Bilingual GEAR UP Program Coordinator

Conexión Américas

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Job Summary

Conexión Américas seeks qualified candidates for the full-time position of  GEAR Up Coordinator. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong mentoring skills and significant experience in the public education system and working with immigrant and refugee populations. Experience with high school students and leadership development preferred. The successful candidate must be highly organized, possess a high level of professional initiative and creativity, believe in the potential of every student, and be adaptable to working with people of diverse socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.  Advanced/native-level fluency in Spanish is required, and experience in education is preferred. Please note that part of the interview will be conducted in Spanish. 

Only candidates who can demonstrate total commitment to the mission and values of Conexión Américas should apply. Please read about our mission and values on our website at www.conexionamericas.org. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This is a full-time staff position that reports to the College Access Manager. The GEAR Up Coordinator will manage daily GEAR UP program operations and activities in four assigned high schools and key postsecondary institutions. GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federal college access grant awarded to MNPS (Metro Nashville Public Schools) that begins with serving a cohort of 7th-grade students and continues for six years until the 7th-grade class enters postsecondary.  During the 2024-2025 school year, this role will serve these students in 12th grade and their first year of postsecondary education. Conexión Américas is a GEAR UP partner with MNPS, providing services to Latino/EL students and families with the aim of increasing enrollment and success in postsecondary education. At the high school level, this will be done by providing culturally responsive student programming (including in-school class meetings and after-school events), college and career field trips, staff, and supporting the delivery of Summer Bridge. At the post-secondary level, this role will host 1-2 events at a post-secondary institution per month and provide limited coaching and case management. 

The role must be in-person, at least four (4) days per week, at the assigned education sites or the Conexión Américas office, depending on the school site and program needs. Applicants must have reliable transportation. This role is grant-based and guaranteed until September 30th, 2025. Continued employment is contingent upon renewed funding. 

About Conexión Américas

Conexión Américas is a Latino nonprofit organization based in Nashville, TN. Our mission is to build a welcoming community and create opportunities for Latino families to belong, contribute, and succeed. Our organization was founded in 2002 to address some of the most pressing challenges created by recent demographic changes in Middle Tennessee, as an increasing number of Latino families come to this region searching for a better quality of life. 

We focus on four areas of community impact:

Social Integration (family engagement, youth development, and English as a Second Language),  Economic Integration (homeownership, micro-entrepreneurship, and taxpayer education/assistance),  Civic Integration (community education through workshops and grassroots leadership development) and Community Development (arts and placemaking).

For more information about Conexión Américas, visit us at www.conexionamericas.org and check our organization’s profile at www.GivingMatters.com

Job Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic college readiness and awareness services for Latino and Spanish-speaking EL students and families, including academic planning, preparation, and career exploration 
• Provide one-on-one case management and in-school programming for 12th-grade students
• Work closely with Metro Nashville Public School GEAR UP staff at the assigned school sites
• Develop and maintain partnerships with post-secondary institutions and other key stakeholders to provide students with post-secondary exposure and experiences.
• Creates and delivers culturally relevant and high-quality workshops and presentations to students and their parents regarding the college entrance process, course selection, and financial aid process
• Ensures alignment of the GEAR UP program with existing Conexión Américas education programs: parent engagement, after-school programs, and college access and success.
• Tracks attendance and maintains accurate data on all program participants. 
• Works closely with school administrators and staff to communicate program progress and alignment with school goals
• Integrates social and emotional development strategies in programming
• Coordinates special events and program field trips
• Oversees budget for programming 
• Completes monthly and quarterly reporting on student services provided
• Works to ensure that all projects and activities align with the overall vision and goals of the GEAR UP initiative
• Hosts 1-2 events per month at select post-secondary institutions to encourage community building and retention for students in their first year of post-secondary
• Meets with students in their first year of post-secondary to provide case management support on course selection, financial aid, and accessing institutional resources  
• Supports other Conexión Américas college access programming as needed

General Organizational Support:

• Communicates positively and effectively Conexión Américas’ mission and programs
• Assists with fairs and outreach events on behalf of Conexión Américas to talk about all of Conexión Américas’ programs
• Attends and provides support as needed to organizational events and fundraisers

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to those listed above.  As with every other job at Conexión Américas, every person in the organization will assist in any way necessary to respond to new demands and to ensure a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish are required; biculturalism is preferred.
• Flexibility, creativity, initiative, and the ability to work as a team member are required.
• Ability to interact with diverse groups of stakeholders required
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and work in a fast-paced environment with deadlines and strict timelines required
• Flexible schedule required
• Ability and willingness to work some evenings and weekends are required 
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and database management required
• Reliable transportation required
• Demonstrated appreciation for Latino culture and people required
• A strong understanding of Latino culture and Latino issues in the U.S is required
• Ability to carry up to 50 lbs. preferred
• Experience and knowledge of nonprofit organizations’ operations are preferred.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Maria Paula Zapata, Director of Programs, via email to maria@conexionamericas.org. Indeed/LinkedIn submissions with only a resume will not be considered. All interviews will be conducted in English and Spanish. 

Please make no phone calls or in-person inquiries.

Details

• Date Posted: June 25, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Children / Youth
• Salary Range: $42,000 to $45,000