The UMass Auxiliary Sustainability team is leading a variety of initiatives that advance environmentally responsible, healthy, and resilient campus operations. Working across dining, retail, procurement, waste reduction, communications, and community engagement, the department collaborates with students, campus partners, and regional organizations to strengthen the university's commitment to responsible environmental impact while creating meaningful educational experiences. The Student Auxiliary Sustainability Coordinator plays an active role in supporting these efforts while gaining hands-on experience in project management, communications, event coordination, research, and campus engagement. This position is designed to provide flexibility, allowing students to contribute to a variety of initiatives and explore projects that align with their academic interests, skills, and professional goals. The Student Auxiliary Sustainability Coordinator works closely with the Director of Sustainability and Sustainability Manager to support departmental priorities and foster a more engaged campus community.
Position Details
Hours: 10–15 hours per week
Compensation: $17.00 per hour
Work Format: Hybrid, with a combination of in-person and remote work depending on project needs
Schedule: Flexible around academic commitments
Employment Period: 2026-2027 academic year with the possibility of continuation
Core Responsibilities
While individual projects may vary throughout the semester, all Student Auxiliary Sustainability Coordinators can expect to participate in the following ongoing responsibilities:
• Attend weekly team meetings with the Sustainability Manager, Director of Sustainability, and other Sustainability Coordinators to discuss priorities, projects, and schedules
• Represent Auxiliary Sustainability at campus events through tabling, outreach, presentations, and educational activities. • Assist with planning, coordinating, and supporting sustainability events, tabling engagements, and programs throughout the academic year.
• Contribute to communications and marketing efforts by helping develop social media content, blog posts, flyers, website updates, newsletters, and other outreach materials.
• Collaborate with campus departments, student organizations, faculty, and community partners to support sustainability initiatives.
• Provide general project support through research, data collection, organization, coordination, and administrative tasks as needed.
Project Opportunities
In addition to the responsibilities above, Student Auxiliary Sustainability Coordinators will have the opportunity to contribute to projects based on departmental priorities and their own interests. Projects may include areas such as:
• Community engagement and sustainability education
• Local and regional food systems
• Climate Friendly and Plant Forward dining
• Sustainable procurement and supplier engagement
• Waste reduction and circular economy initiatives
• Communications, marketing, and storytelling
• Event planning and program development
• Data collection, analysis, reporting, and research
• Student outreach and peer education
• Special projects that support Auxiliary Sustainability goals
Students are expected to take ownership of projects, develop new ideas, and explore areas that align with their academic studies and career aspirations while contributing to the department's mission.
Preferred Qualifications
• Interest in sustainability, food systems, communications, environmental studies, public health, business, marketing, education, or related fields.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable engaging with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to a variety of projects in a dynamic environment.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the position, students can expect to gain experience in:
• Project development, coordination and collaboration
• Event planning and community engagement
• Sustainability communications and outreach
• Writing and content development
• Research and problem solving
• Cross-functional teamwork
• Public speaking and stakeholder engagement
• Applying sustainability concepts in a real-world campus setting
To Apply
Please email your resume and a cover letter expressing your interest in the position, highlighting your relevant experiences, interests, and what you hope to gain from the internship. Email: Kathy Wicks, Director of Sustainability [email protected] Monica Guzik, Sustainability Manager [email protected]