The Berkeley Community Fund is expanding our support program! Please share this job description with people who would make a great addition to our team.
College Success Coordinator Job Description
Position Overview
The College Success Coordinator (CSC) is a new part-time position that will play a critical role in ensuring the success of our students. The CSC will report to the Executive Director (ED) and will be the second staff person to join the organization. The CSC will serve as the primary liaison to students and mentors, administer the scholarship program, provide information and support, plan events, and work with constituents and partner organizations to build a support network for the High Hopes scholars and mentors. The initial term is for one year and may be renewed.
Key Responsibilities
Applicant Outreach and Selection (20%)
• Work with the ED to manage the scholarship application process.
• Conduct outreach to Berkeley High School, Berkeley Technology Academy and community-based college readiness organizations.
• Assist with the delivery of presentations about the High Hopes Scholarship Program.
• Conduct application assistance workshops.
• Assist with the application review and interview process.
• Manage reminders and notifications to applicants throughout the process.
• Assist with the planning and execution of the scholarship awards ceremony.
Scholar Support (45%)
• Manage and track the disbursement of scholarship funds.
• Conduct outreach to all Scholars: maintain active and consistent contact; troubleshoot challenges and issues; provide support, resources, and referrals as needed.
• Collect updates and transcripts, monitor grades and progress to degree completion.
• Maintain well-organized records and provide reports on students’ progress and activities to BCF and individual donors.
• Assist with the planning and execution of our summer college transition programs.
• Build community among students including working with partner organizations to implement peer support programs and networks at selected colleges and universities.
Mentor Program (20%)
• Support the scholar-mentor relationship.
• Help with mentor selection process.
• Check in with mentors throughout the year, providing resources and referrals as needed.
• Organize training and social events for mentors and scholars.
• Help build community among mentors.
Other (15%)
• Work with ED to create and execute marketing and communications plan that includes managing the web site, email communication, and social media.
• Assist in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data to help guide decision-making and funding applications.
• Perform various administrative tasks to support programs.
• Participate in and assist with all BCF events including the Annual Wheeler Award dinner (October) and Holiday Party (December).
Qualifications
The CSC must be culturally competent with the ability to communicate and relate effectively to a wide variety of people. Successful candidates will possess the following:
Required
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Passion for creating educational opportunity and equity.
• Creativity and adaptability with the ability to effectively resolve issues.
• Effective communication and interpersonal abilities with the skills to listen, solicit input, share information and respond tactfully and appropriately.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to move projects forward.
• Comfort with the use of technology, cloud-based software, and social media.
• Strong writing skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to self-manage and meet internal deadlines.
• Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
Highly Desirable
• Some knowledge of
o college access and success processes and best practices for working with first-generation and underrepresented college students.
o student financial aid processes and campus-based student support services.
o theories of student development and maturation .
• Experience working as an advisor or counselor to college-going or college-bound youth.
Work Environment
The BCF has one small office located on the bottom floor of the YMCA PG&E Teen Center in downtown Berkeley, close to BART, with numerous lunch and coffee break destinations. We use the YMCA for many of the administrative functions of the organization and the CSC is technically an employee of the YMCA of the Central Bay Area. The CSC has a flexible work schedule with the option of working from home and coming in to the office as needed.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a part-time (25 hours per week), exempt position.
How to Apply
Send an email to info@berkfund.org by Friday, May 23, 2014. Attach a cover letter that identifies the reasons you are applying for this position and a current resume that includes education, job history and at least two (2) references. Please include a current email address and phone number.
No phone inquiries please.
Background Check Requirement:
This job is subject to successful completion of a criminal background check.
The BCF is an equal opportunity employer.
About the Berkeley Community Fund
The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) provides college scholarships and mentoring support for academically-talented and resilient Berkeley high school students attending four-year colleges and universities. Scholars receive $16,000 paid directly to them over four years plus the support and guidance of an adult mentor. Our program is called the High Hopes Scholarship Program.
Our scholars come from groups generally underrepresented in higher education; many are first generation college students and/or recent immigrants. Our goal is to help them to better navigate the demands and challenges of higher education and increase the likelihood that they will successfully obtain a college degree.
BCF has focused on social and economic justice issues and the common good since it was founded in 1992. Beginning in 2007, we refined our focus and now use donations from the community to develop and support our High Hopes Scholarship Program. Since 2008, we have awarded $1.4 million in scholarships to 92 motivated and promising Berkeley high school graduates, all of whom have demonstrated great resilience in overcoming early life challenges. Over 80% of our scholars have earned bachelor ’s degrees or are still enrolled in four-year colleges and on-track to graduate.
