Student Engagement Program Specialist - Student Organization Support - University Center

Job Summary

The Student Engagement Program Specialist - Student Organization Support serves as the primary resource for the fiscal administration, financial education, and operational support of student organizations and segregated fee-funded programs within Student Engagement. The position empowers student leaders by providing guidance on university financial systems, travel, procurement, budgeting, and compliance while promoting responsible stewardship of student fees and institutional resources. The specialist coordinates financial and administrative processes that support more than 60 student organizations, ensuring compliance with university and Universities of Wisconsin policies while reducing barriers to student involvement. Working collaboratively with Financial Services, the Budget Office, the Office of General Counsel, and campus partners, the position provides expertise in Workday, travel administration, purchasing, contracts, fiscal reporting, and account reconciliation. As one of two advisors to the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee (SUFAC), the specialist advises students throughout the annual allocation process, develops educational resources, prepares financial reports, and supports policy interpretation and implementation. Through training, coaching, and relationship building, the position helps student leaders develop financial management skills while ensuring transparent and accountable use of segregated fees.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and process contracts with external entertainers, speakers, vendors, and agencies, including vendor setup, contract routing, and payment processing through Workday.
• Serve as the primary departmental liaison to Financial Services, representing Student Engagement at Campus Business Representative (CBR) meetings and resolving fiscal and operations issues.
• Serve as backup payroll administrator for approximately 130 student employees, including payroll approvals and processing.
• Process expense reimbursements, purchasing transactions, journal entries, and expense reallocations while maintaining accurate financial records.
• Provide financial guidance and administrative support to Student Engagement staff regarding university purchasing, travel, and fiscal procedures.
• Assist with departmental initiatives, special projects, and programming support as needed.
• Serve as backup to the Student Engagement Financial Specialist.
• Provide fiscal oversight and administrative support for more than 60 segregated fee-funded student organizations.
• Coordinate purchases, travel arrangements, reimbursements, procurement card transactions, and payments in accordance with Universities of Wisconsin travel policy and university purchasing guidelines.
• Serve as an alternate requestor within Workday for student organization travel and purchasing transactions.
• Monitor organization budgets, reconcile accounts, maintain financial records, and ensure compliance with university, Universities of Wisconsin, and SUFAC policies.
• Manage financial operations for Greek councils and Student-Faculty Accounts, including deposits, expenditures, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Advise student officers on budgeting, financial planning, purchasing procedures, travel and responsible stewardship of segregated fees.
• Maintain accurate records of expenditures and provide financial reports for allocable student organizations.
• Assist Whitewater Student Government and its advisors with financial and logistical processes related to segregated fees.
• Assist with training and provide support regarding Connect2 and other student engagement technologies, through event management, organization officers, advisors, and student leaders in the effective use of campus engagement tools.
• Serve as one of two advisors to the Segregated University Fee Allocation Committee (SUFAC) in partnership with the Budget Office.
• Advise student committee members throughout the annual allocation process, including recruitment, orientation, hearings, deliberations, recommendations, and policy interpretation.
• Develop and facilitate training for student organizations regarding funding eligibility, budgeting, fiscal responsibility, and allocation procedures.
• Prepare financial analyses, allocation reports, and supporting documentation for committee decision making.
• Assist with the review and continuous improvement of SUFAC policies, procedures, and educational resources.
• Collaborate with the Office of General Counsel, Financial Services, and UW-Whitewater at Rock County to ensure consistent application of university and Universities of Wisconsin policies.
• Supervise two Budget Interns, providing training, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as a Connect2 trainer for student employees and staff, promoting effective use of student engagement technology.
• Support the development of student leaders by fostering financial literacy, accountability, ethical decision-making, and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve on departmental and university committees and participate in divisional initiatives as assigned.

Supervision

Received: Supervision is provided by the Student Engagement Program Manager for Student Organizations.

Exercised: Direct supervision of two Budget Interns. Indirect supervision and functional oversight of Involvement Office student employees in fiscal and operations processes.

Pay

Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within the range of $52,000 - $55,000. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Higher Education, Student Affairs, Education, Leadership Studies, Public Administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated professional OR relevant experience in financial administration, business operations, student affairs, higher education, or a related field.
• Experience managing budgets, financial processes, purchasing, travel, or fiscal compliance.
• Experience advising, training, mentoring, or supervising students or staff.
• Demonstrated organizational, communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, Public Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Experience working with student organizations or segregated fee-funded programs.
• Experience using Workday or similar enterprise financial systems.
• Experience interpreting and applying financial, purchasing, or travel policies.
• Experience facilitating trainings or educational workshops.
• Experience supervising student employees.
• Knowledge of assessment practices and continuous process improvement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• A strong commitment to excellence in public service and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative and culturally diverse environment.
• Willingness and ability to be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.