ProX Program Specialist-1

Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is seeking a ProX Program Specialist-1 to provide hands-on administrative, outreach, and event support during the busy ProX internship season. You will work across multiple phases to prepare employer partners, recruit and onboard students, and deliver large-scale program experiences.

You will be a welcoming representative of ProX to students, families, employers, schools, and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, or related fields.
• At least five years of relevant industry experience in program management, coaching, youth development, and education.
• Experience coaching or mentoring youth from historically underserved communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on administrative, outreach, and event support during the ProX program cycle.
• Coordinate onboarding, recruitment, and information sessions for students and employers.
• Maintain accurate records and support data tracking of engagement and onboarding.
• Represent ProX professionally at events and with school, family, and community partners.

Skills

Program management

Youth development

Event coordination

Education outreach

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases / data tools

Job description

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive. ProX Program Specialist-1 The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography.

The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org. ** This work assignment is with Real World Initiatives, a 501c3 affiliate of the Kauffman Foundation. **

RESPONSIBILITIES

The ProX Program Specialist ** provides hands‑on administrative, outreach, and event support during the program’s busiest season. Working across multiple phases of the ProX summer internship cycle, this position helps the team prepare employer partners, recruit and onboard students, deliver large‑scale program experiences, and respond to participant needs. The Program Specialist serves as a knowledgeable and welcoming representative of ProX. This role communicates with students, families, employers, schools, and community partners; helps participants complete required program steps; maintains accurate records; and supports the day‑to‑day coordination necessary to deliver a high‑quality work‑based learning experience. This position is well suited for someone who is organized, responsive, comfortable working with diverse groups, and able to shift between administrative tasks, participant support, and in‑person events during a fast‑paced program season.

• School & Community Engagement Serve as a representative of the ProX team at school and community-based events, including info nights, recruitment fairs, and presentations. Support the dissemination of program materials and messaging to students, families, educators, and community contacts. Respond to inquiries and provide accurate, timely information about program eligibility, structure, and expectations. Engage directly with counselors, advisors, and school staff to ensure they are equipped to share information with their students. Collaborate with the ProX team to ensure alignment in messaging and student support.
• Student & Employer Onboarding Support intern onboarding efforts by helping students complete required steps such as HR paperwork, Crossroads summer school application, and ProX required workshops. Assist in the planning and delivery of ProX onboarding sessions for both students and employer partners. Help ensure participants are informed, prepared, and aligned with ProX expectations prior to the start of their experience. Troubleshoot onboarding‑related issues and provide timely support to students and employers as needed.
• Collaboration & Events Coordinate with ProX Coaches and program administrative staff to ensure smooth handoffs between recruitment, onboarding, and internship phases. Assist in staffing and facilitating ProX events, including info sessions, workshops, the Hiring Fair, onboarding sessions, and other ProX related events. Provide general event support and represent ProX in a professional and welcoming manner at all external engagements.
• Communication & Administrative Support Maintain accurate records of school visits, student inquiries, and outreach efforts using ProX systems. Support data tracking related to student engagement and student/employer onboarding progress. Communicate updates, concerns, and trends to the ProX program team in real time.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

• Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, or related fields.
• Work Experience: At least five years of relevant industry experience, with prior experience in program management, coaching, youth development, and education.
• Experience coaching or mentoring youth, particularly those from historically underserved communities.
• Travel & Schedule: Work is primarily in‑person, with travel to school and community sites across the Kansas City metro. Hybrid schedule with remote work and some in‑person office meetings being expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates in this position must be highly motivated, capable of self‑directed work, detail‑oriented and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change. Is familiar with work‑based learning, real‑world learning frameworks, or student career readiness. Is a relationship builder and leader with the ability to engage, inspire, and work collaboratively and effectively with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders while building supportive relationships across diverse populations. Is confident, and possesses professional credibility, and excellent writing and speaking skills. Demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, and a team‑first attitude. Has the ability to function well in a high‑paced and at times stressful environment. Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance. Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

NON‑DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

This role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on October 26, 2026.

Thank you for your interest in careers at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Associates of the Kauffman Foundation work in partnership with people who share a passion for entrepreneurship and education. The Kauffman Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming people to flourish in an open and inclusive work environment. A diverse pool of candidates is welcomed and encouraged. All applications are held in confidence, consistent with our Online Resume Submission Policy.