Job Summary
The University of Michigan-Dearborn offers a full-time term-limited position, Outreach Specialist, Upward Bound Math Science in the TRIO Programs department. This position is grant-funded, as the Upward Bound grant expires August 31, 2027. Responsible for meeting the supplemental high school academic development and non-cognitive personal skills needs of high school youth who are low-income, first-generation to college, and/or have a disability, by providing services that increase the high school academic success, high school graduation, university eligibility and enrollment, and eventual university graduation. The Outreach Specialist provides direct, frequent, and on-going services (academic, advising, non-cognitive development) to project participants during the academic year and summer components. Reporting to the Upward Bound Program Assistant Director, the Outreach Specialist assumes responsibility for event planning (e.g., college tours, staff travel) and conducts recruitment presentations to students, parents, and community members aligned with the project's plan of operation.
Responsibilities*
- Orients new and continuing program participants to Upward Bound Program requirements and ensures participation in program services.
- Develops students' non-cognitive abilities, behaviors, and strengths: Positive Academic Behaviors, Self-Confidence & Self-Efficacy, Long Range Academic & Career Goals, Leadership & School and Community Involvement, Social Confidence, and Perseverance & Resilience.
- Plans, coordinates and chaperones overnight student trips, both local and out of area overnights.
- Implements proactive service strategies to facilitate student contacts to caseload every week. Utilize task management-based, strengths-based, and non-cognitive based advising techniques.
- Collects and reviews high school grades cards, and advises and monitors student's progress towards completing high school graduation and college admission A-G course requirements.
- Reviews students' academic progress to determine specific subject area needs for services, evaluates test scores, and assists students in preparing for state and national standardized tests.
- Assists with federal tracking of Upward Bound Program required services especially frequent student contacts within those services.
- Actively recruits Upward Bound Program participants.
- Develops and produces Upward Bound Program marketing materials.
- Hires, trains, and supervises student mentors and tutors.
- Assists with the preparation of project-related materials and attends project-related meetings on and off campus.
- Works collaboratively with UB staff to prepare and submit project reports, proposals, and other materials.
- Ensures that Upward Bound meets established objectives within federal guidelines.
- Provides direct student support through academic success coaching for an assigned roster of participants.
- Provides the Program Director with regular updates and ensures they are informed of the Program's challenges, success, and progress toward achieving Programs objectives.
Skills You Have
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Excellent demonstrated Customer Service skills
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
- Ability to interact effectively and professionally with faculty, staff, students, and public
- Excellent organizational, prioritization, and attention to detail skills
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Student Affairs, Curriculum and Instruction, Psychology, or a related field. Preferred: Training in academic coaching/advising and post-secondary retention programming.
- At least two years of experience working with economically disadvantaged, first-generation to college students.
- Demonstrated knowledge of holistic support services; development of individualized service plans; financial aid and literacy; and retention programs.
- Demonstrated commitment to supporting academic needs of students facing barriers to educational success through academic coaching/advising, counseling, instruction, advocacy, and/or education.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.