Education Specialist at Urban Strategies, Inc.

REPORTS TO: Project Manager  

LOCATION: Lloyd Oaks  

BACKGROUND:   

USI is a national nonprofit with extensive experience in the design and implementation of place-based human capital development strategies in  

communities that are undergoing comprehensive physical revitalization.  

Founded in 1978, USI is a leader in community development, supporting over 30,000 economically stressed families, approximately 100,000 individuals, in 53 communities in 28 major metropolitan areas. USI represents a movement towards a future where all children and families will be stable and thriving, supported by our unwavering dedication to being results-based, data-driven, and equity-centered. 

JOB SUMMARY:  

The Education Specialist will ensure that over time all children and youth residing in Llyod Oaks before, during and after redevelopment have access to a cradle to career continuum of solutions and are connected to those solutions that will foster their academic performance and college and career readiness.  The Education Specialist will support implementation of selected initiatives and activities related to early learners, younger children (pre-school, ES), or older children and youth (MS and HS). The Education Specialist will also support Adult Education by partnering with the Economic Mobility staff. 

JOB RESPONSIBLTIES:  

• Coordinate supports to help families and students access and succeed with high-quality early childhood, school, and out-of-school-time resources.
• Support transitions across education levels and into postsecondary education and the workforce, including necessary readiness assessments.
• Promote Parent and Family Engagement, including school- and home-based supports.
• Coordinate activities advancing postsecondary and workforce readiness (job training, internships, career counseling).
• Facilitate community-based support for students in the service area, sustaining connection to the Greater Dunbar community and success in postsecondary education and employment.
• Ensure access to social, health, nutrition, and mental health services and supports.
• Write reports and represent Urban Strategies at local meetings, documenting learnings.
• Troubleshoot education-related matters as needed.
• Align services with the Family Support Specialist to ensure consistent job duties.
• Provide information on school choice and assist families in navigating options to inform decisions.
• Maintain education data integrity in LEARN and document success stories to support outcomes.
• Participate in national education webinars and training opportunities; advance attendance strategies.
• Achieve HUD CNI People Plan Education Strategy goals.
• Maintain and strengthen educational partnerships, share data, align resources, and collaborate on initiatives.
• Develop and maintain an updated Educational Resource Portfolio.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field, plus at least three years’ project management experience and two years’ experience administering complex contracts or grants.
• Passion for community building and the ability to share enthusiasm with residents, staff, and the broader community.
• Ability to draw conclusions and make decisions from research data and findings.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; skilled in report writing.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience with case management and service coordination.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key contacts.
• Ability to analyze large amounts of detailed information and communicate key points concisely.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and desktop publishing; SPSS or other data-analysis software a plus.
• Strong interest in social entrepreneurship.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-disciplinary team.
• Ability to handle privileged information confidentially.
• Flexible for evening/weekend functions and occasional travel.
• Knowledge of the community and service area.

Urban Strategies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer