Body
Grand Rapids Community College’s Educational Opportunities Center (EOC) offers academic and personal
counseling, tutoring and mentoring, career and financial aid/literacy workshops, and assistance with completing
college applications and admissions processes. The EOC supports a wide range of adult learners with a focus
on those who are unemployed or underemployed, as well as prospective first-generation college students and
those who are from low-income backgrounds. The EOC serves individuals in a 13-county region encompassing
both urban and rural areas in Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon,
Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties. Programs and activities are specifically designed for
learners with limited English proficiency, those with disabilities, those facing housing insecurity, students aging
out of foster care, and members of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The Educational
Opportunities Center is funded for up to five years through a federal U.S. Department of Education TRIO
Educational Opportunities Center grant.
This position recruits participants for the TRIO Educational Opportunities Center program and connects them
with resources needed to prepare them for admission and enrollment in postsecondary education. This
includes providing information on high school/GED completion programs and assisting participants with
completion of financial aid and admissions processes for the college or university of their choosing.
Participation in outreach and recruitment initiatives and events is integral in this role, as is cultivating positive
relationships with prospective program participants, GRCC faculty and staff, as well as educational and
community partners.
Requisition ID:
Position Number: 00002074
Employee Group: Professional, Management and Administration
Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks
Compensation:
Benefits: Full-time Part-time Limited Benefits
Reports to:
Posting Opens:
Posting Closes:
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
-
Coordinate, organize, and support various recruitment and outreach activities on and off campus
-
Assist the TRIO EOC Program Director in developing, planning, and implementing recruitment and outreach initiatives and programs for prospective program participants. Distribute informational material and respond to inquiries at on and off-site recruitment and outreach locations.
-
Serve as the primary recruiter for GRCC’s EOC. Actively recruit program participants at alternative high schools, college fairs, college information nights and panels, employer and community events, etc.
-
Maintain/develop a relationship with alternative high school counselors and administrators, business leaders, community organizations, and other potential partners in our community to recruit prospective applicants to the College
-
Follow up with inquiries regarding the high school/GED completion, financial aid application processes, and admissions and enrollment. Counsel prospective participants on the admissions process and opportunities at the colleges and universities of their choice
-
Actively participate in the development of print materials for outreach and recruitment – i.e. brochures, viewbooks, handouts, postcards, etc.
-
Utilize Customer Relation Management (CRM) and BLUMEN software to manage participant communication and outreach plans, as well as case management efforts to improve recruitment, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid completion initiatives
-
Assist with the monitoring of CRM data to develop and implement new strategies, communication plans, and uses to increase participant leads, yield rates, and enrollment
-
Provide support for Financial Aid and Scholarship outreach and programming
-
Must possess the ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends as needed for recruitment events
-
Must be able to travel to all 13 counties the EOC serves
-
Support general college and community functions, such as Spring/Fall Open Houses, college nights, and community outreach events
-
Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position
-
Performs other related duties as assigned
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Educational Credentials
-
Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree in higher education or related fields preferred
-
Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for extensive recruitment travel
-
Bilingual in Spanish is preferred
Work Experience
-
Two or more years of experience working in education or a similar field that serves a diverse student population
-
Knowledge of regulations related to the administration of federal and state financial aid programs preferred
-
Candidates must have a high level of experience using and developing technology
-
Experience with the PeopleSoft student information system, Radius, Cadence, and Blumen preferred
Skills
-
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be comfortable with public speaking
-
Excellent formal presentation skills for small and large groups while presenting a strong professional presence
-
Skilled in the planning and implementation of events and programs
-
Skilled and proficient in Microsoft Office programs and Google Suite
Physical Demands
-
Must have a valid driver’s license and a vehicle for extensive recruitment travel
-
Must have reliable transportation to drive to various locations in the West Michigan area
-
Must be able to carry at least 25-30 pounds of recruitment material
-
Mix of seated office work and active off campus engagements (driving, standing at information tables for 2- 3 hours, etc)
Mental Demands
-
Commitment to serving a diverse student population with respect and equality
-
Dedicated to student success and GRCC’s mission, vision, and values
-
Ability to analyze information and conceptualize solutions
-
High level of energy, enthusiasm, motivation, and the ability to be innovative and creative
-
This work may include interruptions (drop in students, phone calls, etc.)
Working Conditions
-
GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website
-
Must be able to work in a collaborative learning centered environment
-
Must be self-motivated with the ability to work independently with limited supervision
-
Must be willing to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evening hours