Job Summary:

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

Essential Functions:

Provide and facilitate educational enrichment and support activities for Education Talent Search Scholars within assigned partner school or through on-campus Summer Academy. Educational enrichment activities include career coaching or counseling, mentoring, secondary education advising, tutoring services, and college entrance exam preparation. Assist Education Talent Search Scholars with the completion of the FASFA and other financial aid and/or scholarship applications. Assist Education Talent Search Scholars, as necessary, with various needs including secondary reentry, alternate education or GED preparation enrollment, or initial postsecondary course selection.

Plan and conduct workshops on topics related to successful college access and transition for Education Talent Search Scholars and their parents/guardians. Workshop topics include financial and economic literacy, navigating financial aid processes, obtaining public and private scholarships, managing the college application and admission processes, selecting a major/career, understanding college expectations, and related topics.

Develop and manage annual individual service plans for each Education Talent Search Scholars based on identified student needs and plans to transition to college and select a career. Create and update five year educational plans for each assigned Education Talent Search Scholar. Research and present materials and other resources that support  Education Talent Search Scholars' career and educational goals. Ensure that services provided to Education Talent Search Scholars support the mission of the partner school.

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 Education Talent Search Scholars. Engage with parents of potential Education Talent Search Scholars to answer questions about the program. Actively work to retain Education Talent Search Scholars in the program.

Manage paperwork for Education Talent Search Scholars 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 update to date.

Follow up with previous Education Talent Search Scholars 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. 

Plan, coordinate, and chaperone college and career exploration trips for Education Talent Search Scholars. Ensure that college visits are coordinated well in advance with postsecondary institutions and that Education Talent Search Scholars have the opportunity to explore academic majors aligned with their interests. Ensure that all trip activities have an educational enrichment component directly aligned to education and career interests.

Complete other tasks as assigned that support the overall mission of the College Access Department.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited university required in education, human services, etc. Master's degree strongly preferred.

Position requires least two years experience 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is strongly preferred.

Counseling or social worker's license, and/or middle or secondary teaching license preferred.

Must have or be able to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License and pass the university's defensive/safe driving course.

Exemplary oral and written communication skills required. Proficiency with computer applications including MS Office, web-based applications, and email required.  Proficiency with data management systems preferred.

Position requires frequent (weekly) travel to area high schools for student meetings and program activities. In-state and out-of-state travel to visit colleges and universities will be occasional (2 to 3 times a year).

Physical/Environmental Demands:

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

 

Deadline to Apply: February 6, 2017.

 

TO APPLY: Please visit our website www.smu.jobs and select staff careers from the right-hand side menu to access the online application.

 

Southern Methodist University (SMU) will not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, education activity, or admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. SMU's commitment to equal opportunity includes nondiscrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.  The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX1   Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies, including the prohibition of sex discrimination under Title IX. The Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.  Inquiries   regarding   the application of Title IX may also be directed to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.