The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote
academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to
service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally
diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life
and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world.
Position Summary
The University of Bridgeport seeks a Special Education Grant
Coordinator for a full-time, one-year grant-funded position with
potential renewal contingent upon grant funding. This role will
support the development, implementation, and coordination of a
graduate-level special education program. The Coordinator will
collaborate with and support the SoE Director to strengthen
educator preparation, school-university partnerships, candidate
support, and program effectiveness.
The Special Education Grant Coordinator will help manage day-to-day
grant activities, coordinate with school and community partners,
support recruitment and participant tracking, maintain program
records, and assist with reporting and compliance requirements. The
position requires a detail-oriented, collaborative professional
committed to equity, access, and high-quality preparation for
educators serving students with exceptionalities.
Grounded in the University of Bridgeport's mission, the Coordinator
will work closely with faculty, administrators, district partners,
and program participants to advance innovative and responsive
special education programming.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Program Coordination and Implementation
- Coordinate the implementation of grant-funded special education
initiatives, including timelines, deliverables, milestone tracking,
and daily operations.
Assist in the development and maintenance of program materials,
including handbooks, calendars, training materials, forms, guides,
and participant resources.
Support the alignment of program activities with university
policies, school partner expectations, and relevant state
requirements.
Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to support
special education coursework, field-based experiences, and related
program activities.
Help organize and monitor professional learning, workshops,
meetings, and events connected to the grant.
The Coordinator may also be required to teach select courses
throughout the year.
Recruitment, Outreach, and Participant Support
- Support recruitment efforts for program participants through
culturally responsive outreach strategies, including communication
with prospective candidates, school personnel, and community
partners.
- Assist with application, selection, onboarding, and orientation
processes in collaboration with admissions and program staff.
- Maintain regular communication with participants to support
successful engagement, retention, and program completion.
- Provide administrative and coordination support for mentorship,
field placements, and participant development activities.
- Track participant progress and maintain accurate records
related to enrollment, participation, and outcomes.
Partnership and Collaboration
- Serve as a key point of coordination among the University,
local school districts, mentor teachers, and other community
stakeholders.
- Help build and sustain collaborative relationships with
district leaders, school administrators, faculty, and program
partners.
- Coordinate meetings, communications, and follow-up actions with
internal and external stakeholders.
- Support mentor engagement, training logistics, and distribution
processes related to program supports or stipends, when
applicable.
Grant Compliance, Data, and Reporting
- Maintain organized records for grant activities, expenditures,
participant data, and required documentation.
- Assist with budget tracking and coordination with university
offices as needed.
- Develop and maintain systems for collecting, organizing, and
reporting program data.
- Prepare reports, summaries, and documentation for university
leadership, funders, and other stakeholders in an accurate and
timely manner.
- Support evaluation and continuous improvement efforts by
reviewing data, identifying trends, and helping document program
impact.
University Service and Administrative Responsibilities
- Attend department, program, and university meetings as
required.
- Submit reports, correspondence, and documentation in an
accurate and timely manner.
- Participate in university, school, and community events related
to the program and grant objectives.
- Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and effective
working relationships across stakeholders.
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the grant and
the department.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Educational
Leadership, or a related field.
- Experience in PK-12 special education.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects,
programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication
skills.
- Experience with data management, recordkeeping, and report
preparation.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and
access, particularly in work with historically underserved
communities.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, school personnel,
administrators, candidates, and community partners.
- Proficiency with standard office and educational technology
tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in Education, Special Education, Educational
Leadership, or a related field.
- Connecticut certification in special education.
- Experience working with grant-funded programs, including
compliance tracking and reporting.
- Experience in teacher preparation, clinical supervision,
mentoring, or professional development.
- Familiarity with Connecticut educator preparation requirements,
school district partnerships, and special education systems.
- Experience working in urban or high-needs school
settings.
- Knowledge of accreditation, program assessment, or continuous
improvement processes in higher education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of current practices, research, and trends in special
education and educator preparation.
- Ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret program and
participant data to support improvement efforts.
- Strong project coordination and time management skills, with
attention to detail and deadlines.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality,
and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Demonstrated ability to work collegially in a team environment
while also showing initiative and independent action.
- Commitment to professional conduct and student- and
partner-centered service.
Work Environment
This position is based at the University of Bridgeport and may
require travel to partner schools, districts, or community sites as
needed. Some evening or occasional off-site responsibilities may be
required in support of program activities. A valid driver's license
and reliable transportation may be preferred for travel related to
partnership responsibilities.
This is a one-year, grant-funded position. Continued employment
beyond the appointment period is contingent upon grant funding,
program needs, and institutional approval.
Full-Time Employee Benefits
University of Bridgeport offers a comprehensive benefits package
that may include:
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Pet Insurance
- 401(k) employer match
- Employee and dependent life insurance
- Tuition benefits for employee, spouse, and dependents
- Paid time off
- Flexible work schedule/work-from-home opportunities, where
applicable and approved
Additional Statement
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement
between the University of Bridgeport and the employee. It is
intended as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change
based on institutional needs and grant requirements.
(This job description does not constitute an employment
agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is
used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by
the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the
job change.)
The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment
opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age,
disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status
as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state,
and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with
applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in
employment in every location in which the company has facilities.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment,
including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion,
termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence,
compensation, and training
