Assistant Program Coordinator Jobs in Springfield, MO

This is a 10-month position (August - May). First date of consideration is July 31, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. If you are using education to meet minimum qualifications, please attach an unofficial transcript to your application. Official transcript required at time of hire, if applicable.

Position Title - Part-time Bear POWER Program Assistant (10-month Aug-May)

Work Location - Springfield Campus

Out-of-State Employment - Out-of-state employment is limited to Arkansas, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., and subject to supervisor approval.

Department - School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies

Pay Grade - Unclassified

Proposed Salary - $16.00/hr

Sponsorship Information - Applicants must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis. This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship.

General Function - The BearPOWER Program Assistant assists with the coordination of direct support provided to students in the BearPOWER program, an inclusive college program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities created to offer a post-secondary education opportunity for students that have completed high school. Will assist with processing applications and coordinating interviews of prospective students; promoting awareness of the program through social media and other marketing materials; and assist with open house, orientation, move-in day, and other program events.

Description of Primary Duties - The BearPOWER Program Assistant assists with the coordination of direct support provided to students in the BearPOWER program, an inclusive college program for students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities created to offer a post-secondary education opportunity for students that have completed high school. Will assist with processing applications and coordinating interviews of prospective students; promoting awareness of the program through social media and other marketing materials; and assist with open house, orientation, move-in day, and other program events.

1. Coordinates support and resources of the BearPOWER program.

2. Provides direct support to BearPOWER students in the areas of academics, social, independent living, and job readiness.

3. Assists with public relations efforts.

4. Coordinates the annual BearPOWER Open House events.

5. Processes admission applications and coordinates program interviews for potential BearPOWER students applying to the program.

6. Plans and implements the BearPOWER Leadership Retreat as part of the admissions process for incoming students.

7. Organizes SOAR, move-in weekend, and orientation for incoming students.

8. Assists in raising funds for BearPOWER program start-up and private scholarship funds through grants, SB40 local and regional boards, crowdfunding campaigns, and/or private donors.

9. Raise awareness by assisting with strategic planning and marketing of the BearPOWER program, including traveling to transition fairs or school districts.

10. Assists in creating and facilitating training workshops for faculty on accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, and inclusion of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

11. Collaborates with other departments on campus (Residence Life, Housing and Dining Services, Disability Resource Center, Learning Diagnostic Clinic, Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, Career Center, BearCLAW Tutoring Center, Citizenship and Service Learning (CASL), etc. to provide support for students in the BearPOWER program.

12. Oversees volunteer recruitment, training, and implementation of volunteer support to BearPOWER students.

13. Assists in the Midwest Inclusive Post-Secondary Alliance (MIPSA).

14. Attends conferences to gain new information regarding best practices and resources.

15. Build partnerships with local businesses to provide internship possibilities for students.

16. Assists in providing career support to students graduating and six months post-graduation.

17. Updates the BearPOWER website, marketing materials, and social media accounts.

Minimum Acceptable Qualifications - Education/Experience: A high school diploma or the equivalent and general office experience required. Demonstrated experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), with a commitment to promoting inclusion, independence, and person-centered supports strongly preferred.

Skills: Keyboarding skills are required. A working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications is required. A working knowledge of or the ability to learn and use database applications, the web content management system, the administrative business system or enterprise resource planning system, and other systems or applications that may be used within the University or department is required. The ability to operate and troubleshoot electronic office equipment, computers, and peripherals, maintain moderately complex filing systems and records, and make mathematical calculations is required. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required. The ability to train, assign work, and review the work of full- and part-time employees and student workers is required. The ability to maintain financial records and accounts and prepare financial reports is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Effort: Administrative support positions are primarily sedentary. Administrative support positions require extensive keyboarding.

Additional Qualifications

Special Instructions to Applicants - This is a 10-month position (August – May). First date of consideration is July 31, 2026, and review of applications will continue until the position is filled. If you are using education to meet minimum qualifications, please attach an unofficial transcript to your application. Official transcript required at time of hire, if applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement - Missouri State University is a community of people with respect for diversity. The University emphasizes the dignity and equality common to all persons and adheres to a strict non-discrimination policy regarding the treatment of individual faculty, staff, and students. In accord with federal law and applicable Missouri statutes, the University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin (including ancestry, or any other subcategory of national origin recognized by applicable law), religion, sex (including marital status, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other subcategory of sex recognized by applicable law), age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law in employment or in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the University. Sex discrimination encompasses sexual harassment, which includes sexual violence, and is strictly prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This policy shall not be interpreted in a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces of the United States of America. The University maintains a grievance procedure incorporating due process available to any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against. Missouri State University is an Equal Opportunity employer. Inquiries concerning the complaint/grievance procedure related to discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including sexual harassment and sexual assault, or compliance with federal and state laws and guidelines, should be addressed to the Director, Office for Institutional Compliance, Carrington Hall 205, 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65897, Compliance@MissouriState.edu, 417-836-4252.

Background Check Statement - Employment will require a criminal background check at University expense.

HR Representative - Crystal Ponder