External Engagement and Undergraduate Research Program Manager

The Experience Hub at the College of Saint Benedict invites applications for a full-time (0.92 FTE), benefit eligible position of External Engagement and Undergraduate Research Program Manager.

This position advances high-impact student engagement by managing external partner relationships and undergraduate research initiatives within the Experience Hub. The manager drives the expansion of equitable access to experiential learning opportunities, provides leadership in student mentorship, and directs the development of compelling digital content that showcases student success and enhances the visibility of signature programs. This role collaborates cross-functionally to align initiatives with institutional goals and ensure continuous program improvement.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Event and Program Management (30%) 

• Partner with staff across XPD and OURS to ensure cohesive event planning and successful execution.
• Lead the event planning, promotion, and marketing for signature events that connect students with experiential learning opportunities, including: 
  • Career development and employer engagement events such as weekly networking sessions, on-campus recruiting, and career fairs.
  • Undergraduate research recognition events, campus-wide celebrations of student scholarship, research as career development, and guide scholarly distinction programs.  
  • Targeted academic enrichment opportunities for students to present their research at the state and national level and promote innovation-focused community engagement programs.
• Make funding recommendations for new programs or partnerships based on Experience Hub strategic priorities

Collaborative Partnership Building & Outreach (25%) 

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and campus offices to create pathways for student development through internships, research, mentoring, and networking.
• Collaborate with the Senior Associate Directors of External Engagement (XPD) and the Office of Undergraduate Research (OURS) to align partner involvement with institutional goals. 
• Serve as a liaison to key Experience Hub partners, including the Center for Global Education (CGE), the Fleischhacker Center for Ethical Leadership in Action, and other academic departments to increase visibility and access to experiential learning opportunities. 
• Engage in institutional outreach to expand awareness and participation in undergraduate research, fellowships, and career readiness programs.
• Analyze student participation data and learning outcomes to identify trends and recommend strategies to further increase student engagement.

Digital Marketing & Content Creation (25%) 

• Direct the development of and manage updates to marketing materials, educational content, and program recognition across digital platforms (LinkedIn, Handshake, WordPress, SharePoint, Pathify, Canva, Canvas, Final Cut).
• Create and maintain current micro-content (videos, visuals, written materials) highlighting success stories and program opportunities. 
• Manage content calendars and digital storytelling efforts across various platforms. 
• Produce reports and recommendations for Experience Hub leadership to inform decisions on program marketing and outreach.

Student Support & Mentorship (20%) 

• Mentor and advise students exploring undergraduate research, scholarship, and professional development opportunities.
• Lead informational sessions and provide one-on-one guidance to support student engagement in high-impact practices.
• Support students, faculty, and staff with resources and tools to navigate external engagement and research initiatives.
• Serve as part of the strategic leadership team to advance student employment as a high-impact practice to expand awareness of experiential learning opportunities across campus.

Other duties as assigned. 

• Bachelor’s degree
• Experience coordinating events and programs, with a strong ability to collaborate across departments and organizations. 
• Experience working in higher education and engaging or mentoring college-aged students preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage constituents using a variety of internal and external communication methods.
• Demonstrated ability to use creativity to engage students, alums, employers, and community partners in innovative ways. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and effectively prioritize tasks.
• Ability to create marketing content for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and presentations; experience in marketing and outreach, including the creation of digital content and social media production preferred.
• Ability to clearly articulate the value of liberal arts education.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.
• Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 10-15 pounds.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Occasional travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.
• Some regional travel is required. Travel may occasionally include students and involve supervision. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for fairs and events. 

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply.” Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a letter of application and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in The College of Saint Benedict hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or [email protected].

It is the policy of CSB to conduct a pre-employment background check.  An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. CSB also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

The College of Saint Benedict is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.