Outreach Coordinator

Outreach Coordinator
Position Overview
The University of Kansas Upward Bound Programs are seeking a full-time Outreach Coordinator. The Outreach Coordinator will work with the Upward Bound program’s external partners, including corporate partners such as John Deere to coordinate outreach events and activities (e.g., field trips to business, career workshops, speakers, etc.). The Outreach Coordinator will design and oversee activities to increase the Upward Bound program participant’s career exposure and development. This position is responsible for tracking the hours and services provided by program partners who volunteer their time to assist with activities. The Outreach Coordinator reports to the Director of the Upward Bound Programs.

The University of Kansas Upward Bound programs (housed in KU’s Achievement & Assessment Institute, within the Center for Educational Opportunity Programs) offices are located at Joseph R. Pearson Hall in Lawrence, Kansas. The Upward Bound programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The programs work with low-income and/or first-generation college-bound students (rising 9th – rising 12th graders) in Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth, and Wyandotte counties with the goal of increasing the rate at which students complete high school and graduate from college. Participation in the Upward Bound Program strengthens students' academic achievements​ in high school and helps them prepare to enter and complete their college degree. Annually, the Upward Bound programs serve approximately one hundred and fifty-four students. As part of the program, participants are invited to attend the Upward Bound programs, 6-week and/or 4-week residential program at the University of Kansas during the months of June and July. The programs are seeking an individual committed, in theory and practice, to the principles of equal educational​ opportunities​ and who can fully incorporate​ this goal into the services provided for high school students in Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth and Wyandotte Counties school district.

This is a limited-term position ending August 31, 2025. The Upward Bound Programs staff are actively seeking funding to continue this position beyond the term indicated.
Job Description
50%-Facilitate the implementation and evaluation of program activities:
Develop and implement strategies to collaborate with external partners, including corporate partners to recruit volunteers to mentor students, provide college and career workshops that align with the college and career exploration program’s needs.
Develop and implement strategies to identify community and business partners who will provide opportunities internship and job shadowing experiences for Upward Bound participants and provide career resources that align with the program’s goals as well as provide valuable learning experiences (e.g., workshop, speaker series).
Develop and implement a curriculum for rigorous courses offered during the summer, and design activities that encourage social engagement, and motivation to complete secondary education and obtain postsecondary degree.
Design and coordinate outreach events and activities with program staff, the Upward Bound program’s external partners, including corporate partners that could utilize volunteers throughout the academic year and summer institute for participants (e.g., field trips to external partners facilities, career workshops, and service activities).
Coordinate program outreach activities, represent the Upward Bound Program at community outreach events and build relationships with community groups and external partners.
Recruit and assign volunteers to appropriate roles based on their skills, interests, and organizational needs.
Develop and maintain policies and procedure guidelines volunteers can use when they interact with students.
Develop a system to track volunteer hours for all individuals, external partners, etc. and maintain records for outreach program events, activities, interest for future engagement, etc.
Produce schedules for volunteer assignments, communicate responsibilities to qualified volunteers, organize supplies needed, and serve as the point of contact to meet and orientate and training volunteers to their assignments.
Support Upward Bound events and activities by assisting with planning and logistics, and coordination of volunteers for implementation.
Develop and maintain partnerships with program partners, stakeholders, and university staff.
Adhere to deadlines and regulations regarding required program documentation, reports, data collection, and forms.
Perform other duties as assigned by Director/Assistant Director of UB programs.
25%-​Facilitate positive communication:
Collaborate with community outreach programs and stakeholders on services/activities that foster career exploration among Upward Bound participants.
Maintain communication with volunteers to ensure they are satisfied with their experience, have opportunities to provide feedback, and are well-placed for future engagement.
Network, develop and maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders, schools, and institutions to conduct recruitment of eligible participants and publicize/promote the Upward Bound Program.
Act as a liaison between program, external partners, and stakeholders, working closely with other program outreach coordinators and staff to ensure success in achieving program goals.
Establish​ and maintain contact with partners, stakeholders, schools and/or institutions in the target areas to conduct recruitment of eligible participants for the Upward Bound Program as well as publicizing and promoting the program.
25%-Conduct recruitment​ of eligible outreach volunteers, program participants and implement the Summer Institute:
Provide information​ and assistance to potential volunteers and program participants.
Conduct college and career workshops and presentations​ for outreach volunteers, high school students and families.
Work closely with partners and stakeholders to develop contacts for potential volunteers.
Work closely with the Upward Bound staff to recruit students for the summer programs.
Coordinate career activities and outreach field trip activities for volunteers.
Facilitate the elective STEM course during the summer institute in the months of June and July.
Accompany program staff and volunteers, and monitor participants on the Summer Institute field trips as needed.
Position Requirements
Hybrid
Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
Valid Drivers License at time of hire.
Required Qualifications
A minimum of a Bachelor's degree.
One year of direct work experience with target groups (low income and/or first-generation high school students).
Experience working with under-prepared students.
Experience engaging with community partners and corporations, understand their needs and work collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Experience working independently and comply with program guidelines.
Demonstration of excellent written, oral, and interpersonal​ skills as outlined in application materials and interview.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to details, and ability to exercise initiative when necessary and appropriate as evidenced in application materials.
Preferred Qualifications
One year experience doing community outreach work.
Experience working with officials in postsecondary institutions, target school personnel (Lawrence, Kansas City, Topeka school districts), or community agencies.
Ability to develop and execute plans, and to work independently.
Previous TRIO experience.
Fluent in Spanish (spoken & written).
Strong communication and effective presentation skills with middle and/or high school students and/or adults.
Experience building community partnerships, promoting education and networking skills.
Experience in program implementation involving cultural activities, workshops, seminars, and group activities for high school students.
Formal training and/or work experience with business to develop partnership or managing a volunteer program designed to provide career exposure.
Grant writing experience.

Advertised Salary Range
$40,000
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend hours are required for events and programming for program participants.