The FYE Communications & Events Associate is a full-time BereaCorp position that supports the programmatic, operational and communications functions of the First-Year Experience (FYE) office. This role serves as a key connector between the FYE team and Berea College's incoming and enrolled first-year student population — managing post-deposit and ongoing student communications, coordinating event logistics, and supporting the planning and execution of first-year programming throughout the academic year. The FYE Associate works under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of First-Year Experience and collaborates closely with the full FYE team and campus partners. This position offers a meaningful opportunity for a recent graduate to develop professional competencies in higher education communications, program coordination, and student-centered event management within Berea's distinctive work-learning-service model.
Post-Deposit Communications Support: Build, design, and maintain communications for committed students within Slate, including email campaigns, online modules, and informational content. Design and update print and digital materials to support the post-deposit experience.
First-Year Mass Communications: Manage ongoing mass email communications on behalf of the FYE team throughout the academic year, including event announcements, reminders, program notifications, and student-facing updates. Maintain an organized calendar of outgoing communications and ensure timely, accurate delivery to appropriate student audiences through Outlook and other approved platforms.
First-Year Programs Coordination: In collaboration with FYE professional and student staff, develop and lead first-year programming in alignment with the five Summit competencies: Academic Engagement, Social and Cultural Connection, Personal Growth, Career and Professional Development, and Health and Wellbeing. Assist in preparing materials, logistics, and communications for program sessions throughout the academic year.
Student Labor Support: Provide student labor support for the events and programming student team aligning all programs and events within the FYE pillars.
Event Logistics & Operations Support: Provide comprehensive operational support for all FYE events, including coordinating catering orders, submitting room reservations, scheduling meetings, and managing materials preparation. Collaborate with the Associate Director of FYE in planning and execution of all major FYE events including Mountaineer Meetups, Welcome Week, and recurring school-year programming.
Content & Materials Development: Create and update program materials, flyers, digital content, and presentations using tools such as Canva and Microsoft Teams. Ensure all materials reflect Berea's commitment to equity, inclusion, and the distinctive needs of first-generation and limited-income students.
Data & Systems Support: Support the FYE team in maintaining accurate records and communications within EAB Navigate and Slate. Assist with tracking event attendance, program participation, and communication engagement.
Professional Development: Engage in opportunities to grow professionally within the field of higher education student success and first-year experience programming. Participate in relevant campus committees, training, and learning opportunities as available.
Education required to ensure success in this position:
Bachelor's degree earned from Berea College in the last two years
Experience required to ensure success in this position:
Student leadership or student management experience required
Hospitality, customer, or guest services experience
Experience planning or assisting in programs or events
Special skills, knowledge and abilities:
Affinity for people and energetic attitude about serving students
Strong organizational and task management skills
Capacity to engage information software systems
Demonstrated initiative and follow-through of projects and tasks
Attentive to details
A deep and genuine commitment to working directly with students to facilitate their development, provide educational opportunities and foster engagement and success to motivate students to meet their full potential.
Strong written and oral communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
Ability to work effectively with staff across the institution with an understanding of the perceptions and needs of these areas.
A willingness to work evening and weekend hours for student-facing programming.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
License, certification, or registration necessary:
Valid Driver’s License
Required background checks
Physical requirements:
Ability to navigate campus grounds and buildings independently
Ability to travel independently
Ability to lift up to 20lbs for student programming and events
Environmental conditions:
Professional office environment with interruptions and noise due to frequent visitors, students, staff, and faculty
Some travel is required for meetings, conferences, etc.
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Standard office equipment: computer, fax, phone, etc.
Golf Cart
Vehicle-college cars/vans
BereaCorps positions are grant-funded, one-year contract positions from June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027, with the possibility of a one-year extension. This position is only available to 2025 and May 2026 Berea College graduates that have completed all of their coursework by May 2026.
