Program Coordinator, College Access (Simmons School of Education & Human Development)
Southern Methodist University Inc

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities - from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Position:

This Program Coordinator for the Education Talent Search program works directly with students at area high schools who participate in SMU College Access programs. This position provides direct advising, mentoring, and career coaching services to high school students. The position is responsible for developing partnerships with area high schools, managing program recruitment efforts within assigned schools, and verifying student eligibility. The Coordinator is also responsible for creating and delivering academic enrichment programs that ensure successful college transition and placement.

This position is contingent upon grant funding.

Essential Functions:

• Provide and facilitate educational enrichment and support activities for ETS students within assigned partner school(s). Educational enrichment activities include career coaching or counseling, mentoring, secondary education advising, & college entrance exam preparation. Assist ETS students with completing the college application and financial aid processes.
  
• Plan and conduct workshops on related to successful college access & transition for Education Talent Search Scholars and their parents/guardians. Workshop include financial and economic literacy, navigating financial aid processes, obtaining public and private scholarships, managing college application and admission processes, selecting a major/career, understanding college expectations and related topics.
  
• Develop and manage annual individual service plans for each ETS student based on identified student needs and plans to transition to college and select a career. Track and update the progress toward post-secondary goals of each assigned ETS student. Research and present materials and other resources that support ETS students' career and educational goals.
  
• Create and manage relationships with administrators, teachers, and counselors at partner schools to ensure that program recruitment and retention goals are met. Plan and facilitate activities to recruit ETS students. Actively work to retain current ETS students.
  
• Manage paperwork for ETS students enrolled in the program. Verify that eligibility criteria are met and properly documented. Work with students, parents, and personnel at partner schools to obtain income documentation or individual student academic records required by grant guidelines. Collaborate with data coordinator to ensure that all student data is accurate and up to date.
• Follow up with previous ETS students for up to 7 years to ensure that they have successfully graduated from high school, transitioned to college, graduated from college, and transitioned to a career. Provide support and referrals to education and career services that assist students as they navigate these education and career transitions.
• Chaperone and assist at college and career exploration trips for ETS students. Ensure that ETS students explore academic majors aligned with their interests and are actively participating while on trips. Ensure that all students are accounted for and safe while on trips.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree is required. Requires two years in education, social work, human services, counseling or related field.

Experience working in youth programs, especially those programs serving at-risk, low-income, and disabled youth, is strongly preferred.

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is preferred. Counseling or social worker's license is also preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills to interact effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must have excellent customer service orientation. Candidate must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills. Candidate must possess outstanding time management, organizational and planning skills. Must be able to work with minimal supervision and follow through with appropriate actions.

Candidate must possess strong problem solving skills. A strong attention to detail and accuracy is essential. Candidate must be able to work independently as well as collaboratively with others. This position may require some evening and weekend work for supervision of program activities for students.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook) is required. Experience with web-based applications is required. Proficiency with data management systems such as Blumen and Tableau is preferred. Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License and pass the university's safe driving course.

This position requires frequent (daily) travel to area high schools for student meetings and program activities. In-state travel to visit colleges and universities will be occasional (4 to 6 times a year).

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time
• Reach above shoulders
• Carry/lift 25 lbs.
• Handle objects (dexterity)
• Stand
• Drive motorized equipment

Deadline to Apply:

This position is open until filled.

EEO Statement:

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

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