Engagement and Outreach Coordinator

Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
The Engagement and Outreach Coordinator supports Italian Studies initiatives, events, and community engagement activities. Working under the supervision of the Director of Italian Studies, the position works with faculty and staff to coordinate public programs, strengthen connections with students and community partners, promote Italian Studies activities, and increase the visibility of the program across the University and the broader Twin Cities community.

Successful candidates will demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, enthusiasm for student engagement and campus life, the ability to coordinate multiple projects and events, and an interest in building relationships among students, faculty, campus units, cultural organizations, businesses, and community partners.

Location and Work Environment
The position is based at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The position may be performed on a hybrid basis, with remote work possible for planning, communications, and administrative responsibilities. In-person attendance is expected for events, meetings, and other activities requiring an on-campus presence.

Work Schedule
Approximately 4 hours per week, with scheduling determined in consultation with the Director of Italian Studies. Hours may vary from week to week depending on the timing of events and program activities. Occasional evening work may be required for public events.

Compensation: $25.00-30.00/hr.

Position will end on January 12th, 2027. There is potential for an appointment extension in the Spring until May 31st, 2027.

Primary Responsibilities

35% Coordinate Italian Studies Events and Programs

• Coordinate logistical planning for lectures, screenings, performances, workshops, student activities, and other Italian Studies events.
• Communicate with speakers, performers, campus partners, vendors, and other participants regarding event logistics.
• Coordinate event spaces, schedules, technology needs, catering, and related arrangements as needed.
• Support on-site event setup, guest reception, and event implementation.
• Maintain an annual calendar of Italian Studies events and initiatives.

30% Promote Italian Studies Programs and Initiatives

• Promote Italian Studies events, courses, initiatives, and opportunities to students, faculty, and community audiences.
• Prepare event announcements, newsletters, flyers, social media content, and other promotional materials.
• Maintain and update program communication channels and event information.
• Coordinate outreach with relevant University departments, student organizations, cultural organizations, and community partners.
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness of Italian Studies programming and academic offerings.

25% Develop Student and Community Engagement

• Develop strategies to increase student participation in Italian Studies events, courses, and activities.
• Support initiatives that connect Italian Studies with students across departments and programs.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Italian and Italian American cultural organizations, businesses, and other community partners in the Twin Cities.
• Identify opportunities for collaborations, sponsorships, co-sponsored programming, and community-facing activities.
• Gather feedback from students and event participants to help inform future programming and outreach.

10% Support Program Planning and Administration

• Meet regularly with the Director of Italian Studies to coordinate priorities and upcoming initiatives.
• Maintain basic records related to events, outreach activities, participation, and community contacts.
• Document program activities and outcomes for internal reporting and future planning.
• Support planning for recurring and new Italian Studies initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Italian Studies or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Demonstrated organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Availability to attend occasional evening and on-campus events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with Italian language, culture, or Italian Studies.
• Experience coordinating academic, cultural, arts, or community events.
• Experience with outreach, communications, social media, or public engagement.
• Experience engaging students and contributing to student-facing programming.
• Existing connections with Italian and Italian American organizations, businesses, or community partners in the Twin Cities.
• Experience working in a university, nonprofit, arts, or cultural organization.
• Familiarity with University of Minnesota systems and procedures.

About the Italian Program
Italian Studies at the University of Minnesota is an interdisciplinary program that explores Italian and Italian American language, literature, film, media, culture, and history from the Middle Ages to the present. The program connects the study of Italy with broader questions of migration, identity, race, gender, politics, cultural exchange, and globalization, while helping students develop linguistic proficiency, cultural fluency, critical thinking, and communication skills.

Italian Studies combines a broad interdisciplinary curriculum with a close-knit, student-centered learning community. Through courses, public events, cultural programming, and partnerships across the University and the Twin Cities, the program creates opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with contemporary cultural and social issues.

The Engagement and Outreach Coordinator supports this mission by strengthening student participation, coordinating public and cultural programming, developing relationships with campus and community partners, and expanding the visibility and reach of Italian Studies at the University of Minnesota.

About the Department:
The Department of French & Italian (FRIT) supports undergraduate and graduate education in French, Francophone, and Italian language, literature, culture, linguistics, and media while
fostering multilingualism, intercultural competence, and global engagement. The department is committed to innovative, research-informed language instruction and to creating inclusive,
collaborative learning environments that support student success across a wide range of
curricular and co-curricular experiences.

Pay Range: $25.00 - $30.00/hr; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.