Context of the Job
Working under the general supervision of the Assistant Director, Student Advocacy & Support/Assistant Dean of Students, the Blue Hen Essentials Manager manages daily operations and supports the continued development of basic needs services using trauma-informed and equity-minded practices that support coordination across the Food & Supply Pantry, Clothing Coop, and Student Crisis Fund to help students access appropriate basic needs resources.
Major Responsibilities
Program Operations and Administration
- Manage the day-to-day operations and ongoing development of core basic needs initiatives, including the Food & Supply Pantry, Clothing Coop, and Student Crisis Fund, while ensuring effective inventory practices, documentation, confidentiality standards, and stewardship of program supplies and funds.
- Develop, implement, and maintain procedures, workflows, and service standards to support consistent, confidential, equitable, and effective program operations
- Coordinate the ongoing improvement of Blue Hen Essentials services using trauma-informed, student-centered, and equitable practices
- Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate student employees, fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and service-oriented team environment
- Monitor the program budget, use available resources, and engage with donors to effectively support ongoing operations and service needs
Student Support and Care Coordination
- Meet with students experiencing complex or sensitive challenges, assess needs, and coordinate individualized support and referrals
- Serve as a knowledgeable resource for students experiencing basic needs insecurity and connect them with appropriate campus and community resources
- Coordinate responses to student situations related to basic needs insecurity, ensuring timely, collaborative, and student-centered support
- Provide support and guidance to students navigating personal, financial, social, and academic concerns that affect access and persistence
Partnerships, Outreach, and Assessment
- Track and review trends related to undergraduate and graduate student basic needs and use data to identify trends, inform day-to-day service improvements, and support supervisor-level planning.
- Maintain assessment and reporting practices for Blue Hen Essentials programs and services, including utilization trends, service gaps, and recommendations for continuous improvement
- Maintain and strengthen working relationships with community-based organizations, including food banks, housing authorities, and social service agencies, to maintain referral relationships and expand available resources for students
- Coordinate with campus partners to clarify referral pathways, align support processes, and reduce duplication of services
- Lead outreach and education efforts and programs to increase awareness of basic needs resources, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking
- Prepare reports and updates for divisional leadership and relevant stakeholders regarding student needs, program activity, and recommendations for service improvement
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, social work, or a related field and four years of relevant experience working with college students required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in a related field preferred.
- Demonstrated experience in case management or basic needs initiatives within a higher education or community-based setting.
- Ability to design, implement, and assess programs and services that support student success and well-being.
- Experience developing and leading outreach initiatives that engage diverse student populations and reduce barriers to access.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with the ability to effectively support students from a wide range of identities, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
- Record of success as a student advocate, with the ability to navigate complex systems and champion equitable outcomes.
- Knowledge of campus and community-based resources, including public benefits and social service systems.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and effectively manage sensitive information.
- Demonstrated ability to respond calmly and effectively in high-pressure or emergency situations.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead projects, and meet deadlines with attention to detail.
- Experience working collaboratively across departments and with external partners in a team-oriented environment.
- Proficiency with case management systems, student information systems, and general computer applications preferred.
- Ability to use assessment, data, and evidence-based practices to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated ability to use student needs trends and service data to inform operational improvements and program recommendations.
- Experience developing procedures, workflows, or service practices that improve consistency, access, and quality of support.
- Ability to work outside of regular business hours as needed, including evenings and weekends.
- Ability to consistently stand, bend, stoop and reach, including lifting up to 25 pounds
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