Student Life Coordinator, Seville – Fall 2023

Location: Seville, Spain
Reports to: Senior Student Life Coordinator and In-Country Director
Type: Seasonal Employment
Min. Experience: Mid to Experienced
Department: Student Life
Division: Student Success

Verto is on a mission to provide the best possible start to college. We start by making travel and experiential education a core part of every student’s Freshman year. Our students begin college overseas in one of 6 Verto locations, before seamlessly transferring to one of over 70 partner universities in the United States. While completing 1 or 2 semesters with Verto, students become more mature, empathetic global citizens who have a greater sense of purpose and direction for their lives.

At Verto, we’re creating a different model. We’re driving the costs down and acceptance rates up. We connect students to the world and give them a chance to discover who they are before making them choose a major. We’re out to build a transformational company that makes higher education more accessible and impactful. We are backed by First Round Capital and other top VCs. 

At Verto Education we value voices of all backgrounds and experiences. We know that creating a diverse environment takes dedication and intentional hiring practices. We are cognizant of the gap between our current state and our commitments. In order to bridge that gap, we have to humbly evaluate where we are today.  

POSITION SUMMARY

The Student Life Coordinator is ultimately responsible for Verto participants’ well-being and development, and helps plan participant engagement activities throughout the experience. Through one-on-one coaching and mentorship, the Student Life Coordinator ensures participants feel safe, supported, and engaged during their Verto experience. Student Life Coordinators work to create community and foster a sense of belonging for each participant. Collaborating with Verto’s local partners, Student Life Coordinators help participants immerse themselves in the local community and culture, and serve as role models for participants. 

Student Life Coordinators report to the Student Life Manager and Program Director, and work closely with Verto staff in each location, and Verto partners (where applicable) to deliver the highest-quality experience for Verto participants. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Building

• Welcome participants on arrival and, alongside local staff and partners, deliver Student Life Orientation.
• Be responsible for being the primary contact of participants in case of questions or  concerns and display a proactive attitude in order to address any participants’ concerns in the most timely manner.
• Meet with participants in one-on-one discussions helping them set goals, manage conflicts, and recognize growth over the course of the experience.
• Facilitate the completion of roommate agreements and mediations when required.
• Build community amongst the participant cohort through intentional engagement and connecting like minded participants.
• Encourage and model mindfulness.
• Accompany participants on both academic and non-academic excursions, optimizing engagement, participant safety, and logistical support.
• Organize optional weekly and weekend participant activities and get-togethers to explore their program locations, and facilitate cultural immersion.
• Help create updates for parents/guardians and families by collecting, creating, and managing written content and photos for our blog, social media sites, and email updates
• Build personal trust with participants and maintain open lines of communication with them throughout the experience
• Facilitate positive group dynamics, and foster inclusivity and respect
• Role model positive behavior and navigate living in proximity to participants

Health and Safety

• Play a proactive and reactive role to safeguard and monitor the health and wellbeing of participants and other staff through mandatory reporting and documenting behaviors and creating incidents reports as needed or directed.
• Use paraprofessional counseling skills to help participants navigate non-serious mental health issues such as homesickness, and discern needs for professional counseling.
• Assist participants with making appointments with local health professionals, occasionally attend appointments and arrange follow-up appointments as needed.
• Enforce Verto’s Code of Conduct and behavioral expectations as outlined in the Student Handbook. 
• Collaborate with Student Affairs/Manager, Program Directors, and the Dean of Students in the US on any behavioral correction steps, probationary processes, or dismissals if warranted. 
• Bring forward participants of concern to Care Team meetings and collaborate with Academic Success Coordinator on support and interventions.
• Participate in an 24-7 “on call” rotation to respond to participant emergencies, and support care of  medical, mental health, and behavioral issues.
• Facilitate a holistic participant experience in collaboration with faculty, Academic Success Coordinators, and program logistics coordinators. 
• Other duties as reasonably assigned. This may include staffing the program office, and working hours longer than standard office hours. 

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Strategic Thinker: You can plot the chess moves a year ahead of time and develop a credible plan to deliver amazing value to our students.
• Influential communicator: You are a thoughtful communicator who can sell ideas, gather resources, and rally stakeholders.
• Strong Executor: You value getting things done and hitting deadlines. You have a track record of delivering under pressure. 
• Humble Collaborator: You bring kindness and empathy to your working relationships and put the team’s success before your own.  
• Mission-Driven: You deeply believe that education has the power to transform lives and you want to give more young people a chance to thrive. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• 1-3 years of experience in a student-facing position involving university students or young adults 
• BA/BS from an accredited college or university
• Experience working in a mentorship capacity
• Must be 25 years of age or older by experience start date

• Must have a valid driver’s license and passport.
• Fluency in English
• Effective communicator with the ability to show empathy and compassion 
• Demonstrated ability to manage rapidly evolving priorities.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
• Must have the legal right to work in the Spain and/or the European Union. Verto Education does not sponsor visas or permits of stay.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• CPR certified from a licensed provider. Classroom or in-person training only. Online certifications are not acceptable. Certifications must be submitted 3 weeks prior to employment, and must be valid throughout the experience of hire.  

WORK AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• The work pace is continually fast-paced and work is required for more than 4 hours at time.
• Depending on location, this position requires such physical abilities as lifting, standing, kneeling, climbing, crouching, pulling, pushing, sitting, twisting, and walking in an outdoor setting. Other physical attributes include hearing participants on the phone, and speaking to them constantly in person.
• The environment in which the job is performed outside may include exposure to extreme temperature, noise, heights, or other hazards.
• All of the above remains the same for any additional requirements for training, protective clothing, or monitoring.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Verto sincerely appreciates candidates providing anonymous answers to our EEO questions. You are helping us be better.

Verto Education is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.