RPED Coordinator of Rural Student Success

Posting Details

Position Information

Department/College Enrollment and Student Services Position Title RPED Coordinator of Rural Student Success Job Category Staff Posting Number 00554 FLSA Exempt Full or Part Time Full-Time Other Grant funded position Temporary If Temporary, number of months

Position Summary Information

Duties

This is a grant funded position. The Coordinator of Rural Student Success leads and coordinates grant-funded initiatives designed to increase access, persistence, and degree completion for rural students. This position supports the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant by managing rural outreach strategies, coordinating student support services, building partnerships with rural schools and community organizations, and tracking program outcomes required for federal reporting and evaluation.

The coordinator works collaboratively across Admissions, Student Services, Academic Affairs, and external partners to ensure rural students are connected to appropriate academic, technological, accessibility, and wellness resources. This role requires independent project coordination, field-based outreach, data tracking, and consistent compliance documentation aligned with grant objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, implement, and coordinate rural outreach and engagement activities aligned with RPED grant objectives and benchmarks
• Serve as the primary liaison between rural students, Admissions, Student Services, faculty, and external partners to support recruitment, retention, and degree completion
• Develop and maintain partnerships with rural high schools, community colleges, libraries, nonprofits, and community organizations
• Coordinate and support student programming related to college readiness, transfer pathways, and student success initiatives, including the A.C.E.S. program
• Connect rural students to internal and external resources addressing academic support, technology access, accessibility accommodations, and wellness services
• Collaborate with Student Engagement, ADA, Counseling Services, and Academic units to ensure coordinated support services for rural students
• Track, document, and report outreach activities, student engagement, and program outcomes in compliance with federal grant requirements and evaluator expectations
• Assist in the planning and implementation of grant-funded workshops, summits, trainings, and outreach events
• Maintain consistent communication with the RPED Project Director regarding progress, challenges, reporting timelines, and compliance needs
• Identify service gaps impacting rural student access and success and recommend strategies for improvement
• Complete required monthly documentation, including time and effort reporting, activity summaries, and data submissions
• Manage a hybrid work schedule requiring regular travel to rural communities and independent field-based work
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum two years of experience in higher education, student services, outreach, advising, recruitment, program coordination, or related field
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple initiatives independently and coordinate across departments and external partners
• Strong organizational, communication, and data management skills
• Ability to travel regularly and work in both field-based and remote environments

QUALIFICATIONS PREFERRED:

• Master's degree preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position such as sitting and/or standing for a prolonged period of time
• Ability to work flexible hours to include nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to adjust or move objects up to 50 pounds in all directions
• Frequently communicates with others to exchange information
• Frequently uses hands/fingers to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle as needed
• Occasionally works in outdoor weather conditions

Salary Schedule

Salary Band: $40,070 - $50,087

To view salary schedules, visit: https://www.athens.edu/about/offices/human- resources/salary-schedule-tables/

Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications

Posting Detail Information

University Information

Located in historic Athens, Alabama, Athens State University offers junior and senior-level coursework to community college graduates and transfer students holding sufficient credits from other institutions. Approximately 3,000 students each semester have selected Athens State because of its neighborly environment where over 50 majors and degree programs are offered, with courses taught by a supportive and exceptional faculty. Approximately 95% of the students are enrolled in at least one online course. The typical student is a working adult who commutes. Recently, the University was named the Most Affordable College in Alabama by The Best Schools, as well as a 2024 Great College to Work For by ModernThink. Athens State offers undergraduate degree programs in Liberal Arts, Teacher Preparation, and Business. The University employs more than 392 full and part-time employees with approximately 88 full-time faculty members in three colleges: College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, and College of Education. 83% of the full-time faculty members hold a terminal degree. Athens State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Athens, Alabama is located in North Alabama equidistant between Nashville, TN and Birmingham, AL. Athens is home to several events and festivals that have been featured as the Southeast Tourism Society's "Top 20 Events in the Southeast" including the Athens Storytelling Festival and the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention.

EEO Statement

Non-Discrimination Policy Statement Athens State University, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. Athens State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, religion, genetic information, or veteran status in employment, or admissions to or participation in educational programs and activities. Inquiries or concerns may be addressed to the Office of the Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services, 300 N. Beaty St., Athens, AL 35611, 256- 233-8175.

Background Check Statement

In accordance with Athens State University Policy and guidelines, the applicant chosen for employment will be required to sign a consent form for a criminal background check. Employment will be contingent upon the receipt of a clearance notification from that criminal background check.

Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Unofficial transcripts should be from the college or university which verifies qualifications for the position.

Note: Credential evaluations are needed for all transcripts obtained outside the U.S. before uploading and submitting an application. (Credential evaluators should provide course-by-course evaluations and transcribed in English.)

Upon an offer of employment, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted. Continued employment is contingent upon receipt of transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Additional Information

Athens State University participates in the E-verify System to verify employment eligibility for all newly-hired employees.

To view details or to apply, visit: https://jobs.athens.edu/

Review of applications will begin as soon as possible and remain "open until filled".

For assistance, contact the Human Resources Office at 256-216-3333 or email us at employment@athens.edu.

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
• Chronicle of Higher Education web or print ad
• Higher Ed Jobs.com
• Special Publication or Professional Journal
• Athens State University website (Athens.edu)
• Personal or Employee Referral
• Local newspaper ad
• Other
• Inside Higher Ed

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• Unofficial Transcripts

Optional Documents