Program Coordinator, SARA & Tuition Break

Position Title: Program Coordinator, SARA & Tuition Break

Reports To: Directors of SARA and Tuition Break

Salary Range: $57,000-$62,000

Contact:

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to careers@nebhe.org with the subject line "NEBHE SARA TB Coordinator"

Priority review deadline – February 14th, 2025

Anticipated start – mid April

NEBHE Background:

Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, NEBHE is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization.

Summary:

This is a full-time position supporting the functions of both SARA and Tuition Break. The Program Coordinator will work with the SARA Director to convene regional leadership, engage with state and federal policy, and continue to provide seamless coordination between NEBHE and our member states and institutional participants. They will also support the Director of Tuition Break to increase visibility of the program and develop further initiatives to supporting college access, enrollment, and attainment in New England. Responsibilities outlined below reflect the latest, consistent responsibilities. Similar and appropriate duties and responsibilities may be assigned as deemed fit by the Directors and/or President & CEO.

Essential Job Functions:

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) (50%)

Communications & Data Management

• Collects and organizes data about SARA in the New England region and affiliated States of New Jersey and New York to present to stakeholders using visually aesthetic tools.
• Assists the SARA Director in tracking all relevant information including institutional participation, state and national policy, steering committee membership, etc.
• Continuously reviews and updates the SARA portion of NEBHE’s website.
• Organizes and transmits quarterly SARA newsletter to NEBHE region participating institution contacts.
• Attends all N-SARA SPE and RSC meetings to take notes, especially for the purpose of follow up and/or understanding feedback, opinion, and/or perspectives.

Outreach

• Assists the SARA Director in organizing forums to inform and support states and institutions regarding SARA resources, participation requirements, and pertinent and timely online education topics.
• Initiates research or data collection based on priorities or requests defined by the SARA Director, NEBHE President, State Portal Entities and/or Regional Steering Committee.
• Organizes in-person and hybrid convenings, with our SPEs, our RSC, and members of the NC-SARA team to bring these leaders together to talk about topics impacting our region.
• Leads annual informational mailing to participating institution Presidents.

Coordination & National Engagement

• Leads process of compiling documentation and pertinent details necessary for biennial N-SARA member state renewal. With the Director, ensure and verify States are fulfilling their SARA obligations as outlined in the renewal application.
• Attends consistent meetings with regional counterparts and NC-SARA to help represent NEBHE, sometimes on behalf of the Director.
• Attends and participates in any national SARA initiatives and meetings including annual SPE Conference and NC-SARA Board Meetings. Participates in NEBHE Board and Committee Meetings, as required. Prepares and/or reviews materials and documentation to support Director and/or NEBHE President at said events.

Regional Student Program, Tuition Break (50%)

Program Administration

• Leads the annual review and certification of all eligible academic programs offered by participating institutions.
• Leads collection, analysis and reporting of student enrollment and tuition data, including annual enrollment reports.
• Produces customized institutional, state, and legislative district reports on enrollment, tuition savings and revenue for legislators, government and higher education leaders.

Communications and Outreach

• Leads the creation and implementation of a communication plan to communicate the impact of Tuition Break to stakeholders including officers of participating universities, high school counselors, college access professionals, and legislators.
• Responds to inquiries from students, parents/guardians, and institutions about Tuition Break.
• Develops and presents information sessions about Tuition Break for students, high school counselors and families.

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Director and NEBHE’s IT Manager to further develop the program’s digital infrastructure.
• Collaborates with the Director to develop and enhance internal program processes and operations.
• Represents NEBHE and Tuition Break at relevant events throughout New England.

Qualifications & Skills

Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree and relevant experience.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong time management.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional relationship building ability.
• Willingness to work collaboratively across departments on multiple projects to accomplish organizational priorities.
• A commitment to advancing equity in higher education
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in the regulatory environment of higher education and related policy.
• Familiarity with higher education operations and governance at the institutional or state level.
• Familiarity with New England higher education institutions and agencies.
• Understanding of online and distance education delivery systems, modalities, and programs.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Hybrid work allows up to two (2) days remote work and three (3) in-person in the downtown Boston-based office, subject to change with organizational needs.
• Attendance may be required at special events during and outside of normal work hours.
• Ability to travel independently by car throughout New England.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight in and outside of New England and for multiple nights.
• Prolonged periods of working at a desk/on a computer.
• Must be able to transport and set up tabling/event materials.

Benefits

• Medical and dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Retirement plan

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to do this job. The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

NEBHE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

We are a fair chance employer and strongly encourage individuals with a background in the criminal legal system or those impacted by it to apply.