Education Specialist: College Access & Student Success

Mercer County Community College; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waiver for employee and depend

Mercer County Community College Tu it

Health Care

Retirement Savings Plan

Paid holidays and vacation

Job summary

Mercer County Community College seeks an Education Specialist to recruit Trenton area students and provide academic, career, and financial aid counseling through one-on-one advising and group workshops. The role also coordinates college exploration activities and campus visits to boost readiness.

The position involves collaboration with schools, counselors, and community partners, with a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to reach students where they are.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Counseling or related field from an accredited institution.
• Two years of direct experience advising and counseling students on academic planning, college readiness, and pathways into postsecondary education.
• Experience in working with economically and educationally disadvantaged youth.
• Demonstrated experience recruiting middle school and high school students for academic programs and support services.

Responsibilities

• Actively recruits eligible students by distributing and collecting program applications, verifying eligibility per program regulations, re-registering returning participants annually, and meeting established recruitment benchmarks.
• Reviews interviews, transcripts, report cards, and assessment data to identify low-income, first-generation students with the potential to succeed in higher education.
• Provides individual counseling to address academic, personal, or social barriers that may impact student progress and success.
• Advises students on course and program selection, class scheduling, study strategies, postsecondary pathways, and career exploration.
• Conducts follow-up meetings with students to assess ongoing needs, monitor progress, and adjust support plans as necessary.
• Collaborates with parents/guardians, teachers, school counselors, and school administrators to resolve concerns affecting academic achievement.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises educational trips, enrichment activities, and college/university visits to enhance students' exposure and readiness.
• Delivers regular presentations to schools, community organizations, and social service agencies to promote program awareness and student engagement.
• Provides guidance and support to new program counselors to ensure consistent delivery of services.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of overall program operations, activities, and student services.
• Contributes to determining effective program delivery methods and approaches to enhance student outcomes.
• Coordinates activities with internal staff, external consultants, faculty, and volunteers to support program goals.
• Assists in the development and distribution of program materials, including flyers, newsletters, and brochures.
• Maintains accurate records and databases related to student participation, academic progress, and program activities.
• Attends meetings and prepares weekly progress reports as well as other required documentation.
• Recommends purchases of equipment, educational materials, and supplies to support program initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational and time‑manage­

Communication and presentation skills

Independent and team work

Microsoft Office proficiency

Public outreach and engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Counseling or related field

Job description

Mercer County Community College seeks an Education Specialist to recruit Trenton area students and provide academic, career, and financial aid counseling through one-on-one advising and group workshops. The role also coordinates college exploration activities and campus visits to boost readiness.

The position involves collaboration with schools, counselors, and community partners, with a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to reach students where they are.