Job Description

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) empowers high-achieving students from Ohio's largest urban school districts to reach their full academic and professional potential.


Established in 1988, YSP serves students from Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain, Toledo, and Youngstown. Young Scholars aspire to be the first in their families to obtain a bachelor's degree. Scholars who maintain a strong academic standing receive a generous financial aid package, including federal and state grants, work-study, and the Young Scholars Award.


Through a rigorous pre-collegiate curriculum and comprehensive support, YSP prepares students for success at The Ohio State University and beyond.


The Program Coordinator - Cincinnati is a full-time position LOCATED IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. The successful candidate must either reside in or be willing to relocate to a location within daily commuting distance of Cincinnati, OH.

Engagement

Student/Family

Educate YSP students and their families about colleges, the college admissions process, trends, procedures, and testing requirements. Meet with each YSP student in grades 8-12 enrolled in Cincinnati Public Schools and the Cincinnati area at least twice a month, through individual, group, classroom, or virtual advisement methods. Develop and nurture a supportive relationship with each YSP student from their high school start to college graduation. Create personalized, thorough academic plans that meet Ohio State admissions standards. Assist YSP students in selecting courses that align with their comprehensive academic plan. Identify and offer resources, referrals, and support services in relevant cities for scholars and families. Represent and negotiate on behalf of the YSP student and parent in case any problems or disputes arise regarding academic standing, probation, or expulsion, among other issues;

District/Community

Collaborate and connect with local universities and college access programs to enhance opportunities for students.

Curriculum

Research, develop, and implement a curriculum for monthly cohort workshops designed to prepare students for college and careers at the designated grade level.

Programs and Services

Help develop and implement programs and events that align with program initiatives. Organize and oversee events, field trips, and award ceremonies, while also offering support for special initiatives and events planned at designated sites and the Ohio State University. Collaborate with both campus and off-campus stakeholders to provide special programming beyond school settings and hours.

Administrative Duties

Scholars and Families

Keep thorough notes on action steps for every monthly individual, group, and/or classroom meeting. Track, monitor, and evaluate the academic progress of each YSP student, including course selections, grades, and school attendance, by reviewing mid-term and semester grades. If necessary, prescribe appropriate remedial action and collaborate with relevant school counselors and/or teachers to ensure students maintain good academic standing. Keep a robust filing and record-keeping system for each YSP student. Maintain consistent communication with participating scholars and parents through email, phone, or postal mail.

Recruitment/Admissions

Develop and implement a strategic recruitment and marketing plan to prepare academically high-performing, underrepresented, first-generation college-bound students for postsecondary education. Coordinate visits to middle school classrooms, assemblies, and club meetings to promote YSP, awareness of college, and preparation for college; Join in-person and virtual district and statewide information sessions for YSP pre-college admission. Choose, enlist, and train committee members during the annual YSP recruitment selection processes; Act as a liaison with school administrators and the Ohio State University to facilitate recruitment, retention, and the college admission process for students in the school district;

District

Establish professional relationships with various stakeholders, such as parents, students, and school district staff. Stay updated on opportunities and resources that could enhance the Young Scholars Program within the YSP-serving school district and local community. May volunteer with the YSP-serving district as a college access and student success partner.

Student supervision

Recruit, train, and oversee remote work-study student assistants to offer valuable work experience and develop soft skills.

Technology

Learn and utilize various technologies, including Carmen Zoom, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Jamboard, Scarlet Canvas, Canva, the Embark application site, and Skype for Business. Manage social media platforms (Facebook/Meta, Instagram) for YSP, serving the city, to support program updates, scholar recognition, and recruitment.

Budgetary

Oversee the budget and expenditures for city programs.

Professional

Assist with drafting and submitting proposals to funding agencies and to national, state, and district conferences. Help collect and interpret key progress and outcome variables to assess the effectiveness of the Young Scholars Program and the services provided in the YSP-serving school district. As requested by the YSP director or senior ODI administration, represent the YSP to potential supporters and other interested parties in the targeted school district. Attend all mandatory meetings and recommended professional development opportunities. Collaborate closely with YSP leadership to identify vendors, process paperwork, and connect with prospective stakeholders.

Additional Information

Travel

Successful candidates must be willing to travel within the city served by YSP to school buildings and other locations for workshops, student meetings, and recruitment sessions. The successful candidate must also be willing to travel to The Ohio State University - Columbus campus as needed for staff meetings, campus visits, and summer programming, including overnight travel of up to one week.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor's Level Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Additional Education Desired

Master's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications

Two years of relevant experience required. Two to four years of direct work experience with low-income and urban students at the secondary and/or post-secondary level preferred; proven outcomes in promoting college success for low-income, urban students; knowledge of effective practices for working with urban, low-income students; excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, public speaking, and presentation skills; understanding of issues and trends in preK-12 urban and higher education; commitment to professional development; ability to work independently without daily supervision; strong collaborative work style and strong work ethic; computer and technology skills; exceptional organizational abilities and skill in identifying strategic processes.


Given that this position involves working with minors, the candidate must undergo a criminal background check.


LOCATED IN CINCINNATI, OHIO. The successful candidate must reside in or be willing to relocate to Cincinnati, OH, within a daily commuting distance.


Review of this application will begin on December 1, 2025.


The target hiring range for this job profile is

$22.93 - $29.95.

The offer for this position will fall within this range based on internal equity, unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications

Function - Academic Administration

Sub Function - Academic Program Services

Band - Individual Contributor - Specialized

Level - S2

Regular 40 First Shift