making the Purdue For Life Foundation an inspiring and rewarding place to build your career. Your next giant leap starts here.
Responsibilities
- Coordinate day-to-day front desk operations for the Boilermaker Station Welcome Center (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.), including greeting visitors, responding to questions, maintaining a welcoming environment, and documenting visitor metrics and notes.
- Support student engagement initiatives, including promoting and assisting with membership activities for PASE (Purdue Alumni Student Experience) and the Purdue Alumni Association.
- Support and assist with the Purdue for Life Foundation (PFL) Mentoring Program, including participant communication, coordination, and matching logistics as needed.
- Coordinate distribution of PASE member materials (e.g., kits and jackets), maintain inventory levels, and document fulfillment.
- Promote engagement opportunities and events across Purdue for Life Foundation programs; share accurate information and route complex inquiries to appropriate staff.
- Support student events for PASE and Graduate Gateway, as well as other Welcome Center-hosted programs, including event preparation, on-site support, room setup/teardown, and post-event follow-up.
- Partner with Admissions and campus stakeholders to support prospective student and family visits, including coordinating logistics and providing a positive, high-touch welcome experience.
- Document significant constituent interactions (alumni, families, students, and partners) in a timely and confidential manner; maintain accurate notes to support follow-up and relationship management.
- Complete required onboarding and role-related training; participate in ongoing professional development as assigned.
Marketing & Events
- Assist with event coordination and logistics (e.g., registrations, room setup/teardown, materials preparation, and day-of support) for Purdue for Life Foundation and Welcome Center programs.
- Curate displays that promote Purdue for Life Foundation programs and upcoming engagement opportunities.
Supply & Logistics
- Maintain supplies and materials needed for daily operations and events (e.g., cleaning supplies, office supplies, event materials, informational handouts, and giveaway items).
- Monitor basic in-space technology (e.g., displays and audio) and coordinate troubleshooting with appropriate staff when issues arise.
- Communicate supply shortages, facility concerns, or equipment issues promptly and help coordinate resolutions.
Other
- Provide tours and general information to alumni, visitors, and partners as assigned.
- Complete routine data entry and record maintenance, including updating contact information and documenting notes in accordance with confidentiality and data stewardship expectations.
- Work occasional evenings and weekends to support events and peak visitor periods.
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort learning new systems.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and basic content coordination.
- Comfortable adopting new technologies and processes; willingness to learn and improve.
- Event support experience (planning, setup, registration, or day-of logistics) preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Highly organized with attention to detail; able to prioritize, meet deadlines, and address issues proactively.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
- Adaptable work style; comfortable in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
- Time management skills, including scheduling, coordinating space needs, and supporting vendor/event logistics as applicable.
Required Education, Experience and Benefits Summary
- Associate’s degree required; communications, hospitality, business, education, or a related field preferred.
- Entry-level experience supporting customer service, events, student services, or administrative operations (including internships, campus involvement, or part-time work) preferred.
- Equivalent work experience can substitute for a degree.
Job Level: Professional 1
Benefits Summary for eligible employees:
- Purdue For Life Foundation job levels and compensation ranges are independent of, and differ from, those of Purdue University.
Benefits Summary for eligible employees:
- 10 paid holidays per year.
- Accrue up to 22 vacation days a year.
- Traditional pre-tax 403(b) and Roth retirement plans available.
- 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan and immediate vesting.
- Health Savings Account- earn up to $700 annually towards medical expenses.
- Employer funded Preventative Dental and Vision insurance.
- Tuition discounts on eligible programs at Purdue University and Purdue Global for qualified employees, spouses, and dependents.
About Purdue for Life Foundation
The Purdue for Life Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Purdue for Life views, evaluates, and treats all persons in all Foundation-related activities solely as individuals on the basis of their own personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant characteristics. All qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or status as a veteran.
Purdue for Life will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.
Purdue for Life will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.
A criminal conviction check and negative controlled substance test are required for employment in this position.
Department
Engagement
Employment Type
Full Time
Location
Purdue for Life Foundation
Workplace type
Onsite