Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success (BQTSS) Specialist

Portland Community College is seeking a Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success (BQTSS) Specialist to support the work of the BQTSS Project, funded through an Oregon Department of Education LGBTQIA2S+ Student Success Grant. The Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success (BQTSS) Project is designed to help LGBTQIA2S+ students make the transition to college and succeed during their first year. This position performs a variety of activities and functions that support the goals of the grant. The specialist will collaborate with department team members to ensure grant milestones are achieved, lead data collection and reporting, and work with our partner at Portland Public Schools (PPS) to plan and execute outreach events with PPS students and their families. Proficiency in a range of general office operations and event planning logistics is required. This is a temporary part-time non-benefited Professional Casual Level II position paying $25.05/hour. This hybrid position will work district wide, requiring travel throughout both the PCC and Portland Public School service districts, including transporting event supplies between locations.

The BQTSS Specialist will report to the Director of Queer Resource Centers and Community Resource Navigation in the Division of Student Belonging & Wellbeing.

Responsibilities:

• Supports coordination of the day-to-day operations of the Bridge to Queer & Trans Student Success (BQTSS) Project, dedicated to retaining and serving LGBTQ2SIA+ first year students.
• Engages with related community organizations and stakeholders to support program and broader PCC objectives and services; performs outreach to K-12 schools and other organizations to recruit, host events, and otherwise further the program mission.
• Monitors overall project budget(s); prepares cost estimates, budget recommendations and monitors budget expenditures, within set parameters. Ensures grant funds are spent appropriately, tracked, and reported in accordance with the grant contract.
• Design and implement programs, special events, and services that support student success and development. Utilize program planning methods and processes and provide problem solving for a variety of complex issues during all phases of an event. Empowers students to support programs and activities that promote learning and student development.
• Provides information on available resources and services. Participates in a variety of meetings to communicate information regarding services, programs, and other pertinent information related to project mission and activities. Develops materials for use in outreach and recruitment.
• Collects, prepares, reviews, analyzes, and reports on a variety of complex information and data and implements changes to programming based on findings.
• Uses a variety of office software applications including word processing, email, and file management. Prepares documents in Word and Excel, frequent use of Google suite.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Experience performing the duties of this job will substitute for the degree requirement on a year for year basis (for example, two years of college plus two years of related work experience).
• 1 year full-time (or part-time equivalent) office, program planning, or administrative assistance experience
• Demonstrated awareness and understanding of cultural competency, ability to collaborate, and ability to maintain effective working relationships in diverse settings.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to: maintain a dependable attendance record; perform tasks effectively and efficiently; create and maintain accurate records; and provide clear and responsive service.
• Knowledge of: best practices serving queer, trans, and gender expansive populations; contemporary office practices, procedures, and techniques; use and operation of personal computers and various software applications; guest service standards and principles; and standard office equipment use.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Work or volunteer experience advocating for queer and trans justice, women’s rights, racial equity, the advancement of social justice, and/or serving populations with marginalized identities.
• Work or volunteer experience with middle and/or high school students.
• Experience with grants and/or data collection and reporting.
• Experience with time-management, successful prioritization of tasks, and multitasking in a sometimes loud, high-energy environment.
• Knowledge of general college policies and procedures.
• Familiarity with student leadership and/or student development theory.
• Ability to respond sensitively and effectively to people in crisis.
• Ability to think critically, solve problems, and defuse conflict.
• Skill in designing, writing, and editing promotional materials.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in an office environment. Moderate physical exertion. Occasional lifting of materials which may weigh up to 50 pounds including lifting of marketing materials and display units used for college/high school fairs required. Travel between campuses and various remote sites requires the ability to drive and use of a personal vehicle. Ability to work some evening and weekend hours may be required.