Academic Coordinator

Job Summary:

Upward Bound is one of the eight TRIO Programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education. The Academic Coordinator will assist the Upward Bound Program Manager in carrying out essential program services to 78 participants from two local high schools (Putnam City West and Western Heights). This position will be responsible for empowering first generation college, under-resourced, and or academically at risk students gain the necessary skills to graduate from college within six years of completing high school. These goals are met by providing educational workshops, offering a personalized hands on guidance through high school into college, career or college major advising, and facilitating other activities throughout the year.

Essential Job Functions:

• Monitors, advises and provides educational counseling for program participants.
• Will make frequent visits to the two target schools Western Heights and Putnam City West to meet with participants during the academic year to provide workshops or provide guidance on educational endeavors.
• Documents on-going student contact logs, class schedules, and transcripts via computerized database (Blumen)
• Assists in the coordination of Upward Bound’s social media (Facebook, etc.), Engage, text message, and email correspondence to students on a daily and weekly basis.
• Serve as a liaison of Upward Bound to target schools and other community partners
• Will assist Executive TRIO Director with collecting program data for annual performance report, campus reports or for the Upward Bound grant.
• Assist with and /or conduct workshops, orientations, banquets, and seminars for participants and their family members in person or in a virtual setting
• Participate with recruiting, interviewing, selecting and assessing new participants, and follow individuals through postsecondary.
• Develops and implements new strategies for retention and post-secondary completion to ensure Upward Bound Objectives are met on a yearly basis.
• Responsible for coordinating Bridge Component for program seniors, facilitating a college prep class during the summer to rising program seniors, and coordinate summer concurrent classes with OSU-OKC.
• Participate in college committees as requested.
• Completes all mandatory training and participates in a minimum of two professional development workshops each year which may include state, regional, and national TRIO meetings/programs as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

The duties listed in this job description are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Resume and Cover Letter required for full consideration. Copies of all current certifications due upon hiring.

Education & Experience

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Work Experience:

• Experience serving populations eligible for UB services.
• Familiarity with cultural/socioeconomic matrix of the target area.
• Computer skills for data entry presenting workshops, and daily office operations.
• At least two years working in federally funded programs and/or experience working with high school students.
• Designing and delivering youth services.
• Knowledge of postsecondary requirements and financial aid.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and effectively, both verbally and in writing to exchange information, give/receive instructions and respond to inquiries appropriately with all students, faculty, staff and community partners.
• Strong organization and planning skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively with high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• High degree of initiative to work independently and also collaborate in a team environment.
• Public speaking ability and skills; must be able to develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and seminars to participants, peers, and the general public.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office technologies including but not limited to: office computers, fax machines, scanners, internet, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Strong computer skills with ability to organize information and schedules, and experience advising/counseling high school students on educational issues.
• Possess a positive open-minded attitude and have the ability to work closely with diverse student enrollment and skill levels.
• Ability to handle confidential information discreetly in a busy student centered office.
• Ability to easily transition from in person to virtual setting to address students’ needs, present workshops, and conduct meetings with other community partners.
• Strong understanding of the higher education enrollment process.
• Strong understanding of high school course equivalencies, OK Promise, and other secondary counseling areas
• Strong writing skills to assist students in editing scholarships, providing letters of recommendation, or creating documents for the OSU-OKC Campus.
• Passion for assisting customers and representing the OSU-OKC and OSU brand with positivity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated history of ethical and professional behavior.
  
  

Certifications &/or Licenses:

Valid Oklahoma driver’s license and ability to drive a 15 passenger vehicle.

Education:

Bachelors degree in education, sociology, psychology, counseling, human relations or related fields.

Preferred Qualifications:

• TRIO Experience.
• Educational grant writing experience.
• Bilingual (Spanish)
  
  

Oklahoma State University (OSU) strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, OSU conducts pre-employment background checks on final candidates. Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal (felony and misdemeanor) history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the university, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, visit eeo.okstate.edu.