Research Foundation – Program Coordinator, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Title: Education Specialist 

Descriptive Title: Program Coordinator, Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP)

Unit: Academic Affairs

Part time grant-funded position; 20 hours per week; 5-year term (or whenever funding ceases)

Salary: $28,000 – $32,000 annually Depending on Qualifications

 Brief description of duties: 

SUNY ESF seeks to hire an Education Specialist to support and deliver services for 7th-12th grade students in the Syracuse City School District as part of the NYSED-funded Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). The coordinator will help recruit students, design and implement age-appropriate programming, and maintain strong communication with families, schools, and established SCSD and ESF connections. The central focus of this role is working directly with students to support their academic progress, STEM engagement, and college preparation. Working with a team, the Education Specialist will also gather academic data, create surveys, and serve as a college application support point person. This position reports to the STEP Assistant Director.

Key Responsibilities: 

Student Support & Programming

• Recruit, enroll, and retain student participants.
• Coordinate and deliver STEM outreach programs and age-appropriate enrichment activities.
• Provide direct support to 7th-12th grade students through:
• One-on-one meetings
• Academic advising
• College and career exploration workshops
• College application and financial aid support
• Implement student success plans in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and families.
• Offer translation and language support for ELL students, when possible.

Evaluation & Data

• Collect and track academic data to monitor student progress and identify support needs.
• Administer and analyze student surveys and family surveys to inform program design.
• Maintain accurate records related to tutoring recommendations, ESL needs, and student milestones.
• Contribute to program reports and retention efforts across the 5-year grant cycle.

Requirements:

Required Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree or significant college-level coursework in STEM or Education
• One or more years of teaching, counseling, youth development, or student support experience
• Experience with lesson planning, facilitation, tutoring, mentoring, or other formal or informal educational settings
• Experience working with economically disadvantaged students
• Strong interpersonal communication skills with ability to communicate clearly, effectively and respectfully with diverse populations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with curriculum or program design in formal or informal learning environments
• Experience designing and administering surveys
• Experience advising, mentoring, or coaching students
• Experience using data to inform practice