Student Affairs Specialist (Rome, Italy)

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Student Affairs Specialist supports all aspects of student affairs activities in Rome. This role is responsible for fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enriching student experience through programming, advising, and crisis support within an international academic environment. The Specialist ensures all activities align with the Catholic identity, mission, and values of the University of Notre Dame.

Reporting to the Director for Student Programs, this role will initially shadow the Director in the supervision of residential staff, with the goal of acquiring full oversight of the Villa (student residence) personnel and activities. Additionally, this position maintains a specific focus on supporting students residing outside the Villa.

Key Responsibilities

Programming & Engagement

• Co-curricular Design: Develop and assess innovative programs that enhance student life, spiritual growth, leadership, and cultural immersion in the Italian context.
• Experiential Learning: Create extra-curricular activities that deepen engagement with the local Roman community.
• Community Building: Coordinate social events to strengthen group cohesion, with special attention to students living off-campus.
• Partnerships: Collaborate with local institutions and community organizations to expand engagement opportunities.
• Orientation: Support the delivery of pre-arrival and on-site orientation sessions, ensuring students understand policies and resources.
• Assessment: Collect and analyze participation data to continuously improve program quality and impact.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Compliance: Ensure all activities meet University policies, local regulations, and safety standards.
• Housing Coordination: Assist with non-ND housing assignments and communicate with external providers to resolve logistical issues.
• Logistics: Coordinate student arrivals/departures, including check-in/out processes and transportation.
• Operational Maintenance: Maintain student records, databases, and operational reports; provide flexible support for special projects as needed.

Crisis Management & Response

• Incident Response: Assume strategic roles within the Incident Response Team as assigned by the ND Rome Director.
• On-Call Rotation: Participate in an on-call rotation (including office hours and selected weekends) to respond to emergencies.
• Student Support: Provide direct, empathetic intervention for students involved in incidents, coordinating with the Villa Rector when applicable.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed incident reports and ensure follow-up in compliance with University policies.
• Risk Prevention: Design resources to help students navigate health, safety, and cultural complexities in Rome.

Disciplinary Response

• Policy Oversight: Under the supervision of the Director, ensure student conduct policies (including du Lac) are upheld and communicated.
• Conflict Resolution: Address disciplinary issues in coordination with the Villa Rector and the Office of Community Standards.
• Off-Campus Liaison: Serve as the principal contact for partner institutions to resolve disciplinary matters involving the off-campus student population.
• Policy Review: Periodically review and revise the ND Rome and Villa student codes of conduct and student handbooks.

Student Support & Well-being

• Advising: Serve as a primary point of contact for personal, cultural, spiritual, and emotional concerns.
• Health & Safety: Offer individualized guidance on mental and physical well-being; facilitate access to medical and psychological resources.
• Intercultural Guidance: Guide students through the process of adapting to life in Italy, fostering resilience and global awareness.
• Inclusion: Promote a respectful environment for all students, ensuring those living outside the Villa have equitable access to services and information.
• Monitoring: Proactively monitor student well-being to identify risks early and implement appropriate interventions.

• Master’s degree
• At least 3 years of experience in student affairs, study abroad, or higher education and related fields
• Fluency in both Italian and English
• Ability to legally work and live in Italy at the time of application
• Experience living in Rome
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with a demonstrated attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with a facility for public speaking
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism
• Understanding of the structure, mission, and values of institutions of Catholic higher education
• Capacity to manage stress and maintain personal and emotional stability in a demanding work environment

Compensation: €38,000-40,000

Application Requirements: Resume/CV, Cover Letter, and 3 Professional References

This is a full-time (38 hours per week), 6-month position with the possibility of extension.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.