Education Specialist I/II - Upward Bound (PT)

Mercer County Community College; West Windsor (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition waivers for self, spouse and (

Dependents tuition waivers

Job summary

Mercer County Community College (MCCC) invites applications for a Student Support/Advising role aimed at fostering academic success and student engagement across campuses. The position emphasizes advising, curriculum development, and coordinating student activities within a collaborative environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree with 2 years in student support, demonstrates strong MS Office skills, and values inclusive, service-oriented education.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in related field.
• Two (2) years’ of experience in student support or working with a youth program.
• Experience using MS Office

Responsibilities

• Facilitating small group discussions, lecturing, demonstrating, and using audiovisual aids and other materials to supplement presentations.
• Provide academic, social, and recreational advisement to promote a more enriching academic experience.
• Prepares individual personal and academic objectives for assigned participants and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements
• Develops curriculum and manages classroom activities
• Assists students with computer-assisted instructions
• Maintains attendance records
• Other related duties such as advising student activities or organizations, academic advisement and counseling

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality

Time management

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

If you\'re exploring new career opportunities or seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment, consider Mercer County Community College (MCCC). As a publicly supported institution committed to open access and student success, MCCC strives to attract, retain, and support a highly skilled and collaborative workforce—our most valuable asset.

At Mercer, campus culture and belonging are celebrated, and our sense of community is deeply rooted in both our mission and daily practices. With two distinct campuses—the James Kerney Campus in the heart of Trenton and our expansive 292-acre West Windsor Campus just six miles away—MCCC offers the benefits of a robust institution with the close‑knit feel of a true community.

In addition to meaningful work and a supportive culture, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes credit course tuition waivers for themselves, their spouses, and dependents—making higher education more accessible for the whole family. With 69 degree programs and 35 credit certificate options, there are countless ways to grow with us—both personally and professionally.

JOB DUTIES

• Facilitating small group discussions, lecturing, demonstrating, and using audiovisual aids and other materials to supplement presentations.


• Provide academic, social, and recreational advisement to promote a more enriching academic experience.


• Prepares individual personal and academic objectives for assigned participants and outline for course of study following curriculum guidelines or requirements


• Develops curriculum and manages classroom activities


• Assists students with computer-assisted instructions


• Maintains attendance records


• Other related duties such as advising student activities or organizations, academic advisement and counseling

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively recruits students by distributing and collecting program applications; ensures that prospective participants are eligible as stipulated by program regulations


• Uses interviews, transcripts, report cards, and tests to identify individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education


• Conducts follow‑up interviews with counselees to determine if their needs have been met


• Plans trips and activities to expose students to colleges/universities and to provide cultural enrichment


• Provides guidance to new program counselors


• Assists in the development of flyers, newsletters, and/or brochures


• Other duties as assigned


• Please note that assigned tasks and responsibilities span both campuses for all MCCC positions

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is contingent upon grant funds.

ADA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require ability to use a key board, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Sedentary Work:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills focusing on solving conflict, not blaming; maintains confidentiality; listens to others without interrupting; keeps emotions under control, remains open to others' ideas, and tries new things.


• Can provide sound judgmentand displays willingness to make decisions; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision‑making process, and makes timely decisions.


• Ability to follow policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values, and respects diversity.


• Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives, and develops realistic action plans.


• Can identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in-group problem solving situations, and uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in related field.


• Two (2) years’ of experience in student support or working with a youth program.


• Experience using MS Office

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in related field

CORE COMPETENCIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Adaptability:

Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.

Building Partnerships:

Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, units, or organizations to help achieve business goals.

Decision Making:

Identifying and understanding issues, problems, and opportunities; comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Formal Presentation:

Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups when given time to prepare; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Working with situations involving different cultures/languages and responding to the ambiguity of unexpected/unfamiliar approaches.

Customer Service:

Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance, and meets commitments.

Contributing to Team Success:

Actively participating as a member of a team to move the team toward the completion of goals.

Communication:

Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that e-ngages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message.

Mercer County Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, age, disability, handicap or other legally protected status in its provision of employment, education, and activities, or other services. Mercer County Community College is an EEO/AAP Employer/Protected Veteran/Disabled.