GEAR UP Outreach Specialist

This is a full-time, grant-funded, exempt position with funding for six years. Person hired will work 200 days per year. This position reports to the coordinator for multicultural affairs and student events.

The Wenatchee Valley College team values excellence in all pursuits related to the core mission of the college.  The college seeks to employ like-minded professionals who are as passionate about service to students and the teaching-learning process as they are about their individual fields.  It seeks individuals who are involved in the community and understand that learning is best accomplished in diverse situations with diverse approaches that expand students’ view of the world.  The college is committed to creating an environment that is as dynamic and flexible as well as reasoned and responsible in its approach to educating the communities it serves.

The college is committed to diversity and inclusiveness. Thirty percent of the regional student body is Latino and the college district includes part of the Colville Confederated Tribes’ reservation. Wenatchee Valley College encourages applications from candidates who reflect the increasing diversity of WVC’s student body and community, and who will enhance and promote engagement among cultures. Women, members of underrepresented groups, and bi- and multi-lingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The outreach specialist will work collaboratively with the Wenatchee School District and Wenatchee Valley College to provide outreach services and activities for participants in the GEAR UP project, with the aim of recruiting and preparing students early for college and other post-secondary educational programs. The Wenatchee School District GEAR UP project director will direct the GEAR UP program. The GEAR UP project director, outreach specialist and the coordinator for multicultural affairs and student events will meet regularly to evaluate and adapt the program to most effectively meet the needs of the GEAR UP students and families, Wenatchee Valley College and the goals of the project.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

·         Plan and coordinate visits to college and university campuses, student trips to educational conferences and camps at colleges and universities, as well as career-exploration visits to local businesses;

·         Bring college and university representatives and community members into participating schools as classroom speakers;

·         Coordinate outreach efforts by higher education and community organizations to GEAR UP participants;

·         Make presentations at participating schools to provide information concerning academic/technical programs, admissions, financial aid, student services, athletics, and other college programs;

·         Assist and/or present at workshops for parents, proving information about college options, costs, and financial aid;

·         Provide WVC campus tours and facilitate meetings between GEAR UP students and WVC faculty, educational planning staff, and student support groups;

·         Raise awareness about college and college readiness in participating schools through educational games, activities, and displays;

·         Identify other methods of reaching out to potential middle school and high school students and their parents;

·         Maintain positive relationships with participating schools, Wenatchee Valley College staff and faculty, other college, university or higher education partners, and community members;

·         Maintain documentation of services provided and all community support of project activities; and

·         Conduct other recruitment efforts as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Bachelor’s degree in social science, education or related field, from an accredited university;

·         Two years (2) experience working with young adults, preferably assisting students with college admissions and scholarship and/or financial aid applications;

·         Demonstrated effective written and oral communication and presentation skills and the ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups of people;

·         Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; and

·         Excellent driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Familiarity with assessment and diagnostic tests as related to career and educational advising and planning;

·         Familiarity with Washington State Essential Academic Learning;

·         Familiarity with college readiness requirements;

·         Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish & English); and

·         Experience working in a middle school/high school setting.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:
Salary:  $31,000. Benefits include holidays, sick leave, retirement plan, medical and dental coverage, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Applicants must submit all of the following:

·         A cover letter which summarizes how your education, training and experience demonstrate your ability to perform the minimum and desired qualifications.

·         A complete WVC application for employment (available on our web site or in the human resource office).

·         A current resume which includes dates of employment.

·         Unofficial transcripts of all postsecondary education.

·         Four names of current professional references qualified to assess your work-related experience and your ability to perform the duties specified. Please include references’ addresses and telephone numbers.

It is your responsibility to submit all required application materials before the deadline.  Other unsolicited materials will not be shared with the screening committee and cannot be returned to you.

Application information may be requested from:

Wenatchee Valley College

Human Resource Department

1300 Fifth Street

Wenatchee, WA  98801

(509) 682-6442

TDD (509) 682-6837/ (509) 682-6853

Email: jobs@wvc.edu

Web site: www.wvc.edu

SELECTION PROCEDURE:

Screening of complete applications will begin November 4, 2008 and continue until the position is filled. A limited number of applicants who meet the needs of the position and the college will be interviewed.

Assistance will be made available in the application and pre-employment screening process for applicants with disabilities that request such assistance in advance.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

In compliance with the Immigration and Naturalization Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Position requires a criminal history background check as a consideration of condition of employment.

Wenatchee Valley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer