TITLE: College Access Corps Coordinator

HOURS OF SERVICE:  8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday with several evening and weekend hours per month from August 15, 2018 through June 30, 2019 (At least 1,700 hours over the 10.5 month term of service)

DATES OF SERVICE: August 15, 2018-June 30, 2019 (10.5 month position)

SERVICE SITE: The College Access Corps Coordinator is based at North Cascades Institute’s administration office 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley.

JOB DESCRIPTION: North Cascades Institute seeks a College Access Corps Coordinator to support environmental education programs that build community, create economic opportunity and strengthen college access opportunities for participants of our Youth Leadership Adventures and Community Youth Programs. The College Access Corps member will help empower underrepresented youth to develop college access skills while learning to be environmental stewards of the North Cascades. Duties will include further developing and implementing our Youth Leadership Ambassadors program, training staff, graduate students and interns to act as college access coaches to economically disadvantaged high school-aged youth participating in Institute programs, supporting implementation of the Northwest Youth Leadership Summit, recruiting for Youth Leadership Adventures, and strengthening college access opportunities for Youth Leadership program alumni. Learn more about our youth programs on our website: ncascades.org/youth.

The purpose of the College Access Corps AmeriCorps program is to improve college access for economically disadvantaged 4th – 12th grade youth*. AmeriCorps members will serve on campuses, in schools and/or non-profit agencies, recruit college students to serve as College Access Coaches, and together they will provide college access interventions to economically disadvantaged youth. (NOTE: CAC members will have “recurring” access to vulnerable populations and must pass a standard background check and must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202).

*Economically disadvantaged (ED) youth is defined as youth eligible for the free/reduced lunch program. The program requires that 50% of the youth being served meet this criteria.

PROGRAM OUTCOME: The College Access Corps Coordinator will be responsible for recruiting 28 students in grades 10-12 from Skagit County high schools to complete 15 hours of College Access Curriculum. In addition, this position is responsible for recruiting 20 College Access Coaches and 10 volunteers to implement a National Day of Service.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELATED TASKS:

• Further implement the Youth Leadership Ambassador program in its third year for local Institute alumni and youth that focuses on college access and readiness, leadership development, public speaking, career development, stewardship and outdoor adventures
• Assist in cultivating school and community partnerships for Youth Leadership Ambassadors, Youth Leadership Adventures, and Kulshan Creek Neighborhood Youth program 
• Train Institute staff, graduate students, and interns to become college access coaches for youth participating in our programs
• Help plan and implement the Northwest Youth Leadership Summit including recruiting colleges to attend as Opportunity Fair partners
• Teach a breakout session at the Northwest Youth Leadership Summit on college access
• Assist with recruiting students for Youth Leadership Adventures at target schools, focusing on college readiness program benefits
• Strengthen our Pathways for Youth Initiative, which seeks to provide connected next-step opportunities for program participants that lead to further development in college readiness, leadership skills, local community stewardship, career opportunities and continued growth and learning about the natural world and how to care for it
• Recruit volunteers for public stewardship events coordinated by North Cascade Institute and our partners
• Instruct Institute programming, as needed, including but not limited to Mountain School, Kulshan Creek and stewardship programs
• Compile and update college access program sustainability manual (one for each campus program)
• Collect and document program assessment data in required tracking tools and progress reports
• Participate in College Access Corps trainings, including orientation, mid-year training, graduation, regional cohort meetings and others as scheduled
• Engage in personal reflection
• Collaborate with other CAC teammates and national service members in your community on common projects
• Record and track hours in monthly timesheets

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Creative, energetic, flexible, motivated and professional
• Ability to speak publicly in front of 50 or more people
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs and hike over uneven terrain in inclement weather
• Comfortable working in both office and remote environments that require traveling long distances
• Prior educational or work experience in education, the environment, college access, social justice and youth leadership
• Program management (marketing, event planning, training, volunteer management) experience
• Experience working with nonprofits and developing partnerships

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a team player
• Strong organization, problem-solving, and written and oral communication skills
• Ability to work well with people of diverse backgrounds
• Strong initiative, self-starter, and enthusiasm for helping others succeed
• Willing to work outdoors, long hours, and evenings, including occasional overnight trips
• Be 18 or older
• Have an AA/BA or some college
• Be a US Citizen, National or Lawful Permanent Resident alien of the United States
• Possess a current driver’s license and have an acceptable driving record
• Agree to and pass criminal history disclosure and background check, including a National Service Criminal History Check and not have a sexual offense or murder conviction (other offenses may also prohibit participation, but will be determined on a case by case basis)
• Commit to serving 1700 hours (no more than 20% of aggregate time can be spent on training/professional development and no more than 10% on fundraising)
• Proficiency in Office Suite and Google platform
• Committed to promoting educational equity and inclusion

BENEFITS:

• Living allowance of $12,630 (distributed over 10.5 months)
• Loan forbearance and interest accrual reimbursement on qualifying loans
• Basic health care plan (if needed)
• Education Award of $5,920 upon successful completion of the program
• Childcare assistance for qualifying members
• Members will be given a mid-year and end of year member evaluation from their program supervisor
• Networking, training, and professional development opportunities
• A chance to make a difference in your community and schools!

North Cascades Institute is committed to building a culturally diverse workplace and strongly encourages applications from minority candidates.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce is a high priority at North Cascades Institute. The Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, military, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, age, citizenship or any other basis prohibited by law in any of its policies or programs.