Great Jobs KC, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) college scholarship and tuition-free job training program. Its goal is to support persistence and increase the college completion rate for low- and modest-income students across the six-county, bi-state service region and secure family-sustaining careers. The organization was designed to change thousands of individual lives and transform the region by preparing the local future workforce and contributing to the regional economy. The KC Scholars Scholarship Program awards traditional college scholarships to high school juniors, adult learner scholarships to adults 18 years and older, and college savings match awards to high school freshmen. The Great Jobs KC program provides tuition assistance to approved career training programs in high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, logistics/warehousing, manufacturing and service careers. With the support of Great Jobs KC, adults 17+ and older can learn the skills needed in one year or less to secure a job with family-sustaining wages. Great Jobs KC supports all its Scholars throughout their college or job training and into their first year of employment
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Reports to: Manager, Scholarship Applications
Location: Kansas City, MO (On-Site)
Status: Exempt, Full-time
Salary: Annual salary based on experience
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, STD, LTD, Life Insurance, PTO, Holidays, leave program, 401k including employer contribution, and others
Operating hours: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm CST
The goals of KC Scholars Scholarship Programs are:
1) 90% scholarship program annual persistence rate.
2) 90% scholarship program participant satisfaction rate.
3) 80% scholarship program college completion rate within 5 years.
4) 80% scholarship program college graduates achieve a salary of $45K
The goals of Scholarship Applications Specialist are:
1. Develop, manage, train, and/or facilitate at least 30 scholarship application workshops.
2. Increase number of new Community Reviewers by 25%.
3. Improve customer service processes to achieve 90% customer satisfaction based on feedback and surveys.
4. Ensure data accuracy and efficiency to contribute to 100% successful awarding.
5. Collaborate with Community Engagement team to ensure 100% eligible applicants are empowered with knowledge and resources to successfully complete their application.
ABOUT THE POSITION: The Scholarship Applications Specialist is responsible for assisting applicants with the scholarship application process, managing application submissions, and ensuring compliance with scholarship guidelines. This role involves providing guidance to applicants, coordinating application reviews, and maintaining accurate records. The Scholarship Applications Specialist will work closely with the Scholarship Applications Manager to support the overall goals of the KC Scholars scholarship program.
Primary responsibilities include: Conduct workshops and information sessions on KC Scholars scholarship, eligibility criteria, and application procedures. Assist applicants in completing scholarship applications, including reviewing application materials and providing feedback. Monitor and maintain accurate records of scholarship applications, awards, and related documentation. Communicate with applicants regarding application status and any additional information.
Troubleshoot with IT any data inaccuracy or applicant requests for technical assistance. Assist in coordinating the applications review process, including scheduling review meetings and distributing applications materials to reviewers. Recruit and effectively train Community Reviewers to evaluate and score applications. Ensure the fair and timely evaluation of applications in accordance with scholarship guidelines. Support the promotion of scholarship opportunities through various communication channels, including social media, email, texting, high school and community events. Assist in developing and distribution of promotional materials to raise awareness of scholarship programs. Collect and analyze data on scholarship applications and awards to identify trends and areas for improvement. Prepare reports on scholarship applications activities and outcomes for internal and external stakeholders. Assist in developing and updating policies, program guidelines, and procedures for scholarship administration.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred or relevant work experience
Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in administrative or program support positions with progressively increasing responsibility.
Additional knowledge, skills, and competencies: Ability to work under competing deadlines/demands. Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task. Attention to detail. Ability to be proactive and consider the bigger picture. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Exceptional judgment that augments an ability to be solutions-oriented and act appropriately to solve problems. Experience working in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment with the ability to set and meet clear deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel). Quick learner with the ability to develop a solid understanding of the content, processes, deliverables, and overall objectives. Strong values system that includes honesty, confidentiality, integrity, loyalty, and professional ethics. Ability to maintain a calm and competent demeanor in uncomfortable and demanding situations. High customer service focus. Tactful and diplomatic with good listening skills and an approachable personality. Experience working successfully with multiple demands, shifting priorities, and constant change in an ambiguous environment. Passion for increasing college completion and workforce preparedness among students who are first-generation to college, low-income, or historically under represented in higher education and the regional workforce. Results-focused while leading with empathy and empowerment of others. Ability to double-check work and ensure that all details are successfully and correctly handled. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. Ability to work in an office and remove environment. Ability to travel from and to work and occasionally to regional sites as the organization grows. Ability to interact with others via technology, face-to-face, and collectively.
Great Jobs KC firmly supports the principle and philosophy of equal opportunity for all individuals, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category pursuant to applicable federal, state, or local law.