Project Coordinator/Student Success Coach USDA (FT, Grant Funded), CFRE13274HORT

The Project Coordinator/Student Success Coach USDA is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a USDA-funded grant program for the horticulture department, including grant compliance, budget management, data collection, student support, and community outreach with employer and student recruitment. This role ensures the effective implementation of program objectives, supports student success, and maintains strong partnerships with internal departments, external partners, and community organizations. This is a 3-year grant-funded position. Oversee all aspects of grant funded project, including budget development and monitoring to ensure expenditures align with approved allocations. Assist with preparation, compilation, and tracking of all required financial reports, documentation, and performance data in a timely and accurate manner in conjunction with grant support staff. Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to successfully implement grant activities and meet established goals and deadlines. Oversee all grant program data collection and reporting processes. Design, develop, and maintain tracking systems and databases (including spreadsheets) to monitor outreach, admissions, retention, persistence, and credential/degree completion. Utilize internal data systems to ensure accurate student counts and maintain detailed records for students supported by the grant. Conduct additional data collection and analysis as needed to support program objectives. Represent the Horticulture program through regular outreach to high schools, open houses, and community events to promote the grant scholarship, transfer pathways, and the grant program at COD. Plan and coordinate outreach activities and informational sessions and maintain accurate records of all visits and engagement efforts to support grant reporting requirements. Work collaboratively with the DuPage Correctional Facility contact to oversee and coordinate the enrollment and registration processes for correctional facility students, including tracking student progress, and managing scholarship awards to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. Assist students, enrolled in the program, with course selection, academic planning, career exploration and goal setting. Support students in achieving educational and career goals and connect them with relevant resources and evaluate outcomes to support program success. Coordinate, and monitor student internship placements, develop employer partnerships, match students to opportunities, track progress, and evaluate outcomes to support program success. Work collaboratively with the DuPage Correctional Facility contact to oversee and coordinate the enrollment and registration processes for correctional facility students, including tracking student progress, and managing scholarship awards to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing. Plan, develop and implement strategies to reach high school dual credit partners and students to educate them on workforce opportunities and recruitment activities in sustainable urban agriculture. Recruit, hire, train, and supervise student ambassadors to assist with outreach, recruitment activities, program and campus tours, and other program-related initiatives. Work with economic developers, business associations and local and state agencies to promote the program and build connections to local industries and employers. Assist with special projects related to the grant as needed and other duties as assigned by the horticulture department chair. Attend in-service and division meetings, and Horticulture Advisory Board meetings, participate in professional development opportunities and complete additional training as requested.