Department Coordinator, Environmental Studies

Overview

 The Environmental Studies Department Coordinator provides general administrative support for the department, using independent initiative to balance the priorities of the department faculty. The Department Coordinator acts as a first point of contact for the department, interacting with students, faculty, alumni, staff and visitors.  The Department Coordinator must be able to manage interruptions while working on complex tasks.  They are responsible for general departmental operations, public communications on behalf of the department, coordination of community building activities, fiscal monitoring, small- and large-scale event planning, management of confidential information, field trip/travel arrangements for individuals and groups.

This is a flexible 12-month .75 FTE with 32-35 hours per week on-site during the academic year, remaining hours in the summer.

About The Department: 

The department has 5 tenure track professors along with non-tenure track and visiting faculty.  Graduating classes vary from 20-35 students and we average around 75-100 majors and 40-50 minors.  The Environmental Studies major consists of 7 courses (26 credits) in Environmental studies plus a 7-course emphasis.  The Environmental Studies minor consists of 5 courses (20 credits) in Environmental Studies. 

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to faculty in the department.
• Assist the department chair with general administrative tasks and procedures.
• Maintain the department's website and social media accounts.
• Create and distribute newsletters.
• Maintain and update bulletin boards.
• Administer, oversee and report on department budgets.
• Make department purchases and process payments.
• Coordinate, plan, and advertise speakers including the EnviroThursday presentations.
• Organize and coordinate department events which include department meetings, student lunches, and senior dinner.
• Maintain and update class schedules and catalog copy.
• Coordinate the reservations and maintenance of the Olin-Rice display panels.
• Assist faculty with courses including classroom space, field trips, and speaker honorariums.
• Act as administrative liaison and point of contact for the department.
• Hire department student workers needed by faculty.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.  Vocational or technical training in office administration required,  Bachelor’s degree preferred by not required.
• 1-3 years of experience in general administrative and office coordinator experience.  Higher education related experience a plus.
• Effective interpersonal skills; ability to work with faculty, staff and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong office technology skills including word processing, database management, spreadsheets, Google tools, web page creation/maintenance/ desktop publishing programs and social media platforms.
• Comfortable with accounting programs and analyzing financial data.
• Highly organized with the ability to schedule, prioritize, and complete multiple tasks and projects on time.
• Capable of working independently as needed.

Compensation:

The hourly wage for this position will be $22.85 to $23.89 depending on experience.

Benefits: 

At Macalester, we are proud to offer excellent comprehensive employee benefits. Here are some highlights:

• 10% employer contributions to the retirement plan. 
• Generous Parental Leave. 
• Outstanding vacation and sick time packages, plus an additional 10 holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans, including a generous employer contribution to Health Savings Account.
• Tuition assistance which pays between 75% - 100% of eligible tuition for employee dependents at select institutions.
• Free primary care for most services through Nice Healthcare when enrolled in a Macalester health plan.
• Access to the athletics fitness facility, wellness coaching and activities.

These are just some of the great benefits Macalester has to offer! To see our full benefits packages and options, please visit our Benefits Page.

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

This position is represented by MAPE. 

Application Guidelines:

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by August 20th, 2025. No applications will be received after this date.

Jaclyn Howard

Talent Acquisition Manager

[email protected]

Macalester is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic staff committed to working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from everyone who would add richness to our community, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Macalester College - Institutional Overview

Founded in 1874, Macalester College provides students with the inspiration, insight, and experience to become successful and ethical leaders. Located in flourishing St. Paul, Minnesota, Macalester enrolls over 2,000 students from across the country and around the world. Macalester is a preeminent liberal arts college recognized for its student service and celebration of internationalism.

At Macalester, we look at our employees through a whole-person, holistic lens. With comprehensive benefits and well-being programs, we provide and enable our community members to grow and care for themselves, their families, and one another. Our whole-hearted fidelity to community-building and social justice exemplify these ideals.  Macalester College continuously prioritizes a culturally diverse and pluralistic community. We value individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences. 

Our rich blend of people holding varied identities enhances our strong commitment to multiculturalism and global citizenship. We seek candidates who reflect and strengthen our campus environment. Macalester invites and encourages everyone to apply who would add depth to our community including those from all sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, national origins, genders, religions, abilities, and ages.