2024 Conference Housing Assistant Coordinator

Position Summary

Conference Housing Assistant Coordinators (CHACs) coordinate and manage the housing-specific needs for summer conferences, such as room assignments, organizing conference check-in/out process and serving as point of contact for the conference coordinator. 

CHACs are assigned multiple conferences throughout the summer and often preparing for each conference arrival simultaneously, thus a high degree of prioritization, flexibility, and organization is necessary.

On this page

Primary Responsibilities

  • Communicate with conference coordinator, primarily by email, prior to conference arrival to organize and finalize conference housing needs on deadline.
  • Utilize online conference management software (StarRez) to accurately input, update and manage conference details and participant room assignments.
  • Coordinate the preparation of all necessary materials for a conference arrival and departure such as staff scheduling, custodial linen rosters, participant rosters and residence hall keys.
  • Adhere to specific deadlines set by the conference and other stakeholders.
  • Perform post-conference follow-up tasks such as final walk-throughs, custodial rosters, and billing updates.
  • Verify conference readiness/departure and smooth check-in/outs by scheduling of tasks and staff resources, walk-throughs and distributing correct conference rosters and information.
  • Generate hard copy reference materials for each conference for use by other Summerstaff throughout duration of conference.
  • Responsible for providing Summerstaff with critical conference updates, answering questions, and providing regular follow-up with guest’s needs.
  • Direct the housing check-in & check-out process for conference guests and provide appropriate information to guests with excellent customer service.
  • Perform administrative tasks with high attention to detail, accuracy and neatness.
  • Regularly check-in with conference coordinators and custodial teams throughout duration of conference.
  • Maintain timely and professional communication (especially written) with campus partners, clients, and staff.
  • Clearly disseminate conference specific housing needs to other Summerstaff members who are preparing for conference arrival or departure.
  • Utilize peer-to-peer education to help in training CSAs to perform delegated tasks.
  • Attend, engage, and participate in daily meetings; at times may assist in coordinating staff meeting agendas, staff development, and task assignments.
  • Build working relationships through positive, constructive communication with other Summerstaff members.
  • Regularly meet and consult with supervisor to determine the best way to meet a conference’s requests.
  • Timely response and follow-up with peers and supervisor.
  • Assist in accurate key management including maintenance of keys.
  • Collaborate to create and maintain signs and bulletin boards for all buildings.
  • Perform administrative tasks as needed.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized work environment (office, front desks, space required for tasks completion).
  • Be knowledgeable about general University Residences buildings and operations.
  • Maintain regular office hours for on-site conference support.
  • Please note: Due to the changing landscape of summer conferences, the number of events may increase or decrease in the coming months. This position may support other University Residences teams with room readiness, key management, and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

  1. Be currently enrolled at WWU or be officially admitted for Fall 2024.
  2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
  3. Fairhaven College student candidates must be in good academic standing with Fairhaven College Administration.
  4. Winter 2024 transfer student candidates must provide a transcript from their previous institution.
  5. Good standing in conduct and payment status.
  6. Good standing in any current employment position at WWU (if applicable).
  7. Attend all mandatory training the week of June 17-23, 2024. 
  8. Experience working collaboratively on a team or in groups and providing peer-to-peer education or direction.
  9. Experience with professional customer service or related service.
  10. Ability to adapt and be flexible to frequent requests or changing needs.
  11. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a diverse range of people.
  12. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  13. Be able to serve as a professional liaison with other departments at WWU as well as external groups.
  14. Successfully pass background and criminal conviction check upon hiring. University Residences Guest Housing Program is committed to the welfare and safety of children. All applicants may be asked to provide references that would be checked and consent to a criminal background check. All selected individuals will be expected to comply with the University's policies, procedures and conduct expectations for child-related programs.

Desirable Attributes

  • Experience with completing tasks that require a high level of attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently as well as in small teams, self-organize, and manage time effectively.
  • High familiarity with WWU departments/offices, resources and buildings around campus.
  • Ability to grasp and apply new concepts quickly and efficiently.
  • Experience with summer conferences, hotel or event management work.

Selection Timeline

  • 1st round of applicants are currently under review
  • Selected applicants will be emailed to set up an interview.
  • Conference Staff Training: June 17-23, 2024

Terms of Employment

  1. Fulfill anticipated contract dates (provided in offer). 
  2. Work an average of 40 hours per week, including some evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaks.
  3. Pay rate is $21.50/hr.
  4. Participate in seven days of mandatory training (June 17-23, 2024).
  5. Full-time summer staff cannot be enrolled in any credits.
  6. Refrain from any curricular or extra-curricular activities that may require significant time commitments. Must obtain supervisory approval for outside commitments that may interfere with job duties.
  7. Fulfill position requirements.

About Us

University Residences will host over 8,000 camp and conference guests in our residence halls during the summer. Guests can range from toddlers to 90 years of age and will arrive from all over the world. Guests come to for a variety of reasons, including WWU first-year student orientation, youth sports camps, adult national international conferences, and training workshops. Our select staff of close to 40 students work to accommodate guest needs and requests while providing a high level of customer service under the direct supervision of the Manager of Guest & Housing Operations.

Equal Opportunity & Affirmative Action

Western Washington University does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and parenting status), disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or genetic information. Inquiries may be directed to the Vice Provost for Equal Opportunity & Employment Diversity, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Office, WWU, Old Main 345, MS 9021, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360-650-3307 (voice) or 711 (Washington Relay); eoo@wwu.edu.

Questions?

For any questions about this position, please contact guest.housing@wwu.edu.