The University of Wisconsin System, a premier system of public higher education, educates approximately 161,000 students each year and employs 40,000 faculty and staff statewide. With 13 universities across 26 campuses and a statewide extension network with offices in every county, the UW System is a tremendous academic, cultural, and economic resource for Wisconsin, the nation, and the world. The UW System and its employees are purpose-driven, people-focused, and committed to stewardship.

The University of Wisconsin Higher Education Location Program (UW HELP) is a program within the Office of Enrollment and Student Success, whose central mission is dedicated to advancing the educational success of all students. UW HELP assists students of all ages and backgrounds find UW System campuses that meet their needs by providing information, guidance, and support during the college preparation process. Through a website, mobile app, digital and print publications, and outreach events, UW HELP educates thousands of people annually about UW institutions, including prospective students, families, high school counselors, community and government agencies, higher education professionals, and other access professionals. UW HELP also manages the development, deployment, and enhancement of the UW System Application for Admission.

POSITION SUMMARY

UW HELP is seeking two (2) Outreach Specialists. Reporting to the Associate Vice President (AVP) for Enrollment and Student Success, these positions will serve as a key resource for strategic, culturally competent, and otherwise appropriate outreach to internal and external UW System stakeholders, including students and others who support them throughout the college application process. Specific duties will include the following:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Advising:

• Provide exemplary advice and guidance to students, families, high school counselors, community and government agencies, higher education professionals, and other access professionals seeking information about programs, services, and resources for all institutions within the UW System.

Outreach:

• Travel to and participate in ongoing and future initiatives including presenting at school and community events, state and national conferences, education fairs, college nights, system events, and other outreach activities.
• Identify, expand, and implement alternate delivery methods and content for outreach activities.
• Assist with planning and drafting content for various UW HELP digital and print publications as well as outreach presentations.
• Promote and educate others on using the UW Journey app, the UW HELP website, and UW System Application for Admission.
• Assist with expanding, enhancing, and maintaining information displayed via the UW HELP website.
• Assist with the development, enhancement, and coordination of digital products including but not limited to the UW HELP website, chatbot, UW Journey app, and social media channels.
• Represent the UW System at events and programming for prospective students. Travel will be required to schools, college fairs, and other events.

Student/Family/Counselor/Community Services:

• Support student use of the UW System Application for Admission (used by all UW System institutions).
• Assist with maintenance of critical internal and external relationships.
• Assist with the planning of annual workshops for high school counselors and other college access professionals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Demonstrated effective oral and written communication skills
• Experience conducting presentations to students, parents, and/or other stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to engage in cross-functional teamwork and establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with a variety of stakeholder groups
• Demonstrated experience promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion
• The ability to prioritize work and manage time efficiently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years of recent and relevant work experience in student service-oriented settings including experience advising students through the college search process
• Experience working within a diverse, multi-campus university system
• Familiarity with college admissions, financial aid, and academic planning processes
• Knowledge of college access and student success issues in higher education
• Experience using various social media platforms to connect with target audiences
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and analytical skills

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

This position is a full-time, salaried (exempt) Academic Staff Appointment. Well-qualified candidates can expect a starting annual salary within a range of $47,000-56,800 annually, commensurate with the candidate’s education, related experience, and qualifications. UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UWSA comprehensive benefit package, you can read our benefit summary guide: Summary – Faculty, Academic Staff & Limited Appointees. Furthermore, the UW System Health & Retirement Contributions Estimator is a tool designed to provide you with total compensation information.

This position can accommodate a remote work arrangement for Wisconsin residents, and requires ability to travel throughout the state of WI, with focus on the southeast region.

The UW System is required to conduct a criminal background and sexual harassment check for the selected finalist prior to employment.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To ensure full consideration, please submit application materials by 11:55 PM on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. However, applications may be accepted until the position has been filled.

1. Go to the UWSA Applicant Portal to submit your materials online and select the appropriate applicant portal, either External Applicants or Internal Applicants and click on the position title that you want to apply for.
2. Follow the onscreen instructions and be sure to include your salary expectations when asked in our applicant tracking system. In addition, please be sure to upload ALL THREE of the required documents: resume, cover letter, and references as PDF files. Failing to include any of these documents may disqualify your application.

a. Your cover letter MUST specifically address how your education and experience relate to the and qualifications. Be sure to emphasize the areas outlined under “Minimum and Preferred Qualifications.”
b. Your reference page should include the names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for three professional references with at least one being from a current or previous supervisor.

3. Submit your application.

The University of Wisconsin System Administration is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, minorities, and person with disabilities.

Questions may be addressed to Shelby Buchanan, HR Business Partner: Shelby.Buchanan@uwex.wisconsin.edu