Coordinator for Political Engagement

Department :

The , a unit in UMBC’s Division of Student Affairs, is a national leader in pioneering approaches to civic learning, democratic engagement and socially responsible leadership development.

Its work builds from the premise that civic life encompasses everyday settings and relationships through which people can generate the power to shape their world.

Students who engage with the Center’s initiatives develop the knowledge, skills, dispositions and habits needed to solve problems, build mutually empowering relationships and institutions, promote inclusion and advance social justice.

The Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Theory of Change, which has been an organizing framework for six annual CLDE meetings hosted by the American Democracy Project and NASPA, is grounded in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s work.

Position Overview :

The is responsible for coordinating programs and initiatives that support students and other members of the UMBC community in developing knowledge, skills and dispositions useful to meaningful and effective participation in democracy and civic life, with an emphasis on politics and elections, policy-making and deliberation about public issues.

This is an opportunity to play a vital, creative role on a staff team that develops distinctive initiatives and insights that have been widely influential in higher education’s civic learning and democratic engagement movement.

Why Work at UMBC?

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $55,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles.

Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC? Check out or And read about our recent award,.

Telework :

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

Responsibilities :

The Coordinator for Political Engagement is attentive to the diversity of UMBC’s campus and the ways in which political participation and access to agency and power have been influenced by systems that have often excluded people on the basis of race, gender, class and other dimensions of social life and identity.

The Coordinator works with other members of our team and campus partners to develop and implement strategies for fostering a culture where people are empowered to engage with political processes in ways that honor their stories, are authentic to their values and build communities in which everyone can thrive.

Specific duties include :

Program / Initiative Design, Implementation and Collaboration : Organize and manage Center programs and represent the Center in collaborative initiatives relating to politics and elections, policy-making and deliberation about public issues.

Maintain strong working relationships with campus partners, including the Graduate Student Association and the Student Government Association.

Lead and facilitate trainings, workshops and other sessions (mostly in-person) to empower participants to engage in civic life.

• Program Support : Assist with other Center programs and initiatives.
• Collaboration : Serve as a liaison between the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs (GRCA), including coordinating student participation in GRCA programs and initiatives.
• Communication and Networking : Represent the Center on Division of Student Affairs and UMBC committees, and to a variety of campus constituencies including newly admitted students, current students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Contribute to the Center’s participation in state and national higher education networks.

• Research : Support the Center’s research initiatives as a member of research teams. Maintain research project records, conduct interviews, analyze qualitative and quantitative data and produce reports.
• Staff / Professional Development : Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and other activities that support the Center’s mission.

Required Minimum Qualifications :

• Bachelor's Degree
• One year of professional experience directly related to the responsibilities of this position
• Demonstrated commitment to meeting the needs of diverse student populations and organizations
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• High level of personal organization and attention to detail

Background Screening Statement :

A background check will be required.