Working/Functional Title

MSU Ignite Coordinator

Position Summary

The College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci) at Michigan State University seeks a dynamic, student-focused professional to serve as Coordinator of Ignite the Future (ITF) and the MSU Ignite Summer Bridge program. ITF is an initiative at ComArtSci that is designed to support first-generation students and those from a variety of backgrounds and communities as they pursue careers in communications. This innovative student success program uses evidence-based best practices to mentor students from high school through graduation and into their transition to industry.

This academic staff role reports to the Assistant Dean of Access and Engagement and provides direct oversight of all operational, instructional, and outreach functions of the ITF and MSU Ignite Summer Bridge program. The coordinator serves as the main point of contact for all student cohorts, coordinates outreach to key stakeholders, teaches aligned coursework, and leads year-round program development and support initiatives. The role emphasizes meaningful engagement with students, high-touch support, community-building, and cross-campus partnership cultivation.

Program and Operations:

• Lead daily operations, including student staff supervision, student engagement, teaching, and the planning and coordination of program outings, events, and activities.
• Work with the Assistant Dean for Access and Engagement to ensure all program activities are aligned with the mission and goals of the College.
• Design, teach, and manage the CAS 290 academic and career readiness course.
• Recruit, onboard, and manage summer program staff and peer mentors.
• Collaborate with student peer leaders to support engagement and program delivery.
• Manage program logistics, including supplies, transportation, and room reservations.
• Consult with the Assistant Dean of Access and Engagement and budget officers to ensure compliance and responsible use of resources.
• Meet with students to provide holistic, strengths-based support and advocacy, in partnership with Student Affairs, including guidance on academic status and access to emergency funding.
• Coordinate special case discussions with campus partners related to enrollment, housing, and funding to address student needs.

Outreach, Partnership and Communication

• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean of Access and Engagement to strengthen and maintain connections with campus partners, community organizations, and corporate partners.
• Facilitating connections with the campus community, organizations, and internal stakeholders, representing ITF at recruitment and partnership events.
• Develop and share updates, announcements, and promotional materials to engage students, families, and partners.
• Facilitate student engagement and manage ITF’s website, social media, and other digital platforms through the creation of digital content and promotional materials that highlight programs and community connections.

This position is a two-year fixed term position with consideration for renewal based on performance and funding. This position follows ComArtSci's minimum remote work policy, which requires employees to work on campus a minimum of three days per week (Monday - Friday). Specific hybrid work schedules are determined in consultation with, and at the discretion of, your direct supervisor. Remote work agreements are continuously assessed based on the needs of the organization and follow policies and guidelines provided by the College of Communication Arts and Sciences and Michigan State University. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Masters -communication, higher education, student affairs, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in communication, higher education, student affairs, or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in planning and executing programs focused on academic and student success.
• Experience supporting student recruitment and retention through co-curricular programs, including bridge, pathway, and transition initiatives.
• Experience teaching in a postsecondary context (e.g., college or university level).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills to build trust and belonging with students, families, educators, and community partners.
• Experience using technology and data to inform program evaluation and decision making. 
• Experience using social media and digital design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar platforms) to create content for promotion and engagement.

Desired Qualifications

• Budget management experience.
• Knowledge of MSU systems and student support resources.

Required Application Materials

• CV/Resume
• Cover letter

Special Instructions

Applications must be submitted through careers.msu.edu. Review of applications begin on 10/24/2025. 

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct Review

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the information, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether the candidate is fit for the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/24/2025

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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