Join a vibrant campus community whose excellence is reflected in its diversity and student success.  West Chester University of Pennsylvania?s Academic Success Program (ASP) invites applicants for the position of Coordinator for Experiential Learning and Special Projects. This is a temporary one-year assignment with a possibility to extend.
 
West Chester University, a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.
 
WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities. 
 
As part of University College, the Academic Success Program (ASP) is a special academic program for students who are underprepared for college and show the potential to succeed at West Chester University. The ASP assists students in developing academic skills and provides support through academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, academic monitoring, and counseling.

Reporting to Director of ASP, the Coordinator identifies, secures, and manages out-of-class experiential learning opportunities designed to help students make real-world learning connections between the classroom and their future career; provides student support and mentorship including resume and cover letter preparation, experiential learning placements, and assistance managing work relationships; and supports special projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate experience working with diverse college students; excellent communication and collaboration skills to develop and maintain relationships with internal and external campus partners; and strong organizational skills and attention to detail.   

Responsibilities include:

• Assist the director to identify experiential learning opportunities such as co-ops, internships, research projects and other out-of-class learning opportunities
• Outreach to ACT 101 students to educate them about the various experiential learning opportunities available to them
• Prepare the students for the application process 
• Coordinate with the Twardowski Career Development Center (TCDC) to assist students with resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and other resources
• Serve as liaison between ASP and the hosting organization 
• Act as first line support of students who are placed at an organization
• Prepare reports and provide updates on student progress during their experiential learning projects
• Completing progress reports required by the employer and/or researcher 
• Participate in ASP staff meetings including the biannual ASP retreat and the ACT 101 advisory board meetings
• Work with ASP leadership on special projects including developing new outreach campaigns for students, marketing and branding ASP/ACT 101 via our website and on social media
• Collaborate with the Office of Research and Special Projects to identify and apply for grants to expand experiential learning in ASP
• Collaborate with the Center for Community Solutions (CCS) to develop a process by which ACT 101 students are placed with network employers and organizations
• Support process to ensure approvals, clearances and contracts are fully executed prior to placement
• Other duties as assigned

• A master?s degree in education, social work, psychology, or related field
• Two (2) years of career counseling or advising experience in a higher education setting 

• Experience coaching and mentoring students
• Experience developing communications to support student engagement
• Experience with grant-funded student development programs
• Experience using student information systems such as Navigate and BANNER
• Experience coordinating events, activities, and/or initiatives
• Experience using social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

About West Chester University of Pennsylvania

West Chester University (WCU) of Pennsylvania is among the top regional comprehensive public universities in the nation, serving more than 17,500 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels with a national reputation for excellence, value, and student success. Founded in 1871 as an institute for teacher preparation, West Chester offers more than 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate programs in more than 50 fields of study. In addition to the main campus in West Chester, the University offers programs through its graduate center, the Philadelphia campus, and online. Five colleges and two schools comprise the University: Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the School of Music, and the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies. Located in Chester County (25 miles from downtown Philadelphia) the area combines the best of enjoyable daily living with easy access to the full spectrum of country and city attractions. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

Connections working at West Chester University of Pennsylvania