Specialist - Outreach-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

About The Position

Michigan State University's Upward Bound Program seeks a full-time Program Coordinator to support the academic achievement, college readiness, and postsecondary success of participating high school students. This year-round position coordinates academic-year and summer programming, provides individualized academic and college-planning support, maintains student records and program data, assists with recruitment and federal grant reporting, and collaborates with students, families, schools, and university partners. The coordinator helps plan and implement the six-week Summer Academy, including curriculum, staffing, student activities, college visits, transportation, and residential programming. The role requires an organized, student-centered professional able to manage multiple priorities, build relationships, work independently within grant regulations, and support U.S. Department of Education TRIO goals and performance objectives. The coordinator provides engaging academic instruction during the six-week summer academy and weekly Monday sessions during the academic year. The position develops programming schedules with the Associate Director/Director of CAI and supports students' academic growth, college readiness, civic engagement, and personal development through interactive learning, project-based instruction, and culturally responsive teaching. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families and students whose parents do not hold a bachelor's degree, with the goal of increasing secondary-school completion and enrollment in and graduation from postsecondary education. Summer Academy runs from mid-June to early August. Academic-year Monday sessions run from September through late May. The role includes a caseload of 60 or more students as needed, including guidance for high school seniors on FAFSA, scholarships, applications, and the transition to college. Evening, weekend, travel, and summer residential responsibilities are required. During the Summer Academy, the coordinator stays on or near the MSU campus and stays in campus residence halls with students during the residential week.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited university in education, education administration, educational leadership, higher education, counseling, social work, human services, or a related field.
Experience working with youth on campus.
Knowledge of youth compliance.
Experience working with high school students.
Teaching or tutoring experience.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Commitment to educational equity and student success.
Previous TRIO program experience; the posting specifies a minimum of 1–3 years.

Nice To Haves

State and federal grant writing experience.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement interdisciplinary summer curriculum aligned with student needs, including needs assessments, pre-tests, and post-tests.
Teach assigned academic subjects and provide tutoring, study-table support, mentoring, and individualized academic assistance.
Plan and deliver academic-year Monday sessions focused on college readiness and support with current high school coursework.
Create collaborative, student-centered learning environments using project-based learning, teamwork, multicultural perspectives, and culturally responsive teaching.
Monitor student learning, attendance, and progress; communicate with program staff and maintain accurate records.
Provide daily oversight of Upward Bound activities, including weekly workshops.
Coordinate and supervise Upward Bound staff, including temporary and student employees, and conduct staff performance evaluations.
Coordinate and supervise college visits and educational field trips.
Prepare outreach communications, flyers, and newsletters, and manage social media to share program information with students, families, and partners.
Collaborate in recruiting and selecting eligible participants in the federally required numbers.
Participate in program, organizational, and departmental planning, trainings, and staff meetings.
Maintain program partnerships and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Assist with completion and submission of program reports and ensure compliance with Department of Education grant goals, regulations, and performance objectives.
Enter student data and document services and activities in the program database; maintain confidential, accurate, audit-ready student records.
Assist with interviewing, selecting, and onboarding core staff; lead interviews for support staff, including academic and summer part-time temporary employees.
Maintain a caseload of 60 or more students as needed and provide academic and postsecondary guidance, particularly to high school seniors.
Guide seniors through postsecondary matriculation tasks, including FAFSA, scholarship essays, applications, and college transition.
Recommend curriculum and collaborate with school counselors and college advisors to review transcripts and recommend coursework, academic goals, and postsecondary activities.
Help students develop academic and career goals and deliver presentations and workshops on career awareness, college admissions, and postsecondary preparation.
Assist with planning and overseeing the summer program component and its partnerships.
Assist with project evaluations and prepare or review monthly reconciliations for accuracy.
Ensure program staff maintain contact with participants.
Assist with developing and managing budgets for program events and activities and preparing project materials.
Coordinate event and project logistics, including meals, transportation, and field trips.
Facilitate scheduled parent and guardian meetings to share program updates and college information.
Maintain ethical and professional conduct and protect participant confidentiality.
Attend professional development conferences, meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars as assigned.
Work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required; travel to target high schools, make home visits as needed, and transport students during field trips.