Basic Needs Coordinator

Office of the Dean of Students

Elevate Your Career at UCCS: Innovate, Inspire, and Impact in the Rockies!

Who We Are

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is a premier educational institution that prides itself on academic excellence, research, and community engagement and is actively seeking a Basic Needs Coordinator to join our team! UCCS is committed to academic excellence, professional development, and fostering an environment that supports innovation and student success.

At the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs is captivated by its stunning landscapes, making it a paradise for nature lovers. This city is more than its scenery—a mosaic of history, arts, and a vibrant tech scene. We invite you to join a community that cherishes outdoor adventure as much as forward-thinking growth, an exceptional setting for both career and lifestyle.

Salary Range

$44,729 - $57,715 annually. Compensation will be commensurate upon experience and qualifications. This position is Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime provisions.

Work Location

Hybrid

Benefits at a Glance

At UCCS, our employees are our most valued asset. We're proud to offer:

• Generous Time Off: Enjoy 22 vacation days, 10 sick days, paid parental leave, 13 recognized holidays, and provisions for bereavement, jury duty, and FAMLI Leave.
• Robust Health Coverage: Our comprehensive medical plans cover preventative care at no cost, including a yearly mental health visit. Plus, benefit from affordable dental, vision plans, and competitive prescription drug prices.
• Financial & Retirement Benefits: Take advantage of our health savings, flexible spending accounts, and life and disability insurance. Plan for your future with our retirement options.
• Further Your Education: Avail twelve (12) waived credits per academic year for courses at any CU campus. We invest in your educational and professional growth.
• Wellness & More: From wellness programs aimed at achieving your best self to various additional benefits through CU Advantage, we prioritize well-being and holistic development.

Want to know your total compensation? Use our calculator to get the complete picture!

Summary

The Office of the Dean of Students cultivates student success through student support and advocacy, educational opportunities, and the promotion of personal accountability and empowerment. The Office of the Dean of Students' addresses issues of students’ safety and wellbeing, and we support all students in times of challenge and crisis.

The Basic Needs Coordinator, in collaboration with CARE Team and campus/community partners, will support the basic needs program to meet the needs of under-resourced and high-need students. At the direction of the Assistant Dean of Students/CARE Team and Student Support Director, the Basic Needs Coordinator will oversee programs and provide services, information, and resource referrals related to food, housing, and financial security, as well as other student needs as determined through needs assessments.

This position is dependent on the availability of funding. Funding is currently expected to last 3 years.

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• (35%) Basic Needs Program Coordination & Student Support: Coordinate and administer the university's Basic Needs Program to assist students experiencing food insecurity, housing instability, financial hardship, and other basic needs challenges. Meet individually with students to assess needs, provide resource navigation, coordinate referrals, and assist with applications for public benefits and other support programs. Maintain comprehensive knowledge of campus, local, state, and federal resources to ensure timely and appropriate referrals. Coordinate and oversee food security initiatives, including Clyde's Cupboard, Mountain Lion Meals, Fresh Food Friday, the Gift Card Program, and other basic needs initiatives. Monitor student participation and service utilization to identify trends, emerging needs, and opportunities for program enhancement. Maintain confidential student records and documentation in accordance with university policies and applicable regulations.
• (25%) Program Administration & Operational Support: Coordinate daily program operations, including scheduling, inventory oversight, and logistical support for Basic Needs initiatives. Supervise graduate assistants, student employees, and volunteers supporting Clyde's Cupboard and related Basic Needs programs, including training, work assignments, and performance feedback. Compile and maintain information regarding campus emergency funding resources and coordinate with campus partners regarding available assistance programs. Maintain records, prepare reports, and support compliance with university policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. Perform other duties related to the Office of the Dean of Students, CARE Team, and student support operations as assigned.
• (20%) Partnership Development & Community Collaboration: Develop, maintain, and strengthen collaborative relationships with campus departments, community organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit partners to expand student access to basic needs resources. Coordinate with CARE Team members, the Assistant Dean of Students, and campus stakeholders to ensure an integrated approach to student support. Maintain partnerships that promote equitable access to services for historically underserved and under-resourced student populations. Coordinate with community partners to maintain current resource offerings and facilitate collaboration opportunities. Serve as a liaison between students and internal/external resource providers to improve access and reduce barriers to services.
• (20%) Outreach, Education & Program Assessment: Plan, coordinate, and facilitate presentations, workshops, trainings, and outreach activities to increase awareness of Basic Needs services among students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Collaborate with university communications and campus partners to promote available programs and services through multiple communication channels. Maintain and regularly update the Basic Needs website and community resource directory to ensure information remains accurate, accessible, and comprehensive. Participate in ongoing program assessment, student needs assessments, and data collection efforts to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend continuous improvements. Assist with the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen student awareness, utilization, and success outcomes related to Basic Needs services.

Tentative Search Timeline

Priority will be given to applications submitted by: 09/23/2026. Potential interview dates: 10/06/2026 - 10/16/2026. Potential start date: 11/01/2026.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

In accordance with the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, UCCS does not discriminate based on sex in our employment or compensation practices.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in Social Work, Human Services, Higher Education, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, Student Affairs, or a closely related field is required (Substitution: Year-for-year related experience will be considered as a substitution for the required degree.) Experience supporting or coordinating case management, student support services, basic needs initiatives, counseling-related services, or other programs that provide individualized support to students or clients is required. (Experience gained through professional, paraprofessional, internship, practicum, student employment, or volunteer roles may be considered.) Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field is preferred. Experience supporting college students within a higher education environment, including coordinating basic needs resources, program administration, student outreach, assessment, or crisis response is preferred.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs has implemented a misconduct history check program with respect to final candidates for specific appointments. The misconduct history check program is intended to allow UCCS to collect and review information about a candidate's conduct at their previous institutions, specifically conduct related to sexual misconduct, harassment, and/or discrimination – before making hiring decisions. All final candidates to these appointments are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information and provide contact information for their previous institutions.