| Position Title: |
Project Coordinator - KCAD Commencement (Part-time temporary) |
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| Location: |
Grand Rapids (Kendall) |
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| Department: |
92700 - KCAD President
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| Advertised Salary: |
$22 - $25 per hour |
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Benefits:
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Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.
KCAD Admin & Staff Benefits
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| FLSA: |
Non-Exempt |
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| Temporary/Continuing: |
Temporary |
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| Part-Time/Full-Time: |
Part-Time |
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| Union Group: |
N/A |
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| Term of Position: |
Less than 9 month |
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| At Will/Just Cause: |
At Will |
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| Summary of Position: |
The Project Coordinator for the Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University (KCAD) Commencement is responsible for overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of the institution's commencement ceremony and annual student exhibition. This individual will work closely with key stakeholders, including the KCAD Commencement Committee members, faculty, administration, students, and external vendors, to ensure that the events are organized, seamless, and a memorable experience for graduates, families, and faculty. The role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. This is a part-time (not to exceed 28 hours per week) temporary position ending May 23, 2025. |
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| Position Type: |
Staff |
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| Required Education: |
Bachelor’s degree in Event Management, Business Administration, Communications, or related field. |
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| Required Work Experience: |
Minimum of 3 years of project management experience, preferably in higher education or large-scale event planning.
Experience with event budgeting, vendor management, and contract negotiation. |
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| Required Licenses and Certifications: |
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| Physical Demands: |
- Office Environment
- Bending
- Carrying
- Moving
- Reaching
- Sitting
- Twisting
- Lifting
- Pulling/Pushing
- Standing
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| Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: |
Experience in higher education event management or commencement planning.
Knowledge of campus facilities and resources. |
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| Essential Duties/Responsibilities: |
Oversee the planning and execution of all aspects of the annual student exhibition and commencement ceremony, including logistics, program development, and scheduling.
Develop and maintain a detailed project timeline, ensuring milestones are met and deadlines are adhered to.
Coordinate with various campus departments (e.g., academic affairs, security, facilities, catering, communications, purchasing) to ensure alignment and collaboration for all event components.
Coordinate with the Communications team the development and distribution of all necessary materials for the ceremony, such as programs, invitations, signage, and digital content.
Identify and manage relationships with external vendors, including audio/visual providers, environmental branding elements, and catering services.
Assist with contracts and ensure that vendors meet performance expectations and deadlines.
Serve as the primary point of contact for all stakeholders involved in commencement.
Communicate regularly with KCAD administration to provide updates and ensure strategic alignment with institutional goals and values.
Direct any inquiries inquiries from graduates, families, and guests to the appropriate person at KCAD, and ensure that all logistical details are clearly communicated to participants.
Demonstrate an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Working with the Purchasing and Finance roles at KCAD, manage the approved commencement budget, ensuring that all expenditures are within approved limits.
Track expenses and prepare financial reports for review by the KCAD President.
Oversee all on-site activities during commencement, ensuring the event runs smoothly and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.
Working with the Exhibitions Director, oversee all on-site activities for installation, reception, and de-installation of the annual student exhibition.
Coordinate with staff and volunteers to ensure proper setup, timing, and adherence to the events schedules.
Monitor guest and graduate flow, ensuring safety and accessibility for all participants.• Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Perform any other duties assigned within the position classification area. |
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| Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: |
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| Skills and Abilities: |
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar).
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required, particularly leading up to and during the commencement event.
Demonstrated commitment, experience and understanding for diversity, equity and inclusion. |
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| Required Documents: |
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Unofficial Transcript 1
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| Optional Documents: |
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| Special Instructions to Applicants: |
Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of bachelor's degree. Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded.
Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript. |
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Initial Application Review Date:
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January 27, 2025 |
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| Open Until Position is Filled?: |
Yes |
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Posting Close Date:
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| EEO Statement: |
Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement. |
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Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD. |
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