<p>The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) Program Specialist works under the direct supervision of the VUB Director. The Program Specialist is responsible for participant recruitment, connecting with community and veteran focused organizations, and supporting program completion for veterans, as it relates to college/career readiness and preparation. The Program Specialist will be responsible for participant engagement utilizing the resources and services provided by the department, through advising, referrals to student support services and veterans services, and virtual and in-person learning opportunities. This position requires a valid driver's license and a vehicle for travel to events. This is a one year, adjunct position.</p> <p>Primary Duties:</p> <ul> <li>Design and implementation of student assessment, evaluation, and learning programs that prepare veterans for program completion and success. </li><li>Provide academic advising to participants, as well as referrals to student-veterans services. </li><li>Recruit, retain, and provide services for at least 125 program participants from seven counties. </li><li>Conduct Needs Assessments for all new participants in collaboration with other program staff and develop an individualized success plan for each participant. </li><li>Assist in the development and implementation of procedures and services which promote academic development and post-secondary enrollment of participating students. </li><li>Develop/conduct individual services and group workshops/activities for participants focused on preparation for postsecondary education. </li><li>Provide direct support to veteran participants through career guidance, college admissions and financial aid application assistance, and connections with other resources for veterans. </li><li>Maintain documentation of participant attendance, services provided, and program procedures. </li><li>Prepare and document accurate evaluation of student progress for all program participants each semester to be added to the student's individualized success plan. </li><li>Assist Director in ensuring achievement of program objectives. </li><li>Engage with TRIO staff members to provide formative assessment and continuous improvement of program delivery. </li><li>Strengthen current relationships and develop new relationships with other veteran-serving organizations of the community to promote participation in the program, academic success, and postsecondary enrollment of participants. </li><li>Ensure visibility of program in target area by developing and distributing informational materials and assisting Director with making presentations to various veteran-serving and other local organizations. </li><li>Serve as a representative of Veterans Upward Bound to internal and external constituencies. </li><li>Participate in institutional, state, regional, and national higher education and TRIO organizations, conferences, and trainings. </li><li>Performs other duties as required/assigned by leadership. </li></ul> <p>Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree in education, social work, teaching, career services, or related field. </li><li>Three years of experience supporting postsecondary education and/or career initiatives. </li><li>Demonstrated experience in two of the following areas: veteran college or career readiness, continuing education workshops, advising, or event-function creation, centered around learning and skill development. </li><li>Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. </li><li>Excellent skills in reaching a large population via social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.). </li><li>Strong time management and organizational skills. </li><li>Excellent written and verbal communication skills. </li></ul> <p>Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:</p> <ul> <li>Coursework in education, student affairs, or mass communications </li><li>Experience with student advising and/or community engagement and outreach </li><li>Experience working with veterans, first-generation, and low-income individuals </li><li>Military service or familiarity with military community. </li></ul> <p>Working Conditions: Normal office environment. Travel is required.</p> <p>Salary & Benefits: $43,000 - $50,000, commensurate with experience</p> <ul> <li>Limited benefits package including medical, life insurance, generous employer retirement contributions, wellness resources and tuition waiver effective on date of hire. </li></ul> <p>Campus: Grand Rapids, MI</p> <p>How to Apply: Apply online at GVSU Careers. Attach a cover letter and resume to the online application. If you need assistance, call Human Resources at 616-331-2215. If you have questions about the position or the posting, please contact search chair Christy Abbott (abbottch@gvsu.edu). If you need technical assistance, please contact Human Resources (hro@gvsu.edu).</p> <p>Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.</p> <p>Application Deadline: This posting will close on May 20, 2025. Application review begins May 21, 2025.</p> <p>To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must have the physical stamina to work long hours and/or more than 5 days per week. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended by the ADA Amendment Act (2008), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability. GVSU will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. See www.gvsu.edu/affirmative/. TDD Callers: Call Michigan Relay Center at 711 (in State) or 1-800-833-7833 (out of State).</p> <p>Grand Valley State University is an Antidiscrimination/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities, women, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. University policy extends protections to additional identities.</p>