Paws' Ambassador (Work-Study Only)
General Purpose: The Paws’ Ambassador position is an advanced leadership and service opportunity for current IUPUI students that are work-study eligible to assist the Office of Student Advocacy and support to the operations of Paws’ Pantry and Paws’ Closet. General duties include weekly staffing of the pantry and closet, various food pick-ups on campus and in the local community, and other general support of the office and both services, as needed.
Office Information: The Office of Student Advocacy and Support (OSAS) works to connect students with on- and off-campus resources that meet their basic needs. OSAS provides advocacy and help in navigating campus procedures as well as oversight and support to the operation of Paws’ Pantry and Paws’ Closet; collaborates with other campus partners in providing support to under-resourced students and empowering them to use available resources on campus and in the community to strengthen academic persistence.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- 50% - Assists in coordinating all Paws’ Pantry operations to include food collection efforts, assisting with weekly food pick up on campus and in local community, stocking the pantry, and inventory reporting. Ensures compliance with food pantry storage requirements. Serving 1-2 hours per week at the pantry during operating hours.
- 30% - Assists in coordinating all Paws’ Closet operations to include: restocking of clothes and accessories and management of incoming donations. Keeps track of what items are needed in the closet and soliciting the campus community for donations. Serving 1-2 hours per week at the closet during operating hours.
- 10% - Ensures Paws’ Pantry and Closet and the surrounding areas are kept clean and organized.
- 10% - Assists in managing and developing social media content and monitoring email accounts for both services.
Required Qualifications:
- Availability on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of each week.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Must be reliable and able to manage time to work on multiple projects at once.
- Work-study eligible
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Gained in this Role:
Communicator – Students will learn how to listen actively, evaluate concerns, and convey ideas effectively in interactions with suite visitors; Students will be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of their leadership skills accurately
Innovator – Students will learn about the challenges in running a food pantry and clothing closet, and gain skills in confronting challenges that arise
Problem Solver – Students will gain critical thinking skills through the behind the scenes operations with the pantry and closet; Students will gain knowledge and skills to advocate on behalf of and provide services to meet basic needs of students and address issues of insecurity; Students will be able to formulate one or more ideas to promote food security among their peers
Community Contributor – Students will gain the ability to collaborate more effectively with others by participating on team initiatives within the workplace and in the local community.