Organizational Overview
Tulsa is home to the only higher education consortium of its kind in the state of Oklahoma. The Tulsa Higher Education Consortium is an organization of multi-institutional, cross-sector partnerships that meaningfully improve students’ journeys towards degree completion, professional independence, and economic mobility. Its members include nine Tulsa-area colleges and universities (College of the Muscogee Nation, Langston University, Northeastern State University, OSU-Tulsa, OU-Tulsa, Rogers State University, Southern Nazarene University-Tulsa, Tulsa Community College, and the University of Tulsa) and seven affiliate partners (Tulsa Community Foundation, Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional Chamber, ImpactTulsa, The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education).
The Tulsa Higher Education Consortium’s mission is to advance student learning, improve student success, achieve equity in outcomes, and meet workforce needs by working collaboratively to increase higher education opportunities in the region. The Consortium serves as a convener, connector, and communicator for its members, allowing for synergy and true collaboration centered around supporting Tulsa-area students on their postsecondary journeys.
Job Summary:
The Family College Access Navigator (CAN) will work directly with parents, caregivers, and students to guide them through the Oklahoma’s Promise and FAFSA application (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) processes, providing essential support and resources to ensure successful completion.
Duties and Responsibilities
Parent/Caregiver Engagement:
- Host dedicated sessions tailored to parent needs at schools or in the community, including evening or weekend events to increase access.
Application Support:
- Guide parents and caregivers through each step of the FAFSA and OK Promise application processes.
- Provide culturally responsive and language-accessible assistance when possible.
Educational Workshops:
- Facilitate workshops specifically designed for parents and guardians, covering financial aid basics, timelines, and action steps.
Resource Distribution and Follow-Up:
- Distribute take-home materials to help families complete applications independently if needed.
- Conduct follow-up communication to assist with ongoing questions or incomplete applications.
Collaboration & Training:
- Coordinate with Outreach Manager to schedule family-focused events at schools and partner sites.
- Participate in staff meetings, training sessions.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience working with middle and high school students and their families, preferably in an educational or counseling capacity.
- Strong knowledge of the OK Promise and FAFSA application processes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to explain complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to travel to various schools and community locations as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- College student or graduate with a degree, certification, credential or some higher education in a relevant field.
- Bilingual proficiency.
Educational Requirements
- High school diploma
- Some relevant work experience in similar non-profit, education, or community development organizations.
Physical and Logistics requirements
- Position requires sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Must be able to travel independently between multiple work sites within a day.
- Must maintain a valid driver license and auto insurance.
Hours and Location
- This position involves outreach events that may occur during “traditional” work hours (between 9 AM and 5 PM) and also evenings and weekend events when students and families are available to attend outreach events.
- This is a grant funded position
Salary Information: This is a part time (around 10-20 hours per week), hourly position at $25 per hour