Program Associate Student Recruitment and Outreach

Job Title: Program Associate Student Recruitment and Outreach

FLSA: Exempt

Position Type: Full-time

Reports To: Program Administrator, Student Engagement and Communications

Location: Denver, CO (with frequent travel required)

Position Description

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) strives to positively impact the lives of American Indians by supporting their higher education and career objectives. College Fund team members believe education is the answer and collectively we raise funds, provide scholarships, and holistically support students in achieving their goals. Programming, research, and enhancing the capacities of tribal colleges and universities are also integral elements of our mission.

The Program Associate, Student Recruitment and Outreach, reports to the Program Administrator of Student Engagement and Communications and plays a key role in advancing outreach, engagement, and communications strategies for Student Success Services (SSS). This position is uniquely focused on event-based outreach and will serve as a visible and welcoming presence at in-person gatherings across the country. The Associate is responsible for managing event planning and execution logistics—including tabling, registration, materials management, and on-site engagement—as well as supporting broader communications strategies and student-focused initiatives. Through this role, the Program Associate helps ensure Native students have meaningful access to college readiness and success resources through innovative and responsive programming and partnership building. .

This position involves frequent travel and requires someone who is organized, adaptable, and passionate about building connections that promote Native student success.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead On-Site Outreach and Event Coordination
• Represent the College Fund at in-person events, including conferences, college fairs, and community gatherings across the U.S.
• Manage event setup and breakdown, including tabling, registration, promotional materials, and on-site logistics.
• Coordinate the ordering, shipment, tracking, and inventory of materials needed for outreach events.
• Serve as a point of contact for students, families, and partners at events, providing a friendly and knowledgeable presence.
• Support Strategic Outreach and Communications Initiatives
• Contribute to the planning and execution of outreach campaigns to promote scholarship opportunities, Native college-going culture, and student support services.
• Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator and SSS staff on the development of marketing content and strategies.
• Help collect, develop, and share student stories and testimonials to support engagement and enhance awareness-building efforts.
• Build on and expand internal and external partnerships that support department and organizational goals.
• Manage and execute internal and external mailing requests to support the distribution of SSS materials and College Fund resources, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to established timelines.
• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships enhancing outreach, recruitment, and engagement efforts that align with the College Fund’s mission to support Native students and communities.
• Assist with Virtual and Internal Engagement Activities
• Support online and hybrid events by contributing to planning, logistics, and follow-up.
• Participate in department-wide initiatives and contribute to regular internal communications that highlight student success and SSS programming.
• Provide occasional support for cross-departmental College Fund events or campaigns that involve student outreach or engagement.
  
  
  

Example Projects

• Managing tabling and registration for Native college fairs and scholarship events in partnership with tribal colleges and community partners.
• Coordinating the preparation and shipment of outreach kits and promotional items to event locations.
• Supporting storytelling and visibility efforts by gathering student feedback and visuals at events.
• Assisting with seasonal outreach efforts, such as back-to-school or scholarship deadlines, through both in-person and digital tactics.
• Connecting with the National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSP) for shared tabling events, outreach campaigns, and aligned communication strategies.
  
  
  

Job Requirements

Competencies

• Excellent interpersonal communication and relationship-building skills
• Strong organizational and logistical planning abilities
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to dynamic, on-the-go environments
• Professionalism and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities
• Comfortable with public-facing roles and representing the College Fund externally
• Knowledge of or interest in Native higher education and Native student support
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently, including occasional evenings/weekends
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe, and digital communication platforms
  
  
  

Education / Professional Experience – Required

• Bachelor’s degree
• 1–3 years of relevant work experience in outreach, event coordination, communications, or community engagement
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with Native communities or in Native-serving organizations
• Prior work in nonprofit or higher education settings
• Familiarity with event planning, logistics, or student-facing services
• Experience with program development, implementation, and evaluation
• Experience traveling professionally and independently representing an organization
• Photography, videography, content creation, or storytelling experience a plus
  
  
  

Work Environment and Physical Activities

• Frequent travel (up to 40%), including to remote locations
• Substantial lifting of event materials (boxes of publications, banners, etc.)
• Frequent standing, walking, and event-based movement
• Frequent keyboarding and use of digital platforms
  
  
  

Note: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work for this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or qualifications.

The American Indian College Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer.