Director of College Access and Success Programs

Director of College Access & Success Programs

Full Job Description

The Rochester Education Foundation is seeking applicants for Director of College Access & Success Programs. The Director will serve as an integral member of REF’s leadership team and oversee the organization’s College Access & Success Programs, which includes FAFSA Fest events, 9th grade college visits, in-school and community workshops, community outreach, volunteer recruitment, management and training, and leading the Rochester College Access Network.

Serve as an integral part of the Rochester Education Foundation leadership team and will be responsible for developing strategy and programs that will enable and empower Rochester city students to access college and succeed in college.

Responsibilities:

● Supervision of College Access and Success Program Team

● Lead the Rochester College Access Network (RCAN) that is convened by REF. RCAN members include: school counselors and administrators, local college admissions and financial aid professionals, and community partners

● Develop strategies that help to raise community awareness of the college application and financial aid process

● Have (or develop) a deep understanding of the FAFSA application process

● Facilitate and plan FAFSA Fest events and completion opportunities at each RCSD high school and Rochester city charter high schools and at other locations in the community

● Coordinate college visits with school counselors for 9-12 grade students

● Educate students on the importance of the college visit experience

● Visit schools to raise community awareness of the college application and financial aid processes

● Conduct college readiness workshops both in school and the community

● Help students and their families make empowered, informed decisions about how to pay for college

● Coordinate outreach and marketing to promote FAFSA Fest events to students, parents, and the community

● Oversee volunteer management including: recruitment, training, scheduling, prompt communication, and recognition

● Recruit current college students to serve as panelists for our workshops

● Assist with grant writing and reporting

● Represent REF and RCAN throughout the community

● Driver’s license and car are needed as there is regular travel to different schools Desired Abilities and Qualities

● Commitment to the growth, development, and success of Rochester city students

● RCSD or Rochester city charter school graduate

● In depth knowledge of college financial aid process and application process, and ability to communicate navigation to students and their families

● Strategic, creative and critical thinker with the ability to develop program and training opportunities

● Strong presentation, public speaking skills, and writing skills

● Efficient follow through

● Ability to work collaboratively with school counselors, teachers, staff, students, families and community stakeholders while being responsive, resourceful, tenacious and flexible

● Supervisory and leadership experience

● Experience in the non-profit, counseling, higher-ed, or secondary school environment Valued Traits

● Ability to thrive and be motivated in a small office

● Positive outlook, kind, sense of humor

● The ability to think outside of the box for creative solutions and opportunities to meet the needs of individual students

● The ability to motivate and build confidence in the students we serve

● The ability to multitask, pivot and meet deadlines with a calm demeanor

Qualifications:

Experience: Non-profit, higher-ed, education, counseling, 3 years (Preferred) Education: Bachelor’s Degree required Location: Rochester, NY (Required) Position Benefits

● 37.5 Hours a week, occasional nights and weekends are required

● Flexible schedule

● Generous employer contribution health insurance

● Vacation package

● Retirement plan with matching contribution

Salary: $52,000 - $60,000 /year- based on previous experience

Work Location: Mostly in schools during the workday and our office at 250 Mill Street 14614

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to info@rochestereducation.org with subject: Director College Access and Success Programs.