"Diverse Scholars Program Coordinator"

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - meeting a public need to promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs and, while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, and working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham. FSU is unapologetically a public institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs, in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

At FSU, we are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of antiracism, encouraging a challenging yet collaborative learning environment, and providing culturally relevant education. FSU is designated as an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and also belongs to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Inclusive Excellence community, providing national leadership in science education and exploring strategies that will lead to more inclusive science education. We are honored that our commitment earned FSU six Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Awards from INSIGHT Into Diversity. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate and professional students, offers 39 undergraduate majors, and enrolls 41% BIPOC students in our undergraduate programs. Ideally situated between Boston and Worcester, FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: The Diverse Scholars Program Coordinator position, which is part of the Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) that allows access to higher education for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism, oversees two initiatives through the MAICEI grant: partnerships with area school districts for those 18-22 years and an emerging program for those 22+ years who have aged out of the partnership program. Duties include recruiting program participants, with a focus on developing the 22+ program; serving as Liaison to the Department of Higher Education; overseeing partnerships with external organizations; and collaborating with the FSU community to provide services for Diverse Scholars.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Dean of Student Success and Persistence

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Education coaches, peer mentors and Diverse Scholars Program Assistant Coordinator

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partners with and supervises the Diverse Scholars Program Assistant (contractor) to oversee all aspects of the program.
• Develop program policies and procedures for Diverse Scholars Program, complying with the Department of Higher Education grant program requirements.
• Collaborate with districts and community partners to develop procedures for the application process and reviewing of prospective MAICEI students, including orientation to FSU for new students and returning students each semester.
• Develop with the Assistant Coordinator comprehensive academic support for students to promote access the campus life and college coursework in an inclusive setting.
• Create a Person-Centered plan for each student with a profile of the learning strengths and needs of students; review documentation of disability; create education accommodation plans; and coordinate supports with Disability/Access Services.
• Provide academic advising and course registration to students; monitor student progress; and maintain student academic records.
• Oversee collaboration with sending districts and state service or community agencies to offer an experience that includes internships and employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Business Office to monitor budget, requests purchase orders and develop annual agreement with sending districts and state or community agencies.
• Submit the annual MAICEI grant for continuing funding; seek additional grant opportunities as available.
• Update marketing materials to promote the Diverse Scholars Program.
• Lead partnership/leadership team meetings as required by the MAICEI grant.
• Hire and oversee ed coaches for the 22+ program and serve as a resource for the 18-22 program ed coaches.
• Represent the Diverse Scholars Program at conferences and statewide meetings related to the MAICEI program as well as other transition and college programs for students with intellectual disabilities and autism, taking advantage of professional development opportunities through DHE and ThinkCollege.
• Helps organize student celebrations and special events.
• Provides statistical data to the Department of Higher Education and other related initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Accountable for ensuring that affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity are integrally tied to all actions and decisions in areas of responsibility.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Office work environment, weekdays M-F, occasional evenings required.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Master's degree in Education, Social Services or related field with relevant experience; Demonstrated experience with program coordination; Knowledge of disability documentation and accommo9dations; Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Commitment to diversity and experience working with a diverse faculty, staff and student body

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Working knowledge of assistive technology; Experience working with families, secondary educators in transition planning, and community or state agencies; Bi-lingual English/Spanish

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Staff Associate. The starting salary range is $60,000-65,000. This is a grant-funded position, and ongoing employment is subject to continued grant funding. Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions. Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting: Cover Letter, Resume/CV, Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application). For best consideration, please submit application materials by February 7, 2025. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee. Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket. Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.