Outreach and Recruitment Specialist for Adult and BIPOC Students

Priority Consideration Date: May 26, 2024

Since opening its doors in 1965, Tacoma Community College has provided a high-quality, affordable education to more than 500,000 people. Serving Tacoma, Gig Harbor, the Key Peninsula, online students and the women's prisons, TCC educates about 11,000 students annually. Many TCC students are the first in their families to attend college, 58 percent receive financial aid, 13 percent have children, 42 percent are students of color, and 48 percent work while attending school. TCC has two campuses, the main campus in Tacoma and another in Gig Harbor. Situated northwest of Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge, the Gig Harbor campus offers credit and non-credit courses.

TCC is committed to developing and sustaining a vibrant educational environment where all students can thrive by providing educational opportunities such as learning communities, honors programming, undergraduate student research, bachelor of applied science degrees, and study abroad. TCC is committed to student success, and promotes innovation to help students. TCC is one of 67 colleges selected nationally to participate in the Department of Education's Second Chance Pell pilot program, providing access to education for incarcerated individuals. Designated a Military Friendly College, TCC is proud to serve Pierce County's military community. In fall 2018, the college opened a food pantry on campus to support students experiencing food insecurity and was recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School for its College Housing Assistance Program, a community partnership that helps students access affordable housing.

Outreach and Recruitment Specialist
Tacoma Community College seeks a self-motivated, organized and enthusiastic individual to serve as a recruiter for its Outreach and Recruitment Office. The selected individual must be able to work in a fast-paced, multi-functional environment and must be willing to work flexible hours, including evening and weekends.

Position Purpose
The Outreach Services Specialist will assist in the development and implementation of strategies to outreach to underrepresented populations, including students of color, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, first-generation college students, and students from low socio-economic households. This position supports the College's mission by increasing student success and educational access through intentional efforts to assist new students in navigating the entry process. Functioning as part of the larger TCC Student Affairs team, this position serves as a liaison and resource for numerous TCC constituents. The Outreach Services Specialist reports directly to the Director of Entry Services.

Prospective Student Recruitment

• Demonstrate cultural competence, including awareness and understanding of historically underrepresented populations, and create an educational and work environment that affirms commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Recruit students from all backgrounds and provide college access support for prospective students.
• Develop relationships with prospective underrepresented populations, including students of color, students who identify as LGBTQIA+, first generation college students and students from low socio-economic households interested in pursuing higher education.
• Collaborate with campus departments to strengthen and increase TCC's participation at community fairs and activities including community based organizations and military partners.
• Provide detailed information related to educational programs, services and the admissions and enrollment processes to potential students and their families.
• Work strategically with campus partners to foster partnerships with community organizations, social service agencies, and non-profits with an emphasis on pre-college populations, second language learners, returning adult populations and workforce eligible students.
• Attend recruitment fairs at a variety of venues including: military bases and community service agencies. Serves as an equity and access advocate to the TCC community.
• Assess and promptly respond to the needs and concerns of prospective students and guardians, via email, web chat, social media, phone, and in person.
• Communicate both orally and in writing with prospective students about TCC's admission requirements, program offerings, basic financial aid requirements and regulations, and scholarship opportunities.
• Provide individual and group admissions support to guide prospective students through the process of becoming a student at TCC.
• Collaborate with TCC Faculty to develop mutually beneficial pipelines between TCC programs and community agencies.
• Work with the Marketing department at TCC to develop strategic and effective recruitment messages, flyers, and social media initiatives.

• Support recruiting goals set by Director of Entry Services.
• Proactively organize and implement recruitment activities and events at community organizations.
• Provide reports pertaining to outreach and recruitment activities.

• Develop, schedule, and, facilitate off-site workshops and services at community organizations, social service agencies, Joint Base Lewis-McCord and non-profits.
• Coordinate recruitment events for underrepresented students of color and community-based organizations.
• Facilitate workshops at schools, in the community, and on base involving: admissions, financial literacy, scholarships, financial aid, and benefits of attending a community college.
• Assist in the marketing and promotion of TCC and its programs.

• Professionally represent TCC to its community partners.
• Organize and facilitate outreach events geared toward post-secondary enrollment for graduating seniors.
• Participate in on-campus committees and task forces related to outreach and recruiting activities.
• Coordinate with Gig Harbor campus staff on outreach oriented events and activities.
• Supervise a team of about 3 student mentors for outreach and recruitment (SMORES)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university OR an associate's degree and two years of professional experience.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Recruitment or student affairs experience while a student or as a professional.
• Excellent written skills and a willingness to present in front of groups.
• Intermediate word processing and spreadsheet experience.

• Proficiency or fluency in a second language.

• Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
• Must have reliable transportation to go to community meetings and events.
• Travel extensively (regionally) and work extended hours and weekends on short notice as needed.
• Ability to lift, move and push materials weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of diversity and the benefits of a commitment to cultural awareness and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, colleagues and staff representing diverse ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic and learning abilities.
• Ethics and integrity and sound professional judgment.
• Excellent customer service skills; including building and maintaining internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Ability to solve problems effectively and quickly. Ability to manage multiple tasks and successfully meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills and resourcefulness in problem-solving.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

Complete application packages must include the following:

1. Tacoma Community College application.
2. Resume and cover letter. Indicate in your letter how your educational background and experience align with the qualifications for this position.
3. Unofficial (copies) transcripts for all colleges and universities attended
4. Diversity Statement: Tacoma Community College is committed to creating and supporting a multi-cultural climate that welcomes, fosters, respects, and celebrates diversity. Please attach a statement (maximum two pages) describing your experiences with other cultures and communities, your level of cultural self-awareness and how you have integrated both experience and self-awareness into your living/working environment.