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Title: Student Leaders in Community Engagement
Employee Classification: Student Help Regular
Division Name: Academic Affairs
Department: Center for Civic Engagement

Job Summary

The Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is a unique department with responsibilities that support the missions of the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Academic Affairs. The department is responsible for enacting Illinois State’s commitment to civic engagement and fostering a culture that values and rewards civic engagement. This is accomplished through a variety of programs and services with students, faculty, and staff and in partnership with Bloomington-Normal community organizations. CCE organizes work around civic engagement into volunteering and service-learning, political engagement, and civic education.

Students serving as Student Leaders in Community Engagement (SLiCE) will support CCE by assisting with the planning and execution of various projects and programs as a leader in volunteering/service learning and civic education. This position centers student learning and personal growth as a means to achieve programmatic outcomes. Students will experience a rigorous orientation session and participate in weekly training to enhance their leadership and professional skills. They will learn about and enhance their skills in the areas of communication, cultural competency, professionalism, event planning, peer education, collaboration, and leadership, among many others. They will learn how to articulate their strengths and natural skills and utilize those to promote success in program planning. Required reflection logs will help students consider and process the concepts they are learning.

The Student Leaders in Community Engagement (SLiCE) staff are expected to serve as positive representatives of CCE using professional verbal and written communication skills while communicating with multiple audiences and supporting CCE’s principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.


Program Duties:

1. Attend an all-day (or 6-hour equivalent) orientation training session where students will learn about the Center for Civic Engagement, civic engagement and being a civically engaged community member, community service, social justice, leadership, and complete 12-passenger van training.
2. With the guidance of the GA for Community Service Projects, students will oversee programmatic duties of the September Service Saturdays, Holiday Helper, MLK Day of Service, Spring Into Service, Bring It Back to Normal service projects, and other civic education programs including planning activities; facilitating discussions; distributing marketing materials; recruiting and managing participants; and other program logistics.
3. Maintain weekly reflection logs in which students consider the impact and quality of their work and brainstorm ways to improve the process.
4. Attend one-on-one meetings with GA Supervisor as scheduled (at least once a month)
5. Attend weekly meetings during which they will spend time on professional development activities and presentations on topics such as defining the words we use in this area of work, social change and leadership development models, event planning, professionalism, assessment, peer education, and recruitment among others as well as planning for upcoming projects.

Additional Information

https://civicengagement.illinoisstate.edu/

The Center for Civic Engagement is located at 300 W. North St. Normal, IL. However, occasional meetings, participation/work at events on and off campus will be necessary as well.

The strategic plan for the Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) states that the vision of the department is “a more just and equitable world cultivated through the participation of all people in the co-creation of knowledge and collective action.” Its mission is to connect students, faculty, staff, and alumni with local, national, and global communities through meaningful civic engagement to promote the lifelong learning and development of active community members.”

Illinois State University recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. The Center for Civic Engagement seeks candidates with a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism, who can support the Center’s vision of a more just and equitable world. Candidates who have successfully collaborated with a diverse range of faculty/staff, students, and community partners, and who can contribute to a climate of inclusivity and equity are especially welcomed. Black people, Indigenous peoples, People of Color, Persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, Veterans, and Women are encouraged to apply.

In general, CCE is responsible for enacting Illinois State’s commitment to civic engagement and fostering a culture that values and rewards civic engagement. This is accomplished through a variety of programs and services with students, faculty, and staff, and in partnership with Bloomington-Normal community organizations. CCE’s work involves volunteering and service-learning, political engagement, and civic education.

CCE is unique in that it reports to both the Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Academic Affairs. The unit is comprised of 6 professional staff, 2 graduate assistants, an administrative assistant and several student workers, interns, and fellows. While each staff member has specific responsibilities, the department operates as a team, and therefore, all staff are expected to support a variety of programs and services.

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan.  More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$15.00/hour

Required Qualifications

- Students in leadership positions within Alternative Breaks (executive board, trip leaders, etc.) are not eligible to apply.
- Current enrollment at ISU (5 graduate credit hours or 6 undergraduate credit hours)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Maintain a GPA of 2.7 or higher
- Attendance at all mandatory training sessions
- Commitment to supporting 2-3 programs per semester
- Commitment to 1-4 hours of program planning and participation per week (varies depending on the time of year)
- Completion of weekly reflection logs
- Weekly group meetings with GA Supervisor and peers
- One-on-one meetings with GA Supervisor at least once a month

Preferred Qualifications

- Personal interest in and prior experience with community service, civic engagement, and leadership
- Event planning skills
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Independent, self-starter
- Attention to detail and organization skills
- Ability to perform tasks promptly and professionally
- Ability to work both independently and in a team
- Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel as well as familiarity with Teams

Work Hours

1-5 per week (varies)

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodations:
1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.
3. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2025

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Cover Letter/Personal Statement

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

In addition to submitting this application, you must submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words addressing your interest and qualifications for this position. Please also email this cover letter to isu_jkburne@ilstu.edu when you submit this application.

Contact Information for Applicants

Justin Burnett
isu_jkburne@ilstu.edu 

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires all new employees to file an I-9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on-campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on-campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.