Coordinator, Education Opportunity Center

Application Deadline: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Salary & Benefits: Salary is $47,498.66. Compensation package is comprised of many college paid benefits including health and life insurance, retirement, leave time, and tuition waivers for Santa Fe College and the University of Florida.

Classification: Full-time, Technical/Professional, Pay Grade PT5, Exempt, Grant Funded*.

Location: Blount Center 401 NW 6 St, Gainesville, FL 32601

Overview: Santa Fe College (SF) has been recognized as one of the top-rated community college in the United States. Santa Fe College is a student-centered institution with a commitment to open access, academic excellence, and cultural and ethnic diversity. Santa Fe College is a comprehensive public college that offers a range of Bachelor’s degrees, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degree options, as well as Certificate and Non-Degree programs. A high quality of life, temperate climate, proximity to the University of Florida, diverse cultural events, and plentiful recreational opportunities make SF and Gainesville an ideal community to work and live. SF enrolls over 16,000 students each semester, retains and completes over 60% of students every academic year, while over 10% transfer into the University system.

Santa Fe College is seeking a Coordinator for its Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) program. EOC is one of the Federal TRIO programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education. SF’s EOC program is designed to identify, select, enroll, retain, serve, and assist low-income individuals, first-generation residents of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, and Union counties in North Central Florida. This program provides support to individuals across three categories including 1) individuals who wish to complete their General Education Diploma (GED) and enroll in a program of post-secondary study, 2) college-eligible individuals who wish to enter a program of post-secondary study, 3) individuals who previously stopped-out of a collegiate program who wish to re-enter a post-secondary program of study.

The Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day administration of EOC. This position will create and maintain systems to ensure that eligible TRIO participants are seamlessly connected to college and community resources that lead to college enrollment and support collegiate persistence. The SF Educational Opportunity Center– EOC provides an array of services such as academic readiness testing, tutoring, personal counseling, financial support and literacy, career coaching services, as well as college readiness activities. The Coordinator is responsible for the programmatic, operational and fiscal management of the Santa Fe College Educational Opportunity Center and is accountable for the project’s success.

Responsibilities and Duties include:

· Ensures that the EOC program is implemented in full compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the SSS Program regulations, the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), and all other applicable federal regulations and requirements.

· Manages implementation of the project's activities, goals, and objectives as outlined in the grant-funded proposal, federal regulations/guidelines, and Santa Fe College polices and priorities.

· Effectively manages EOC program budget as approved by the Department of Education and the college external fund manager, monitors and reviews expenditures monthly, and prepares a detailed annual budget.

· Oversees and assists with the maintenance and monitoring of recordkeeping to ensure an efficient system that facilitates program planning and evaluation and tracking of services to students.

· Evaluates program processes and procedures; plans, develops and presents recommendations regarding technical methods and techniques of program administration.

· Strictly honors student confidentiality and exhibits sensitivity toward program participants.

· Supervises EOC staff including two Academic Coaches.

· Conducts in-service staff training. Encourages input from EOC staff to facilitate ongoing program review and retention improvement.

· Maintains communication with the SF Office of Finance, Office of Advancement, and the Federal Department of Education.

· Conducts research and planning necessary to facilitate program evaluation and reporting. Oversees and assists with the evaluation process, handles the annual performance review/report and consultant visits.

· Establishes an effective organizational structure with sound policies and procedures. Creates and maintains an EOC implementation manual and implements systemic plan for data collection

· Leads the EOC Advisory Board and actively participates as a member of the grant proposal design and development team.

· Participates in college-related committees, providing service to the College as required.

· Works a flexible schedule.

· Provides and promotes service excellence through courteous, informed, accessible and professional engagement.

· Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to: Manager, TRIO Programs

QUALIFICATIONS

Required: Bachelor’s in education, counseling, guidance psychology, social work, or similar discipline and two years of related work experience in designing, managing, or implementing EOC, TRIO, or similar programs that serve underrepresented groups, preferably low-income, disabled, and/or first-generation students. Additionally, experience must demonstrate that the candidate can supervise EOC staff and manage participant identification and selection, as well as student services provision.

Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Florida Driver License and be authorized to drive for the college (Driving Requirements) is required. The ability to lift a minimum of 25 lbs. is also required. An employment offer is contingent upon the approval by the Federal Department of Education TRIO Program Specialist. A criminal background check will be conducted.

Preferred: Previous experience in TRIO programs or experience with a similar Educational Opportunity program is preferred, as is budget management experience. Preference will be given to qualified individuals who have overcome barriers like those experienced by TRIO program participants.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Communication – able to effectively communicate in a professional, diplomatic, empathetic, and tactful manner using preferred method and level as applicable to the job.

· Relationship Management – able to personally provide high level of interactive service to others, building relationships and addressing identified needs.

· Independent work - able to work independently with limited supervision and able to self-motivate.

· Team Orientation & Interpersonal – highly motivated team player with ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with all levels within and external to the organization.

· Systems & Software - proficient level of knowledge of Microsoft Office and/or relevant position software programs.

· Multi-Cultural – able to work successfully in a multi-cultural environment. Application Process: All applicants must submit a completed online SF Employment Application, a letter of intent demonstrating evidence of overcoming barriers experienced by low-income and first-generation students and having knowledge of working with underrepresented groups, preferably low-income, disabled, and/or first-generation students, an up-to-date resume, as well as college transcripts to be considered for this position. Unofficial transcripts are only accepted for review purposes, official transcripts are required prior to any offer of employment being made.