"Program Coordinator, YSP - Youngstown"

Program Coordinator, YSP - Youngstown

The Ohio State University

Posted: 28-Feb-26

Type: Full-time

Categories: Social Work, Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: R145602

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) was founded in 1988 as an initiative of the Office of the President. YSPs mission is to provide comprehensive programs to improve access to higher education for academically talented, first-generation students with high financial need in Ohio.

The Program Coordinator will work closely with the Program Director, Pre-Collegiate Success, and a team of Young Scholars Program Coordinators in nine of Ohio's largest urban school districts: Akron Public, Canton City, Cincinnati Public, Cleveland Metropolitan, Columbus City, Dayton Public, Lorain City, Toledo Public, and Youngstown City, to develop, plan, implement, and manage initiatives to prepare middle and high school students for post-secondary education. This includes pre-college recruitment, program admissions, workshops, school visits, academic planning, and university admissions.

The Program Coordinator Youngstown is a full-time position LOCATED IN YOUNGSTOWN OHIO. The successful candidate must either reside in or be willing to relocate to a location within daily commuting distance of Youngstown, OH.

Detailed Job Description

Engagement

Student/Family

• Educate YSP students and their families about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing requirements.
• Meet with each YSP student in grades 8-12 enrolled in the Youngstown City School District and Youngstown Area Schools at least twice a month, through individual, group, classroom, or virtual advisement methods.
• Develop and nurture a supportive relationship with each YSP student from their high school start to college graduation;
• Create personalized, thorough academic plans that meet Ohio State admissions standards.
• Assist YSP students in selecting courses that align with their comprehensive academic plan.
• Identify and offer resources, referrals, and support services in relevant cities for scholars and families.
• Represent and negotiate on behalf of the YSP student and parent in case any problems or disputes arise regarding academic standing, probation, or expulsion, among other issues;

District/Community

• Collaborate and connect with local universities and college access programs.

Curriculum

• Research, develop, and implement a curriculum for monthly cohort workshops focused on preparing students for college and careers at the designated grade level.

Programs and Services

• Help develop and implement programs and events that align with program initiatives.
• Organize and oversee events, field trips, and award ceremonies, while also offering support for special initiatives and events planned at designated sites and Ohio State University.
• Collaborate with both campus and off-campus stakeholders to provide special programming beyond school settings and hours.

Administrative Duties

Scholars and Families

• Keep thorough notes on action steps for every monthly individual, group, and/or classroom meeting.
• Track, monitor, and evaluate the academic progress of each YSP student, including course selections, grades, and school attendance, by reviewing mid-term and semester grades. If necessary, prescribe appropriate remedial action and collaborate with relevant school counselors and/or teachers to ensure students maintain good academic standing.
• Keep a robust filing and record-keeping system for each YSP student.
• Maintain consistent communication with participating scholars and parents through email, phone, or postal mail.

Recruitment/Admissions

• Develop and implement a strategic recruitment and marketing plan to prepare academically high-performing, underrepresented, first-generation college-bound students for postsecondary education.
• Coordinate visits to middle school classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to promote YSP, awareness of college, and preparation for college;
• Join in-person and virtual district and statewide information sessions for YSP pre-college admission.
• Choose, enlist, and train committee members during the annual YSP recruitment selection processes;
• Act as a liaison with school administrators and Ohio State University to facilitate recruitment, retention, and the college admission process for students in the school district;

District

• Establish professional relationships with various stakeholders, such as parents, students, and school district staff.
• Stay updated on opportunities and resources that could enhance the Young Scholars Program within the YSP-serving school district and local community.
• May volunteer with the YSP-serving district as a college access and student success partner.

Student supervision

• Recruit, train, and oversee remote work-study student assistants to offer valuable work experience and develop soft skills.

Technology

• Learn and utilize technology such as Carmen Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, CANVA, the Embark application site, and Skype for Business.
• Manage social media platforms (Facebook/Meta, Instagram) for YSP serving the city to support program updates, scholar acknowledgment, and recruitment.

Budgetary

• Oversee the budget and expenditures for city programs.

Professional

• Assist with drafting and submitting proposals to funding agencies and to national, state, and district conferences.
• Help collect and interpret key progress and outcome variables to assess the effectiveness of the Young Scholars Program and the services provided in the YSP-serving school district.
• As requested by the YSP director or senior OUE administration, represent YSP to potential supporters and other interested parties in the targeted school district.
• Attend all mandatory meetings and recommended professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with YSP leadership to identify vendors, process paperwork, and connect with prospective stakeholders.

Travel

Successful candidates must commit to traveling within the city served by YSP to school buildings and other locations for workshops, student meetings, and recruitment sessions. The successful candidate must also commit to traveling to The Ohio State University Columbus campus as needed for staff meetings, campus visits, and summer programming, including overnight travel of up to one week.

Required qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience is required, along with at least two years of relevant work experience.

Desired qualifications

Candidates should have two to four years of direct experience with limited-income students in city-based secondary or post-secondary settings, demonstrating successful outcomes in promoting college readiness among students attending large public-school districts. A strong knowledge of effective practices for engaging students in metropolitan communities is desired, along with a solid understanding of current issues and trends affecting pre-K-12 city schools.

Given that this position works with minors, the candidate must pass a Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation background checks.

The target hiring range for this job profile is $21.32 - $27.88. The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications.

Function - Academic Administration

Sub Function - Academic Success and Enrichment

Band - Individual Contributor - Specialized

Level - S2