TITLE:

STARS Scholarship Program Director

REPORTING TO

Executive Director

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

COMPENSATION

$70,000- $80,000 annually

BENEFITS

Health insurance stipend Short term disability 401K Paid time off Paid holidays Free Kids & Company before and after school care About The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3 organization, governed by a board of directors, which provides financial resources and support to benefit the children, families, and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District. In pursuit of our mission, the foundation operates three signature programs: Kids & Company is a before and after school childcare program operating out of 10 elementary building in the Council Bluffs School District that provides supervision and engaging activities to more than 500 children. STARS Scholarship provides support for parents in Pottawattamie County as they pursue a postsecondary degree or career training certification. Alumni & Friends aims to create a network of individuals who wish to support the school district, connect with old friends, and stay informed. In addition to these programs, we administer high school scholarship funds, and provide opportunities for our community of donors to support education in Council Bluffs. About STARS Scholarship The purpose of the STARS Scholarship program is to provide scholarships to cover the direct and indirect education expenses of nontraditional, post-secondary students. The program is particularly focused on assisting low-income parents or custodial grandparents. STARS scholarships support a range of post-secondary pursuits including college degrees, professional licenses, and certificates. STARS Scholars receive a scholarship that may be used for tuition, books, fees, childcare, transportation, or other expenses that support postsecondary attainment. STARS Scholarship is fully funded by the Iowa West Foundation, and administered by the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation. Since creation of the program in 1997, more than 500 adults have completed college degrees, diplomas or certificates, and/or career licensure programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree required, graduate degree preferred Leadership or management experience required Minimum five years experience working in a professional setting required, experience working with low-income adults in higher education, vocational services, or social services preferred Demonstrated ability to build relationships, establish trust, and demonstrate empathy with a diverse group of individuals required Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills required Experience assisting individuals with college and career planning preferred Knowledge of human services resources available to low-income adult parents and families in Pottawattamie County preferred Experience speaking to small and large groups preferred Budget management experience preferred

POSITION SUMMARY

The STARS Scholarship Program Director manages all aspects of the STARS Scholarship program, provides case management support for scholars, monitors academic progress, manages and directs the scholarship application and selection process, tracks and administers scholarship funds, builds relationships with community organizations for scholar referrals, and submits regular reports to the Executive Director and to Iowa West Foundation. The Program Director is tasked with achieving the following program outcomes: The primary outcome of this program is to assist nontraditional students in attaining a post-secondary degree or credential that will increase their economic opportunity. With the goal of having participants to ultimately attain a living wage. An annual income target of $55,000-$58,000 has been set for all program graduates at give years from the program completion.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist scholars with navigating college processes and connecting with campus resources including academic planning, registration, financial aid, academic advising, student support, and career planning services. Assist scholars in creating a comprehensive career plan that includes developing employability skills and securing internships in order to be prepared for careers upon completion of the program. Build relationships and meet regularly with scholars to provide support and encouragement, identify personal challenges and discuss solutions, establish goals, and help scholars mediate conflicts and navigate important life decisions. Ensure scholars understand the requirements and expectations of the program, monitor progress, and intervene when necessary to ensure all scholars are successful. Build relationships with external service providers and community resources, including health and human services organizations, and connect scholars to those resources and providers where appropriate. Coordinate or provide financial planning support for scholars, which may include personal budgeting and debt management. Perform community outreach efforts to engage and inform the public, including potential scholars. Coordinate, promote, and manage the STARS Scholarship application and selection process. Engage with STARS Scholarship alumni, monitor and track data associated with program outcomes. Develop short and long-term programmatic goals, create and execute action plans, compile data, evaluate against program outcomes, and create reports for internal and external stakeholders, including the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and Iowa West Foundation. Plan and facilitate events for scholars, including the annual recognition dinner, programming, and engagement events. Perform all other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

HOURS:

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, nights/weekends as programs dictate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires prolonged sitting and the ability to lift 40 lbs.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is routinely performed in an office environment.

Pay:

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person