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The Center for Democracy and Civic Life, a unit in UMBC’s Division of Student Affairs, is a national leader in pioneering approaches to civic learning, democratic engagement and socially responsible leadership development. Its work builds from the premise that civic life encompasses everyday settings and relationships through which people can generate the power to shape their world. Students who engage with the Center’s initiatives develop the knowledge, skills, dispositions and habits needed to solve problems, build mutually empowering relationships and institutions, promote inclusion and advance social justice. The Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement (CLDE) Theory of Change, which has been an organizing framework for six annual CLDE meetings hosted by the American Democracy Project and NASPA, is grounded in the Center for Democracy and Civic Life’s work.

The Coordinator for Political Engagement is responsible for coordinating programs and initiatives that support students and other members of the UMBC community in developing knowledge, skills and dispositions useful to meaningful and effective participation in democracy and civic life, with an emphasis on politics and elections, policy-making and deliberation about public issues.

This is an opportunity to play a vital, creative role on a staff team that develops distinctive initiatives and insights that have been widely influential in higher education’s civic learning and democratic engagement movement.

UMBC offers competitive compensation. This role starts at $55,000 and has over 4 weeks of vacation for regular full time roles. Tuition remission is also available.

What is it like to work at UMBC?  Check out Glassdoor or Indeed. And read about our recent award, UMBC is a 2023 Great College to Work for…. In every category.

A hybrid telework schedule may be available.

The Coordinator for Political Engagement is attentive to the diversity of UMBC’s campus and the ways in which political participation and access to agency and power have been influenced by systems that have often excluded people on the basis of race, gender, class and other dimensions of social life and identity. The Coordinator works with other members of our team and campus partners to develop and implement strategies for fostering a culture where people are empowered to engage with political processes in ways that honor their stories, are authentic to their values and build communities in which everyone can thrive.

Specific duties include:

• Program/Initiative Design, Implementation and Collaboration: Organize and manage Center programs and represent the Center in collaborative initiatives relating to politics and elections, policy-making and deliberation about public issues. Maintain strong working relationships with campus partners, including the Graduate Student Association and the Student Government Association. Lead and facilitate trainings, workshops and other sessions (mostly in-person) to empower participants to engage in civic life.
• Program Support: Assist with other Center programs and initiatives.
• Collaboration: Serve as a liaison between the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and the Office of Government Relations and Community Affairs (GRCA), including coordinating student participation in GRCA programs and initiatives.
• Communication and Networking: Represent the Center on Division of Student Affairs and UMBC committees, and to a variety of campus constituencies including newly admitted students, current students, faculty, staff and alumni. Contribute to the Center’s participation in state and national higher education networks.
• Research: Support the Center’s research initiatives as a member of research teams. Maintain research project records, conduct interviews, analyze qualitative and quantitative data and produce reports.
• Staff/Professional Development: Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, and other activities that support the Center’s mission.

• Bachelor's Degree
• One year of professional experience directly related to the responsibilities of this position
• Demonstrated commitment to meeting the needs of diverse student populations and organizations
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• High level of personal organization and attention to detail

A background check will be required.

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, one writing/presentation sample that demonstrates your ability to communicate with non-expert audiences, and contact information for three professional references.

UMBC offers a rich benefits package.

Regular and grant funded regular positions (Full benefits summary click here):

Generous Leave which includes accruing:

• 22 Days of Annual Leave  
• 15 Days of Sick Leave  
• 15 Holidays
• 3 Personal Days

Tuition Remission:

• 8 credit hours per semester
• Tuition remission at UMBC for eligible dependents after two years of FT employment

Additional Benefits:

• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans (including the choice of joining the pension plan)
• Professional development opportunities
• Wellness opportunities
• & Much more

Contingent II positions may include some benefits. 

Benefits offered align with type (Regular, Contingent II, etc.) of position. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.