Coordinator for Basic Needs Services

Department: University Life - Student Support and Advocacy Center

Classification: Admin Office Specialist 3

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary range starting low $50k; commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) is committed to providing an empowering environment for all George Mason students to seek support services and to explore healthy life choices. The Center offers educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of sexual and interpersonal violence, financial well-being, basic needs, substance use, and collegiate recovery. Staff also assist students encountering barriers to personal success.

About the Position:

The Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) is currently hiring two (2) Coordinators for Basic Needs Services. 

The Coordinator for Basic Needs Services reports to the Assistant Director for Basic Needs Services and provides support services to students encountering food, housing, and other basic needs insecurity (BNI). The Coordinator has an assigned focus area responsible for either basic needs program initiatives or the Patriot Pantry day-to-day operations. Additionally, this position manages students in distress cases, develops and implements outreach and education efforts to raise awareness about basic needs insecurity and to increase student usage of SSAC services, and engages with University and community partners to maintain current services and expand SSAC spectrum of support. Through BNI services, SSAC aims to increase retention, persistence, and degree completion of students with the greatest need and risk of discontinuing their education. The Coordinator is a dedicated professional focused on supporting the holistic development of students while ensuring the well-being and safety of the University community.  

Grant funding for the position is anticipated for three (3) years with the potential for future extension.

Responsibilities:

Students in Distress Case Management:

• Provides individualized support to students with concerns related to basic needs insecurity;
• Implements developmentally appropriate interventions, coordinates resources and services, and monitors follow-up and progress of cases;  
• Collaborates with other university departments and community agencies in assisting students in distress; and
• Enters timely notes and documentation within a case management software and ensures student records are maintained in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.  

Prevention and Community Education:

• Develops and implements community education and outreach about basic needs insecurity and related topics with the goal of raising awareness, increasing student usage of services, and expanding support services at the University;  
• Maintains positive relationships with campus and community partners, who are invested in supporting George Mason students;  
• Participates in committees to represent SSAC on matters related to basic needs, ensuring the Center's interests are represented and addressed as necessary; and
• Supports the Assistant Director for Basic Needs Services and SSAC leadership with operational tasks and special projects focused on basic needs, helping to ensure efficient and effective service.  

Pantry and Program Operation:

Within their assigned focus area, oversees 1) the basic needs initiatives such as the Meal Swipe Program, Digital Card Program, Gowns for Grads and others; 2) day-to-day operation of the Patriot Pantry to include ordering, procuring (online and in-person), delivery, stocking, inventory management, and distribution of supplies to students. 

• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with campus and community partners, who support SSAC with various basic needs initiatives;  
• Monitors program compliance and usage, evaluates program effectiveness, and produces reports to inform decision-making and service improvements; 
• Creates marketing and educational materials about the Patriot Pantry, SSAC basic needs programs and initiatives, and relevant community resources;
• Monitors personnel and operating expenses related to the Patriot Pantry, including reconciling purchases made using University resources;  
• Tracks and analyzes pantry usage data, evaluates program effectiveness, and produces reports to inform decision-making and service improvements;  
• Manages tasks related to pantry maintenance by collaborating with Student Centers to uphold cleanliness standards and submit facility orders; 
• Works to expand pantry services as needed to George Mason University regional campuses; and
•  Directly supervises the Graduate Professional Assistant for Basic Needs Services, as well as multiple undergraduate student Patriot Pantry staff members and volunteers.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience; 
• Full-time work experience in direct service to individuals facing life challenges or equivalent;
• Skilled in working in a high-paced environment with frequent interruptions;
• Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and analytical skills;
• Demonstrated interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills;
• Ability to maintain confidential information;
• Ability to be accurate in the performance of duties and pay attention to detail;
• Ability to build and maintain successful collaborative relationships in a diverse campus community; and
• Ability to operate various software programs, including data management platforms and Microsoft Office products.

This position is not eligible for international visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Full-time work experience in a university setting within student affairs or equivalent relevant nonprofit work experience;
• Work experience with basic needs insecurity and students in distress issues;
• Experience in direct student service, basic needs program management or food pantry operations, and working with and/or supervising student staff;
• Experience developing and delivering educational programs, prevention efforts, and trainings;
• Knowledge about the operation of food pantries and basic needs programs on college campuses;
• Knowledge of current national research and trends about college student basic needs insecurity and underserved student populations;
• Knowledge about the development and delivery of education programs, prevention efforts, and trainings;
• Ability to effectively engage with a diverse population of students facing a spectrum of life challenges; and
• Ability to effectively engage with committees, coalitions, and community agencies.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Coordinator for Basic Needs Services at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  May 5, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  May 19, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes