The program coordinator is part of the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center in the Inclusive Excellence division at Vanderbilt University and is a key contributor responsible for programs, events, and initiatives within the office. This position works with campus and community partners to design, coordinate, and deliver events and initiatives related to women, gender equity, sexuality, and social justice for the Vanderbilt community. The program coordinator also serves as an advisor to student interns housed in the Women's Center and provides relevant resource referrals to Vanderbilt community members. Reporting directly to the Director of the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center, the program coordinator collaborates most frequently with the professional and student staff within the Women's Center as well as the other offices within Inclusive Excellence.
Founded in 1978, the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is a resource for programming, support, and referrals related to gender equity topics such as sexual health, pregnancy, body image, disordered eating, healthy relationships, and women's leadership. Home to undergraduate student internships such as Vandy Sex Ed, the Body Project, and the Women's Center Ambassadors, as well as to signature events including the Cuninggim Lecture on Women in Culture and Society, the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center is an affirming space for women and for all members of the Vanderbilt community that actively resists sexism and all forms of oppression.
The Office for Inclusive Excellence (IE) works in partnership with members of the Provost Office and Vanderbilt's colleges/schools to ensure we advance the success and affirmation of all students and faculty. Specifically, the goals of the Office for Inclusive Excellence are, 1) to attract and retaining top faculty and student talent from around the globe to Vanderbilt University. 2) Advancing efforts that ensure that our students and faculty have equitable access to resources, opportunities, support and recognition that allow them to maximize their success at Vanderbilt and beyond. 3) Striving beyond simply fostering success toward an increasing, intentional sense of belonging and affirmation at Vanderbilt for all students and faculty.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Design, coordinate, and deliver university-wide events related to women's and gender issues for students, faculty, and staff.
- Execute programming in a coordinated and logistically sound manner in order to maximize impact. This includes but is not limited to securing reservations and catering, developing marketing materials and timelines, submitting events to relevant calendars, and development of relevant assessments
- Advise and mentor undergraduate student interns and members of student groups, specifically Vandy Sex Ed and the Body Project.
- Utilize office listservs, social media accounts, and marketing materials to tell a compelling and accurate story of the work of the Margaret Cuninggim Women's Center at Vanderbilt in order to drive engagement.
- Meet with students to provide information about campus and community resources, support, and referrals.
- Represent the Women's Center at various events, on committees, and at other meetings.
- Participate in events with Inclusive Excellence partner offices as needed (Diverse 'Dores Day, MLK Day, cultural celebrations, etc.) to support colleagues and ensure these events run smoothly.
- Maintain an understanding of institutional and departmental financial policies related to areas such as travel, procurement, expense, and time reporting to ensure compliance and proper stewardship of university resources.
Profile of an Ideal Candidate
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
- A master's degree is strongly preferred.
- Extensive knowledge of women's and gender equity issues both within and beyond a higher education environment is required.
- Experience coordinating programs and initiatives related to women, gender equity, sexuality, and/or social justice broadly is strongly preferred.
About Vanderbilt Benefits
In addition to offering a lively community that encourages learning and celebrates diversity, Vanderbilt University offers a competitive, flexible benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment, disability insurance, paid time off, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match. Vanderbilt offers tuition assistance to employees, spouses and dependent children. Also, after five years of service, Vanderbilt will pay up to 55% of the tuition for up to three dependent children to earn a bachelor's degree. Learn more about Vanderbilt's benefits at VU Benefits Overview.
About Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University, located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a top-15 private research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Vanderbilt is situated on a 330-acre campus near the thriving city center, serving more than 12,000 students and employing almost 7,000 faculty and staff. The university's students, staff, and faculty frequently cite Nashville and the surrounding area as one of the many perks of being a part of the Vanderbilt community. Vanderbilt University is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. It is a place where your diversity is sought and celebrated. Vanderbilt was recently named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" and the top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area in 2019 (Forbes).
Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Vanderbilt University is committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff, and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our campus values.
