Outreach Coordinator

Job Summary

The Veterans Upward Bound Outreach Specialist is responsible for managing the strategic plan for Community Outreach of Veterans Upward Bound (VUB). The outreach plan includes processes for identifying, developing, and maintaining relationships with veteran‑serving organizations, stakeholders, and key partners in the twelve‑county target area. The position also leads program staff in documentation of records and retention initiatives, requiring an in‑depth knowledge of federal grant reporting and assessment requirements.

The Outreach Specialist advises and supports veteran participants by introducing them to opportunities for navigating postsecondary education, and coordinating academic and education services.

• Makes strategic decisions which directly impact the recruitment of 125 participants annually into the VUB program required by the Department of Education.
• Create and maintain VUB Strategic Plan for Community Outreach.
• Ensure visibility of program in target area by developing and distributing informational materials and assisting Director with making presentations to various veteran‑serving and other local organizations.
• Focus on recruiting eligible veteran candidates to the program while fostering relationships with community partners.
• Attend veteran‑related events, organizations and post‑secondary institutions to promote program services and increase general public awareness of program.
• Develop and maintain calendar of outreach events, meetings, and presentations.

• Recruit, retain, and provide comprehensive support services for a caseload of eligible low‑income and first‑generation veteran participants in the 12‑county target area, preparing them for entry into post‑secondary education.
• Provide advising and resources to address issues that may be barriers to students' educational goals (admissions, financial aid analysis, preparing and sending applications, placement testing, course selection, internet college and scholarship searches, and connections with other resources for veterans).
• Assist participants in understanding Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits towards application in obtaining a degree and academic programs.
• Provide transition assistance from military to academic support with a focus on the special needs of this population; to include helping obtain VA education benefits.
• Lead the program in academic development of participating students, including administering Accuplacer assessments and needs assessments for all participants.
• Develop/conduct individual services and group workshops/activities for participants focused on preparation for postsecondary education (Accuplacer workshops, resume, time management, study skills, and other relevant topics).
• Responsible for recruitment of eligible participants and securing appropriate documentation for eligibility and acceptance into the program as required by the Department of Education.

• Provide direct supervision of professional staff, providing training and evaluating performance.
• Work closely with Academic Coordinator to ensure participants receive academic instruction as directed by their educational support plan.
• Work with Academic Coordinator to ensure all participants receive academic support, overseeing VUB course offerings, workshops, tutoring, and other academic events.

• Bachelor's Degree in education, administration, counselor education, business, social work, public administration or a related field.
• Successful professional experience in veterans' related services or organizations, with a demonstrated commitment to working with adult learners and veterans from socio‑economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation and organizational skills. Experience presenting to public officials and large audiences is a plus.
• Strong computer skills with working knowledge of social media and networking.
• Experience working with social service agencies.
• Experience working with multicultural populations.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

The individual…