STARS Recruitment Specialist

Program Overview

The Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) program is a TRIO Program funded by the US Department of Education. VUB is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of postsecondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring and academic instruction in the core subject areas.

The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs. The VUB STARS services provide for veteran participants in the Tulsa and Muskogee areas.

This position is primarily an off-site field position that will not be permanently housed on the UCO Campus. The field of operation is in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and surrounding communities, as well as in and around Muskogee, Oklahoma, and periodically at the VUB Hub located at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond campus. On assigned working days at the VUB Hub, travel will be reimbursed from Tulsa or Muskogee.

The ideal candidate would live in one of these areas and/or be familiar with these areas to help with community connections. The Recruitment Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of communication with potential program participants and will attend applicable military and community events to inform referral network stakeholders about program objectives. This position reports directly to the VUB STARS Project Director.

Up to 25 hours a week, Monday – Friday 8am–5pm, some evenings and weekends. Flexible schedule. A valid driver’s license is required, as well as transportation and/or the ability to travel to and from community partner locations and recruiting events. Must be able to drive 12 or 15 passenger vehicles rented by the program to transport students to and from activities.

(vendor requirements for van rental have a minimum age limit of 23 years old). This position is grant-funded and can be renewed yearly for up to 5 years but is not guaranteed. This grant cycle ends August 31, 2027.

• Recruit veteran participants for VUB STARS.
• Work with Project Director to assess recruitment and funded-to-serve ratios.
• Counsel participants regarding academic endeavors.
• Act as a resource person for academic information and decision-making strategies.
• Drive a 15-passenger van to transport participants to program events.
• Meet with participants regularly to track progress in VUB STARS program participation.
• Collect, organize, and enter data to address issues relating to persistence.
• Convert manual records to a computerized information system.
• Manage personal data in accordance with federal privacy protections.
• Provide assistance with FAFSA completion and financial aid processing.
• Document unit-level services provided for each participant to chart data for monitoring project objectives and goals.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are followed in accordance with EDGAR, FERPA, GEPA, and GPRA.

• Typically requires general education or vocational training or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and clean driving record.

• Highly preferred U.S. Military Veteran, Military-Connected, or prior TRIO experience as staff or participant.
• Expertise with under-represented populations or participants at high risk of academic failure; demonstrated coordination of recruitment strategies; and experience addressing barriers analogous to participants.
• Associate degree or higher; being bilingual in English and Spanish is preferred but not required.
• Requires application of expertise in a chosen field to achieve results. Work experience that provides knowledge of and exposure to fundamental theories, principles, and concepts.
• Valid driver’s license.

Demonstrated ability to work well with diverse populations. Ability to work with peers, supervisors, faculty, staff, and students. Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal, human relations, public relations, and organizational skills. Strong mechanical, computing, and networking skills. Ability to work independently, handle multiple tasks, and interact professionally with all segments of the University community. Ability to organize and coordinate personnel associated with the project.

Ability to maintain confidentiality. Detail-oriented. Understanding and knowledge of the veteran and military-connected community.

Reasonable accommodation (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.