Outreach & Engagement Coordinator – Bilingual – Denver Metro
Job Type
Full-time
Description

Zero Dropouts LLC is a leading organization dedicated to tackling the issue of high school dropout, graduation, and postsecondary rates. Our mission is to provide innovative solutions and support systems that empower students to stay engaged in their education and graduate successfully. We work closely with schools, educators, community organizations, and policymakers to create sustainable strategies for improving outcomes and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Zero Dropouts takes an innovative, non-traditional approach to the learning and development of young adults grounded in the belief that all students can be successful in education and life. We are an educational social enterprise that partners WITH youth and communities in pursuit of equitable opportunities for all. We distinguish ourselves by being data and research-oriented, goal-focused, relationship-based, and willing to dive into difficult areas to achieve exemplary results and redefine success.

We are seeking an Outreach & Engagement Coordinator to provide in-person support at Drop-In Centers in the Denver Metro area for students enrolled in our Next Online GED Plus Program–a virtual learning community for 17–24-year-olds preparing for the GED, college, and careers. The Outreach & Engagement Coordinator will build relationships with Next Online students in order to recruit and orient them to the program, support digital literacy skill development, engage them in postsecondary and workforce readiness activities, connect them to wraparound supports, coordinate testing, and support their academic efforts at Drop-In Centers. The Outreach & Engagement Coordinator will work directly with students, e-Teachers, ZD staff, school, district, and community partners. 

The Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for Denver Metro Next Online reports to the Director of Learning & Innovation and provides support to the organization in the key areas:  

  • Outreach 
  • Engagement 
  • Assessment 
  • Administrative 
  • Collaboration & Communication 

Within the key areas, responsibilities include: 

Outreach 

  • Recruit students to Next Online based on school, district, and partner referrals 
  • Facilitate enrollment meetings and orientations to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to fully participate in a virtual learning community 
  • Re-engage Next Online students with low (or no) attendance/engagement in coursework (phone calls, social media messages, home visits, coffee shop appointments, workplace drop-by, family/friend contacts, etc.) 
  • Invite students to Drop-In Centers for community-building, enrichment experiences, academic support, testing, etc. recognizing the importance of creating nurturing environments conducive to growth and development
  • As needed, contact students on 40-code lists to support (re-)enrollment in appropriate schools or programs, acknowledging the need for adaptive and responsive approaches within complex systems

Engagement 

  • Create and maintain a schedule at designated Drop-In Centers in assigned region (e.g., Denver Metro, Northern Colorado, Western Slope, Central Mountains) in order to provide in-person support and foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness within the community
  • Connect students with wraparound services and resources (e.g., mental health/counseling, basic needs, childcare, job placement services, etc.), recognizing the importance of holistic support systems in fostering resilience and growth
  • Support students in developing and following their class schedules and engaging in synchronous or asynchronous learning opportunities 
  • Provide tutoring for individuals and small groups, emphasizing collaborative and cooperative learning models  
  • Provide technical support and/or digital literacy skill development, empowering individuals to sustainably navigate and thrive within technological landscapes
  • Coordinate and implement enrichment, extracurricular, service-learning, postsecondary exploration, and/or community-building experiences virtually, at Drop-In Centers, and via field trips or excursions, in order to promote interconnectedness and collective learning experiences within the community
  • Develop partnerships with potential ambassadors in the communities served to expand and support (re-)engagement efforts when ZD staff is unavailable for in-person connections (e.g., community centers, libraries, workplaces, popular “hangouts,” etc.), recognizing the importance of decentralized leadership and community empowerment within regenerative organizations

Assessment 

  • Proctor GED Ready testing virtually, at Drop-In Centers, or other agreed-upon neutral locations  
  • Schedule Official testing for students who demonstrate readiness 
  • Arrange transportation for students to Official testing locations as needed 
  • Proctor at Drop-In Centers or arrange transportation for students to other locations for mandated testing (CMAS, WIDA, SAT, PSAT, etc.) as required by partner schools/districts 
  • Support students who qualify with applying for accommodations through GEDTS 

Administration 

  • Manage enrollment of students in both ZD programs as well as appropriate school/district 
  • Function as liaison between ZD and school/district/partner points-of-contact, facilitating communication and collaboration to ensure holistic student support and program effectiveness
  • Create course schedules for individual students  
  • Enter testing, attendance, and participation data into databases and Student Information Systems, as required by partner schools/districts and Zero Dropouts 
  • Provide students with technology and other resources needed to engage in virtual programming 
  • Maintain supplies, equipment, and resources at ZD-operated Drop-In Centers 

Collaboration & Communication  

  • Utilize all available communication platforms (Outlook, Teams, Trello, etc.) to engage with co-workers, students, and other stakeholders in a timely manner consistent with professional expectations
  • Meet regularly with the Next Online team to develop and maintain consistent practices across regions and platforms, evaluate ed tech tools, analyze data, etc.
  • Participate in ZD meetings, team-building experiences, and professional development activities
  • Develop district and community partnerships through participation in community events to support program improvements, student recruitment, postsecondary opportunities, extracurricular/enrichment experiences, service-learning projects, etc.
  • Provide insights and analysis on program impact and effectiveness to inform future funding opportunities
  • Participate on Zero Dropouts Design Teams for product development as necessary and appropriate
Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bilingual - English and Spanish: writing, reading, and oral 
  • Two or more years of college
  • Two or more years of experience working with adolescents or adults from diverse backgrounds as well as their families and support networks 
  • Experience working with trauma-impacted individuals or communities, with sensitivity to the unique needs and challenges they may face
  • Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches to communication, engagement, and support
  • Strong, assertive, sales-type skills with the ability to initiate conversations about school by either cold calling or directly approaching students in person 
  • Ability to work independently  
  • Ability to adapt to evolving program needs and requirements or shifting priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. 
  • Computer skills in Google and Microsoft applications 
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively while maintaining sensitivity and empathy
  • Ability to find and stay informed about beneficial resources for youth throughout the geographic areas where Drop-In Centers are located
  • Demonstrated appreciation of clear and appropriate boundaries with youth 
  • Dependable transportation and insurance 
  • Passionate and committed belief that youth can rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles and return to school, graduate, and enter into post-secondary education or the workforce 
  • Empathy, patience, and a genuine commitment to supporting learners' educational goals 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Bachelor's degree in education, human services, psychology, social work, counseling or other related field
  • Previous experience in outreach, community engagement, or education-related roles 
  • Knowledge of virtual learning platforms and educational technology  
  • Working knowledge of the areas where Drop-In Centers are located, including school districts, community colleges, businesses, and community-based organizations 
  • Knowledge of the GED 
  • Experience working with adolescents or adults in an educational setting 

WORK SCHEDULE - This is a full-time position with demanding goals, which may sometimes require longer hours and flexible scheduling.  

SALARY - This is an exempt position with an annual salary range of $55,000-$64,000 based upon qualifications, knowledge, and relevant experience 

BENEFITS - Company 401k plan with Employer Contribution Match, Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage, Paid Time Off (Sick Time, Holidays, Flexible Vacation). This position is not PERA eligible. 

HOW TO APPLY – Follow this link to apply or select the “Apply Now” button on the posting page. If you have any questions, please contact HR at hr@zerodropouts.com

Salary Description
$55,000-$64,000 / year