ACADEMIC BRIDGE COORDINATOR

Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University is accepting applications for a full-time position as an Academic Bridge Coordinator. The anticipated start date is October 16, 2024.

 

Morehead State University is located in Morehead, KY, a designated Kentucky Trail Town, nestled in the Daniel Boone National Forest, in close proximity to Cave Run Lake. This location provides opportunities for a wide range of outdoor recreation activities. Morehead State University is recognized as one of the top public universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, Morehead State University is relatively close to a number of larger cities including Lexington, KY, Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Morehead State University delivers a strong and affordable education for friendly, ambitious students who thrive in a student-focused learning environment defined by small class sizes and faculty committed to teaching and student success.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Academic Bridge Program Coordinator is responsible for identifying and selecting eligible participants in accordance with federal regulations, ensuring the program adheres to all relevant guidelines. They oversee the daily operations of the Bridge program, managing the implementation of the curriculum and instructional activities. This role involves conducting needs assessments for participants and developing individualized learning plans, which are monitored and updated annually. The Academic Bridge Coordinator designs, delivers, and assesses instructional materials and experiences for the Bridge program, including senior seminar classes and summer components.

Additionally, the Coordinator supervises and evaluates residence hall staff, practicum students, tutors, mentors, and volunteers to ensure effective program delivery. They plan and coordinate educational and cultural field trips, including college visits and overnight excursions, and provide personal, academic, and career counseling to support participants in their transition to postsecondary education. Developing and implementing retention strategies for at-risk students is a key responsibility. The Academic Bridge Coordinator also assists participants with ACT registration, college admissions, and FAFSA forms, while preparing comprehensive reports and statistical data for the Upward Bound Director and the Department of Education. Engaging in professional development opportunities and contributing to TRIO professional conferences are important aspects of the role.

The Academic Bridge Program Coordinator will be required to work one Saturday a month and should be prepared for extended hours during the residential summer academy.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, teaching, social work, human services, social science or related area with at least two years’ experience as a teacher, counselor, social worker, or related area is required. Good written and oral communication skills, flexible schedule, leadership abilities, and proven interpersonal skills are essential.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Previous experience in working with economically and educationally disadvantaged participants. Prior experience working with special populations in education and providing intervention services. Experience in or knowledge of academic requirements. Planning and implementation of grant funded programs and curriculum development for disadvantaged participants is helpful. Supervisory experience is desired.

SPONSORSHIP: This position is not budgeted for Visa Sponsorship.

Morehead State University is a comprehensive, regionally focused university providing high quality instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The University has an enrollment of over 9,000 students. To apply, visit: https://moreheadstate.peopleadmin.com and complete the MSU Application for Employment along with a cover letter, resume, and the three letters of reference. Review of applications will begin after the close date and continue until the position is filled. For preferred consideration, apply by September 15, 2024. Contact the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097 should you have questions about our online application. Please contact Gabrielle Johnson, the search committee chair, at gnjohnson2@moreheadstate.edu for questions regarding this position. MSU is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Academic Bridge Coordinator reports directly to the TRIO Director (Associate Director if Director is unavailable) with Director reporting to Assistant Vice President of Regional Education and Outreach. The Academic Bridge Coordinator interacts with school, college and community agency administrators, guidance counselors, faculty, staff, students and parents, as well as other personnel, co-workers, university faculty and staff in the coordination, planning and implementation of program services.

Long hours, weekend duties, overnight trips with TRIO participants, numerous interruptions with phone calls and participant drop-ins, and faculty and staff consultations are typical. Pressure from job deadlines, grant proposals, coordination of classes, paperwork, and student contacts can create a great deal of stress. Travel to assigned work sites/schools is required. One week on call and evening hours required during the summer academy. Working hours may average 40-50 hours per week. The program is located in an office building that houses several other programs so flexibility and cordiality are important traits. Program confidentiality is mandatory for the implementation of the program into the University system.