PROJECT COORDINATOR / PATHWAYS

$45,000 - $55,000/Yr

Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI

Full-time - Entry Level

Mount Pleasant, MI

10,001+ employees

Educational Services

About the position

The Project Coordinator for the 4S Pathways to Academic Student Success at Central Michigan University plays a crucial role in overseeing a caseload of undergraduate students who are academically or economically disadvantaged. This position is designed to provide comprehensive support aimed at enhancing student academic performance, personal and professional goals, and ensuring timely completion of their degree programs. The Project Coordinator will work closely with the Director to assist in the daily operations of three grant-funded projects: 4S Pathways, GEAR UP, and College Day, ensuring that all required objectives are met. This role requires a high level of prioritization and independence, as the Project Coordinator will respond to requests from the Director, university personnel, community partners, students, and supporters while adhering to defined grant guidelines. In addition to overseeing the 4S Pathways program, the Project Coordinator will implement, supervise, and evaluate programming for students participating in the initiative. This includes serving as a liaison to campus and community partners, particularly in areas such as academic advising, academic resources, orientation, scholarships, and financial aid. The position demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage confidential information while effectively communicating and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including participants, supporters, program staff, and community partners. A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential, as the Project Coordinator will work with historically underrepresented populations in higher education. The Project Coordinator will also be responsible for developing and delivering presentations, workshops, and activities that help students navigate postsecondary education. This includes assisting with the coordination of orientation programs, recruitment efforts, and outreach campaigns. The role may require working evenings and weekends as needed, and the Project Coordinator will be expected to maintain a valid Michigan driver's license and proof of current automobile insurance coverage. Overall, this position is integral to fostering a supportive environment for students and ensuring their success in higher education.

Responsibilities

• Daily oversight of 4S Pathways to Academic Success and all its activities.
• Serves as case manager for 4S Pathways scholars, providing support, guidance, and advocacy for student progression, retention, and graduation.
• Monitors academic progression and provides direct outreach to students experiencing academic difficulty.
• Acts as a liaison for 4S Pathways scholars on advising activities, assisting with schedule planning and course offerings.
• Facilitates freshman seminars and workshops to support student achievement and success.
• Coordinates, supervises, communicates, trains, and evaluates 4S Pathways student staff.
• Develops and delivers presentations, workshops, and activities on navigating postsecondary education.
• Maintains program partnerships and suggests new opportunities for community building among 4S Pathways scholars.
• Assists in developing outreach efforts, including written communication and managing social media for program information dissemination.
• Supports CMU's GEAR UP Program by attending and facilitating field trips, college visits, and summer camps as assigned.
• Facilitates College Positive Volunteer Training and coordinates volunteers for events.
• Participates in program planning sessions, trainings, and staff meetings.
• Assists with completion and submission of program participation and evaluation reports, ensuring documentation of services and activities.
• Manages event logistics for various programs and projects.
• Reviews monthly reconciliations for accuracy and compliance with grant goals and assists in budget development for events.
• Attends relevant professional development conferences and trainings as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, education, counseling, or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Two years of professional experience in youth programs, underrepresented populations, non-profit or educational work, or similar fields.
• Experience working with college students in a one-on-one academic coaching environment.
• Strong program development, planning, and event management skills.
• Knowledge of higher education academic policies, procedures, and graduation requirements.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize needs independently without supervision.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Effective communication skills and ability to maintain working relationships with various stakeholders.
• Experience working with academically or economically disadvantaged populations historically underrepresented in higher education.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Skills and ability to learn and utilize technology.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills.
• Valid Michigan driver's license and proof of current automobile insurance coverage.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Prior experience working with individuals in a case management model.
• Experience presenting information on university policies and procedures to the public.
• Experience in academic coaching and support resources, advising/coaching college students, teaching, tutoring, and understanding higher education administration.
• Knowledge of post-secondary admissions, scholarship, and financial aid processes.
• Knowledge of assessment, data, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement major recruitment programs and communication plans.
• Experience managing budgets and writing grants.

Benefits

• Access to a nationally recognized wellness program.
• Health care and benefits that exceed regional, state, and national norms.