Grand Rapids Promise Zone Success Coordinator

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Success Coordinator will provide direct services to students in support of the Grand Rapids Promise Zones efforts to increase the college going culture for Grand Rapids students through post-secondary preparation transition to GRCC/post-secondary education persistence retention and completion. This person must be motivated and be able to work independently in our partner high schools to provide case management student services focused on building relationships and outreach within our K-12 partner schools and students transition to GRCC/post-secondary institution. Activities include connecting with students one-on-one/small groups events/programming and developing partnerships with designated K-12 schools.

This position requires high-touch case management. Regular communications with students high schools community partners and GRCC staff through various means such as e-mail phone call classroom visits events and face to face conversation is expected. The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Success Coordinator is expected to be knowledgeable about community high school post-secondary and campus resources for referrals and creative strategies to encourage and support students.

Requisition ID: 1059
Position Number:
Employee Group: Professionals Management and Administration
Schedule: Full Time Non-Exempt
Compensation: AP4 - $51005 per year
Benefits: Full Time
Reports to: Promise Zone Director
Posting Opens: 12/08/2025
Posting Closes: 01/04/2026

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Build relationships with prospective and current Promise Zone students in designated high schools and work independently in high schools to promote the mission of the Promise Zone.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with school staff.
• Provide leadership in developing planning and implementing activities that promote the Promise Zone scholarship to eligible students and families through a variety of communication and outreach activities.
• Represent the Promise Zone in designated schools K-12 schools outreach activities and throughout the community.
• Maintain current knowledge of Promise Zone GRCC and partner high school processes. This will include but is not limited to eligibility requirements GRCC application/enrollment steps and coordinating high school processes.
• In collaboration with high school partner(s) provide case management services:
  • Assist students with creating individualized post-secondary plans based on goals and other factors identified by students
  • Refer student concerns to appropriate high school or GRCC service areas community resources and services as needed
• Facilitate targeted workshops as needed and defined by the Promise Zone department and/or high school partner(s) for students and their supporters.
• Encourage and assist students to complete necessary tasks targeted interventions and utilize resources to promote post-secondary attainment.
• Have extensive knowledge on the financial aid process FAFSA completion and other financial aid resources and be able to assist students and families in one-on-one and group settings.
• Utilize the customer relationship management (CRM) software to view student eligibility manage communication with and record notes of student interactions referrals resources and interventions as applicable to improve support provided to students.
• Established productive relationships with assigned partner high schools.
• Be knowledgeable and inform students/schools/families about existing systems/programs that provide student support. This may include but is not limited to external financial programs community resources etc.
• Partner and assist with current activities to provide additional resources to support post-secondary plans and expand services to students and families.
• Plan and execute necessary events to support the enrollment processes at GRCC. This may include application days FAFSA workshops test proctoring campus tours and new student orientations.
• Track and monitor student progress toward goal achievement.
• Maintain current knowledge and provide information regarding academic and occupational degrees as well as job training programs.
• Counsel students with the post-secondary enrollment processes. This may include but is not limited to admissions applications financial aid and course registration.
• Create and execute communication plans that provide relevant information to students families and K12 partners that may include print texting phone calls and emails.
• Engage in regular communication with GRCC staff/faculty and partner high schools.
• Support college-wide activities such as orientation Student Block Party Open Houses etc.
• Support and mentor current GRCC students through office hours communications via texts calls and emails and on an individual basis to promote persistence completion and/or transfer.
• Provide support to students who have not taken advantage of the scholarship through various outreach methods events and appointments.
• Input and report student data as needed.
• Assist in creating content and maintaining Promise Zone social media channels.
• Attend regular team meetings.
• Regular attendance during normal scheduled hours is required. Being present is essential for serving customers and performing the essential functions of this position.
• Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Bachelors degree required
• Degree in Higher Education School Counseling Social Work or related field preferred

Work Experience

• Minimum 1 year of work experience in education or working with high school students required (experience can include graduate assistantship internship or practicum experiences).
• Work experience with at-risk populations preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be comfortable with public speaking. - Excellent formal presentation skills for small and large groups while presenting a strong professional presence.

Skills

• Ability and experience working with and relating to diverse high school and college student populations.
• High level of energy enthusiasm and the ability to be innovative creative and adaptive.
• Ability to organize work handle multiple tasks and meet timelines in a multi-project environment.
• Proficient in use of electronic student information systems (PeopleSoft) Microsoft Office (especially Excel) content relationship management (CRM) and other internet applications preferred.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively with multiple stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data reporting systems; experience with data tracking and preparing reports preferred.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to carry at least 25-30 pounds of material.
• Mix of seated office work and active off campus engagements (driving standing at information tables and presentations actively working with students while in schools).

Mental Demands

• Commitment to serving a diverse student population with respect and equity.
• Dedicated to student success.
• Ability to analyze information and conceptualize solutions.
• High level of energy enthusiasm motivation and the ability to be innovative creative and self motivated.
• Ability to work collaboratively with many stakeholders as well as independently with limited supervision.
• This work will include interruptions (drop in students phone calls etc.).

Working Conditions

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our policies website.
• Mixed working environment that will take place in designated K-12 schools community partners as well as office environment at GRCC.
• Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation for travel between high schools and community engagements.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six health insurance plan options including one with no health insurance premiums
• Time off: Enjoy substantial vacation time
• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing and an onsite gym membership
• Continuous Learning: Career development and educational opportunities
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our retirement options including the state retirement plan or a 401(a) with a 12% employer contribution

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please complete an application: Submit a cover letter and resume.
• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.
• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age race color religion marital status sex/gender pregnancy sexual orientation gender identity gender expression height weight national origin disability political affiliation familial status veteran status or genetics in all programs activities services employment and advancement including admissions to access to treatment in or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs activities services and employment including recruitment selection retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel 143 Bostwick Avenue NE Grand Rapids MI 49503-3295.