Program Specialist (Adjunct) - TRIO Veterans Upward Bound

Grand Valley State University•Grand Rapids, MI

20h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position for the TRIO Veterans Upward Bound, a federally funded TRIO Program, will be responsible for providing career, academic, and personal advising as well as resources and referrals for student support and veterans services to program participants (amongst multiple counties throughout Michigan). This position will collaborate with leadership to execute the full scope of the program proposal, includes conducting workshops, planning events, and college/career readiness and preparation activities for participants. This is a 12-month, full-time, grant-funded adjunct position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, or related field.
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in higher education, advising, career programing, or related field.
Experience planning and executing programming and events.
Experience using various social media platforms and creating outreach materials (flyers, brochures, etc.).
Experience working with programs for the military community and ability to effectively advise and advocate for those from the target population.
Ability to perform outreach and recruitment efforts.
Ability to navigate computer software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Adobe Suite, and other products.
Strong cross-cultural, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
Strong presentation, organizational, and customer service skills.
Commitment to inclusion, equity, and access to higher education.
Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel; some nights and weekends may be required.
Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to applicants who have succeeded in overcoming barriers similar to those confronting the project's target population.
Higher education experience.
Knowledge of TRIO or other higher education academic programs and support services and effective practices supporting student recruitment, retention, and development.
Experience using design software (such as Canva or Photoshop) to create outreach materials.

Responsibilities

Design and implement student assessment, evaluation, and learning programs that prepare veterans for program completion and success.
Plan, coordinate, and conduct workshops, events, and college/career readiness and preparation activities.
Assist in the development and implementation of procedures and services which promote academic development and postsecondary enrollment of participating students.
Ensure continuous improvement by conducting assessment and evaluation of programming.
Provide direct support to veteran participants (amongst multiple counties throughout Michigan) through career guidance, college admissions and financial aid application assistance, academic advising, and referrals to other resources for veterans.
Identify, recruit, and select qualified program participants (125 participants or as specified in the grant).
Conduct Needs Assessments for all new participants in collaboration with other program staff and develop an individualized success plan for each participant.
Prepare and document accurate evaluation of student progress for all program participants each semester to be added to the student's individualized plan.
Assist leadership in supervision of staff, including hiring, training, and performance management and development.
Maintain accurate data and documentation of all program participants and services and contribute completing the Annual Performance Report (APR) for the U.S. Department of Education.
Review and maintain student files and other documentation to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and federal guidelines.
Serve as liaison and spread awareness of programs and services by developing and distributing informational materials and assisting leadership with making presentations to various veteran-serving and other local organizations.
Attend training and professional development sessions to stay current on Department of Education and TRIO grant policies and procedures.
Collaborate with internal and external campus partners and serve on committees as needed.
Perform other duties as required/assigned by leadership.