EOC CARES Program Coordinator

University of Central Oklahoma•Edmond, OK

7d•$42,000 - $45,000•Onsite

About The Position

The EOC CARES Program Coordinator works with the Educational Opportunity Centers CARES (EOC CARES) program, a TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. EOC provides counseling and college-admissions information to qualified adults seeking to begin or continue postsecondary education, along with services to improve participants’ financial and economic literacy. The program helps participants understand financial-aid options and basic financial planning and supports them through application processes, with the goal of increasing adult enrollment in postsecondary institutions. Reporting to the EOC Project Director, the coordinator organizes adult basic education and military-connected outreach programming and services that support participant recruitment, growth, enrollment, and admissions. The role maintains participant records, prepares program reports and informational materials, and recruits students for EOC CARES and projects supporting GED completion and postsecondary enrollment. In collaboration with VUB, the coordinator organizes programs and events for military-connected students interested in college, such as open houses, award ceremonies, career days, and student organizations. The position may also assist with education-related enrollment and admissions activities. The position is based in-office at UCO’s main campus in Edmond, Oklahoma, and typically works Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; some evenings and weekends may be required. It is a grant-funded position that will end August 31, 2031, unless the grant is renewed.

Requirements

A university degree in a related field or at least four years of equivalent related work experience providing knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
Ability to apply expertise in a chosen field to achieve results.
Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and ability to operate a typical motor vehicle.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to use tact and diplomacy when working with students, alumni, faculty and staff, and employers.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and interact professionally with relevant segments of the university community.
Project management skills.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience serving military-connected individuals.
One year of work experience in a TRIO program, or two or more years as a TRIO program participant.
Computer proficiency, preferably with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) or other professional presentation software such as Prezi.
Strong understanding of the educational benefits available to military-connected individuals.

Responsibilities

Meet individually with eligible participants to support postsecondary enrollment, admissions, financial-aid applications, career planning, and educational goal attainment.
Deliver student-focused workshops, presentations, and information-table activities.
Use technology and social media to engage and inform current and prospective EOC CARES participants.
Maintain the EOC website, electronic documents, and program communications materials.
Conduct outreach to increase awareness of program services and participant resources.
Develop publications and assist with marketing strategies promoting program resources and services.
Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, campus departments, employers, and mentors to support participant success and broaden education and career opportunities.
Connect participants with employers and community partners to promote postsecondary education, financial-aid awareness, and career exploration.
Conduct participant intake interviews, assessments, and needs evaluations; develop and monitor Individual Action Plans (IAPs).
Provide individualized advising in academic, career, financial-aid, postsecondary, workforce, and education-to-employment pathways.
Help participants explore CareerTech programs, industry-recognized credentials, workforce training, apprenticeships, and postsecondary options aligned with career goals and labor-market demands.
Facilitate financial and economic literacy, FAFSA completion, scholarship identification, and college-affordability planning activities.
Coordinate mentoring, referrals, and participant support activities to promote persistence and success.
Maintain participant records and outcome documentation in accordance with federal grant requirements and university policies.
Conduct follow-up and track participant admissions, enrollment, persistence, and credential attainment in support of program objectives.
Establish performance goals and requirements with the Program Manager to support grant objectives and compliance.
Recruit and coordinate recruitment of students for EOC CARES and projects supporting GED completion and postsecondary enrollment.
Coordinate, in collaboration with VUB, programs and events for military-connected students interested in college, including open houses, award ceremonies, career days, and student organizations.
Review and maintain EOC participant records and generate EOC CARES reports.
Coordinate the development or preparation of informational materials relevant to EOC participants.
Assist with education-related enrollment and admissions activities for postsecondary education, as needed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.