Admissions Specialist

Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW   

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive. Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country.

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18 , including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video.  

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Admissions Specialist will work as part of the team to interview and assess students for readiness to participate in STRIVE’s Fresh Start Program program after application submittal. The Admissions Specialist will make sure students have all the necessary documentation for enrollment and assess any other life issues students may be encountering to ensure they are referred to any resources if needed. 

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Collaborate with the Program Director to assess enrollment goals. 
• Manage admissions and the engaged enrollment process for new students. 
• Facilitate information sessions, recruitment presentations, orientation sessions, and complete onboarding for prospective enrollees. 
• Create and cultivate a welcoming environment for new and existing students. 
• Maintain and update a community partnership distribution list for recruitment efforts. 
• Establish relationships with targeted community groups that serve our specific population needs. 
• Research and attend community events, including weekends and evenings as needed, for recruitment purposes (e.g., Saturday recruitment events, after-hours city council/neighborhood events). 
• Conduct interviews with applicants to assess readiness for the STRIVE Fresh Start program and screen for potential barriers to employment. 
• Review and process enrollment applications, ensuring accuracy, completion, and compliance with contractual obligations. 
• Administer skills testing and ensure applicants pass or retest if necessary. 
• Ensure all required documentation is received by the first week of training and follow up on any missing materials, including GED verification. 
• Enter and maintain applicant data in relevant electronic organizational software systems (e.g., Apricot). 
• Refer qualified students to the final interview session and conduct candidate review sessions with stakeholders to determine eligibility. 
• Maintain communication processes throughout the recruitment pipeline and provide weekly data reports on recruitment metrics. 
• Report, document, and escalate individuals who fail to meet STRIVE requirements to a supervisor. 
• Provide daily updates on upcoming cohorts to the program team. 
• Perform additional duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Associate’s degree preferred or a minimum of 2 years of experience working with populations facing barriers to employment (e.g., long-term unemployment, criminal justice involvement, or substance abuse history). 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience is a plus. 
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment as well as collaboratively within a team. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage a high-pressure, high-volume workload. 
• Professional demeanor with the ability to engage with diverse personalities. 
• Data analytical skills preferred. 

BENEFITS

STRIVE offers the following benefits:

Health Care Plans (Medical Plans That Offer Gym Reimbursement Programs, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (401k)

Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)

Paid Time Off (PTO & Public Holidays – The Office is Closed The Week of Christmas Through New Year’s Day)

Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)

Short Term & Long Term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Legal Insurance

Accident Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Pre-tax Commuter Plans

Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Dependent Care

Summer Fridays

Financial Literacy Program

Flexible Work Schedules

Location: This is an in-office position in our Birmingham office. 

STRIVE considers applicants for all positions without regard to: race; color; religion; gender; national origin; age; sexual orientation; marital or veteran status; the presence of a medical condition, genetic information or handicap, unrelated to performing the tasks of the job; or any other legally protected status. 

Salary : $34,000 - $38,250