Program Specialist, Student Equity -Categorically funded

Inside Higher Ed; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in California is seeking a Program Specialist for Student Equity. The role involves developing community programs, serving as a liaison with schools, and implementing recruitment strategies. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience in marketing or public relations, with strong communication and interpersonal skills. Evening and weekend availability is required, reflecting the flexible nature of this role.

Qualifications

• Experience with high-school and college students in marketing and public relations.
• Ability to give oral presentations.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques in recruiting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a liaison to high-school districts and community organizations.
• Develop and organize student and community-related programs.
• Recruit and train student mentors and workers.

Skills

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy

Methods and techniques in working with prospective students

Education

High school diploma and 2 years related experience

Job description

Program Specialist, Student Equity – Categorically funded

Join to apply for the Program Specialist, Student Equity – Categorically funded role at Inside Higher Ed.

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of the Director of Student Equity, serve as a liaison to high‑school districts, campus and community organizations, and the general public on matters related to student equity, recruitment and outreach. Participate in campus and community events, assist in setting priorities for marketing, solicitation and showcasing college programs and services.

Representative Duties

• Develop, plan and organize a variety of student‑ and community‑related programs, events and activities, including city and organizational fairs, campus activities and meetings.
• Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to promote attendance at Antelope Valley College and other higher education institutions.
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to promote recruitment and retention at AVC, including high‑school orientations and welcome‑week activities.
• Coordinate the dissemination of college program and service information and the financial aid process to a variety of populations via presentations, direct‑mail campaigns, telephone campaigns, etc.
• Serve as a liaison between prospective students, current students and college departments.
• Serve as a liaison to community groups, organizations, other higher education institutions, high schools, middle schools and/or elementary schools.
• Plan and conduct student, campus and community events.
• Attend and participate in community, city and organizational fairs, festivals and meetings and committees.
• Assist in the maintenance of a database of prospective students and community contacts, provide follow‑up activities, prepare handbooks, public‑relations materials and policies to assist and aid in enrollment‑related activities.
• Assist in office record keeping and filing activities, assemble data and prepare reports, maintain a variety of equipment and inventory.
• Recruit, train and provide work direction to student mentors, student workers and ambassador corps, including ongoing training, meetings, office duties and off‑site staffing of events.
• Maintain correct knowledge of computer and related techniques that affect recruitment and retention and enrollment management practices.
• Some travel required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and training or at least two years of work experience with high‑school and college students and/or target groups in marketing, public relations and information campaigns; experience giving oral presentations.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License and current auto insurance as required by state law.
• Work a variable schedule to accommodate evening, weekend and holiday hours.

Knowledge Of

• Methods and techniques in working with prospective students.
• Methods and techniques in working with college students and groups.
• Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
• Statistical record‑keeping techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Concepts of recruitment, marketing and public relations.
• Proper lifting techniques.

Ability To

• Learn applicable section of State education code and other applicable laws.
• Learn and apply district operations, policies, and objectives.
• Learn and apply the philosophy, objectives, and policies of student services.
• Work a flexible schedule involving evening, weekend and holiday hours.
• Learn, understand and explain college preparatory curriculum for high‑school students, college curriculum and regulations.
• Learn, understand and explain Financial Aid application and general processes.
• Lift, move and break down equipment, displays, furniture and totes used for various events and presentations.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Work independently with little supervision.
• Meet schedules and deadlines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Direct a team of student workers.
• Communicate effectively in all methods of communications with diverse populations.
• Travel within the service area of the college.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor work environment.
• May be in excess heat or cold weather.
• Evening, weekend and holiday hours.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work as required by position.

Physical Effort

• Walking to review activity programs and sites.
• Standing to disseminate information.
• Lifting heavy objects up to 50+ pounds.
• Pulling/Pushing heavy objects on dollies or carts.

Application Process

It is the responsibility of each applicant to have all the requested documents submitted through the online application system by the deadline to continue in the application process for this position. Each recruitment is conducted independently; therefore, interested parties must submit separate complete application packages for each position they apply for. All requested documents must be attached in order to be considered.

Required documents: Application, current resume, cover letter, and any other documents requested. Applicants may be subject to passing a written/technical examination as appropriate.

Application deadline: November 10, 2025.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Diversity

Antelope Valley Community College District (AVC) is committed to employing administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success. AVC recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters cultural awareness, mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students. AVC is committed to hiring processes that support equal opportunity, diversity, and provide equitable consideration for all candidates as required in federal and state laws and regulations.

Accommodations

If you require accommodations for the application process in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the People, Culture and Talent (Human Resources) department at (661) 722‑6311.

Visa Sponsorship

AVC does not sponsor employment visas, does not participate in E‑Verify, and does not complete documentation related to STEM OPT or other F‑1 visa programs.