RPED Coordinator of Rural Student Success

Athens State University; Athens (AL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Athens State University is seeking an RPED Coordinator of Rural Student Success to lead grant-funded outreach that increases access, persistence, and degree completion for rural students. The role works across Admissions, Student Services, Academic Affairs, and community partners to align resources with grant objectives.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and 2+ years in higher education or related fields, with regular travel and strong coordination skills across departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Minimum two years of experience in higher education or related fields.
• Ability to coordinate across departments and external partners.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills.
• Willingness to travel regularly and work in field-based and remote environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and coordinate rural outreach and engagement activities.
• Serve as liaison between rural students, Admissions, and external partners.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with rural schools and libraries.
• Coordinate and support student programming related to college readiness and transfer pathways.
• Track, document, and report outreach activities and program outcomes.
• Maintain communication with RPED Project Director on progress and timelines.
• Manage a hybrid work schedule with travel to rural communities.

Skills

Travel regularly

Data management

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Cross-department collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

RPED Coordinator of Rural Student Success

ClosingDate:

Job Duties:

This is a grant funded position. The Coordinator of Rural StudentSuccess leads and coordinates grant-funded initiatives designed toincrease access, persistence, and degree completion for ruralstudents. This position supports the Rural Postsecondary andEconomic Development (RPED) Grant by managing rural outreachstrategies, coordinating student support services, buildingpartnerships with rural schools and community organizations, andtracking program outcomes required for federal reporting andevaluation.

The coordinator works collaboratively across Admissions, StudentServices, Academic Affairs, and external partners to ensure ruralstudents are connected to appropriate academic, technological,accessibility, and wellness resources. This role requiresindependent project coordination, field-based outreach, datatracking, and consistent compliance documentation aligned withgrant objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, implement, and coordinate rural outreach and engagementactivities aligned with RPED grant objectives and benchmarks
• Serve as the primary liaison between rural students,Admissions, Student Services, faculty, and external partners tosupport recruitment, retention, and degree completion
• Develop and maintain partnerships with rural high schools,community colleges, libraries, nonprofits, and communityorganizations
• Coordinate and support student programming related to collegereadiness, transfer pathways, and student success initiatives,including the A.C.E.S. program
• Connect rural students to internal and external resourcesaddressing academic support, technology access, accessibilityaccommodations, and wellness services
• Collaborate with Student Engagement, ADA, Counseling Services,and Academic units to ensure coordinated support services for ruralstudents
• Track, document, and report outreach activities, studentengagement, and program outcomes in compliance with federal grantrequirements and evaluator expectations
• Assist in the planning and implementation of grant-fundedworkshops, summits, trainings, and outreach events
• Maintain consistent communication with the RPED ProjectDirector regarding progress, challenges, reporting timelines, andcompliance needs
• Identify service gaps impacting rural student access andsuccess and recommend strategies for improvement
• Complete required monthly documentation, including time andeffort reporting, activity summaries, and data submissions
• Manage a hybrid work schedule requiring regular travel to ruralcommunities and independent field-based work
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum two years of experience in higher education, studentservices, outreach, advising, recruitment, program coordination, orrelated field
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiativesindependently and coordinate across departments and externalpartners
• Strong organizational, communication, and data managementskills
• Ability to travel regularly and work in both field-based andremote environments

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:

• Master's degree preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position such as sittingand/or standing for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to work flexible hours to include nights and weekendsas needed
• Ability to adjust or move objects up to 50 pounds in alldirections
• Frequently communicates with others to exchangeinformation
• Frequently uses hands/fingers to operate a computer and otheroffice productivity machinery
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle as needed
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions

Salary Schedule:

Salary Band: $40,070 – $50,087To view salary schedules,visit: https://www.athens.edu/about/offices/human-resources/salary-schedule-tables/ Salary will be commensurate withexperience and qualifications

Note: Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading andsubmitting an application. (Credential evaluators should providecourse-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)

Upon an offer of employment, official transcripts from all collegesand universities attended must be submitted. Continued employmentis contingent upon receipt of transcripts from all colleges anduniversities attended.

About Athens State University

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offersjunior and senior-level coursework to community college graduatesand transfer students holding sufficient credits from otherinstitutions. Presently, over 3,100 students have selected AthensState because of its neighborly environment where 50 majors anddegree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportiveand exceptional faculty. Approximately 80% of the students areenrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is aworking adult who commutes. Recently, the University was featuredin the 2015 Best Value Online College Rankings by OnlineU.org forfour online programs including computer science, accounting,education and human resources. The University offers undergraduatedegree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business.The University employs more than 350 full and part-time employeeswith approximately 90 full-time faculty members in three colleges:College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College ofEducation. Seventy-five percent of the full-time faculty membershold a terminal degree. The University is accredited by theSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission onColleges.

Athens, Alabama is located in north Alabama equidistant betweenNashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. Athens is home to several eventsand festivals that have been featured as the Southeast TourismSociety's “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” including the AthensStorytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time FiddlersConvention.

In accordance with Athens State University Policy and guidelines,the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign aconsent form for a criminal background check. Employment will becontingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from thatcriminal background check.

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Athens State University, asan equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, complies withall applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscriminationand affirmative action. Athens State University does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age,marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression,pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, geneticinformation, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to orparticipation in educational programs and activities. Inquiries orconcerns may be addressed to the Office of the Vice President ofEnrollment and Student Support Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens,AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.