Program Coordinator, College Readiness/Retention Programs

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s TRIO Talent Search program seeks a proactive Middle School Coordinator to support approximately 336 students across Brooks, Mayberry, and Gordon Parks Academy. The role is on-site at the university’s Wichita campus, with responsibilities spanning advising, program logistics, and collaboration with school partners.

The ideal candidate blends organization with strong communication and a commitment to helping underserved middle school students plan for college and career

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Science or related discipline.
• One year experience teaching and/or counseling middle school students.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate TRIO Talent Search services for approximately 336 middle school students across Brooks, Mayberry, and Gordon Parks Academy with walk-in support at other schools as needed.
• Provide academic, college, career, and personal development advising to middle school students.
• Develop positive relationships with students, families, counselors, teachers, and school administrators.
• Coordinate and deliver college awareness, career exploration, academic success, and educational planning activities.
• Monitor student participation, academic progress, and engagement and provide appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records and program documentation in compliance with federal TRIO Talent Search requirements.
• Coordinate the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program, including recruitment, activities, field trips, staffing, and logistics.
• Manage and oversee the After-School Tutoring Program, including coordination of tutors, student participation, scheduling, and activities.
• Assist with recruitment, eligibility documentation, program evaluations, reports, and compliance activities.
• Collaborate with school personnel and families to connect students with resources and opportunities supporting educational goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, conferences, and other Talent Search activities.
• Travel between assigned schools and attend occasional evening or special program activities.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Youth experience

Organizational skills

Time management

Documentation

Teamwork

Independent work

Student advising

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Science or related discipline

Job description

Department: TRIO Talent Search

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Beginning at $19.06/hr, adjusted based on qualifications

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri, 8a-5p;work is performed on-site and in person.

Export Compliance Requirement:No export control requirement.

Job Story

Help Middle School Students See What’s Possible

Wichita State University’s TRIO Talent Search Program is seeking a dedicated and student-focused Middle School Coordinator to help middle school students build a strong foundation for academic success, college readiness, and future career opportunities.

The Middle School Coordinator will serve approximately 336 TRIO Talent Search participants across three assigned schools:

• Brooks Middle School
• Mayberry Middle School
• Gordon Parks Academy

The position will also provide walk-in student support at other participating schools as needed.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be an organized, dependable, and energetic professional who enjoys working with middle school students and is passionate about helping young people pursue higher education and meaningful careers.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with youth, schools, families, or educational programs.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• The ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and student activities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation and compliance.
• The ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.
• A genuine interest in helping students recognize their potential and plan for their future.

Make an Impact

This position provides an opportunity to work directly with students during a critical stage of their educational development. Through TRIO Talent Search, the Middle School Coordinator helps students discover college and career possibilities, strengthen their academic skills, and develop the confidence and knowledge needed to pursue their goals.

Job Summary

Coordinates and facilitates service delivery for one (1) or more college readiness and/or retention programs. Facilitates collaborations between program experts and end users.

Essential Functions

Monitors program plans, schedules and budgets. Collaborates with program experts to provide service solutions and recommends alternative actions based on tracking outcomes. Assists with the development of promotional materials, campaigns, and events. May lead staff in the design and implementation of marketing materials. Documents and tracks program progress compared to goals to assist program leaders in the development of program strategies, goals and vision. Coordinates and prepares reports, materials and presentations to support leaders with financial, operational and/or special programs. Coordinates and/or leads program tasks as assigned by program leaders. Consults with leaders or experts on new or complex issues to determine the appropriate course of action.

Job Duties

The Middle School Coordinator will coordinate TRIO Talent Search services for approximately 336 middle school students at Brooks Middle School, Mayberry Middle School, and Gordon Parks Academy, with walk-in support provided at other participating schools as needed.

• Provide academic, college, career, and personal development advising to middle school students.
• Develop positive relationships with students, families, counselors, teachers, and school administrators.
• Coordinate and deliver college awareness, career exploration, academic success, and educational planning activities.
• Monitor student participation, academic progress, and engagement and provide appropriate follow-up.
• Maintain accurate and timely student records and program documentation in compliance with federal TRIO Talent Search requirements.
• Coordinate the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program, including student recruitment, activities, field trips, staffing, and program logistics.
• Manage and oversee the After-School Tutoring Program, including coordination of tutors, student participation, scheduling, and program activities.
• Assist with student recruitment, eligibility documentation, program evaluations, reports, and other required compliance activities.
• Collaborate with school personnel and families to connect students with resources and opportunities that support their educational goals.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, conferences, and other Talent Search activities.
• Travel between assigned schools and attend occasional evening or special program activities as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by the approved grant proposal.
  See the education qualifications in the "Additional Information for Posting" section below.
• Qualifications for this position are strictly defined by the approved grant proposal.
  See the education qualifications in the "Additional Information for Posting" section below.

Required License/Certifications/Training

none

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of middle school student development, academic success, college preparation, and career exploration.
• Knowledge and understanding of the educational, social, and economic challenges faced by low-income and potential first-generation college students.
• Knowledge of student advising, mentoring, recruitment, outreach, and educational enrichment activities.
• Knowledge of basic recordkeeping, documentation, and program compliance requirements.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with students, families, school personnel, tutors, and university staff.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and manage a caseload of approximately 336 students.
• Ability to coordinate the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program and oversee the After-School Tutoring Program.
• Ability to plan and facilitate student workshops, presentations, enrichment activities, and events.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use email, word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other technology needed to perform job duties.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with federal TRIO, university, and program policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, travel between assigned schools, and participate in occasional evening or special program activities.
• Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.
• Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.

Additional Information

This is a grant funded position.

A condition of the grant requires candidates possess a Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Science or related discipline AND one (1) year experience teaching and/or counseling middle school students.

The chosen candidate is expected to maintain membership in TRIO professional associations; write articles for the quarterly newsletter; and travel to local, regional, and national training seminars and conferences.

Physical Requirements

Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information. Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.

Additional Physical Requirement

Ability to travel in a vehicle for distances including but not limited to across city, county, and state.