Special Education Grant Coordinator at University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, CT

Job description

The mission of The University of Bridgeport is to promote academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Position Summary The University of Bridgeport seeks a Special Education Grant Coordinator for a full-time, one-year grant-funded position with potential renewal contingent upon grant funding. This role will support the development, implementation, and coordination of a graduate-level special education program. The Coordinator will collaborate with and support the SoE Director to strengthen educator preparation, school-university partnerships, candidate support, and program effectiveness. The Special Education Grant Coordinator will help manage day-to-day grant activities, coordinate with school and community partners, support recruitment and participant tracking, maintain program records, and assist with reporting and compliance requirements. The position requires a detail-oriented, collaborative professional committed to equity, access, and high-quality preparation for educators serving students with exceptionalities. Grounded in the University of Bridgeport's mission, the Coordinator will work closely with faculty, administrators, district partners, and program participants to advance innovative and responsive special education programming. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Program Coordination and Implementation Coordinate the implementation of grant-funded special education initiatives, including timelines, deliverables, milestone tracking, and daily operations. Assist in the development and maintenance of program materials, including handbooks, calendars, training materials, forms, guides, and participant resources. Support the alignment of program activities with university policies, school partner expectations, and relevant state requirements. Collaborate with faculty and program leadership to support special education coursework, field-based experiences, and related program activities. Help organize and monitor professional learning, workshops, meetings, and events connected to the grant. The Coordinator may also be required to teach select courses throughout the year. Recruitment, Outreach, and Participant Support Support recruitment efforts for program participants through culturally responsive outreach strategies, including communication with prospective candidates, school personnel, and community partners. Assist with application, selection, onboarding, and orientation processes in collaboration with admissions and program staff. Maintain regular communication with participants to support successful engagement, retention, and program completion. Provide administrative and coordination support for mentorship, field placements, and participant development activities. Track participant progress and maintain accurate records related to enrollment, participation, and outcomes. Partnership and Collaboration Serve as a key point of coordination among the University, local school districts, mentor teachers, and other community stakeholders. Help build and sustain collaborative relationships with district leaders, school administrators, faculty, and program partners. Coordinate meetings, communications, and follow-up actions with internal and external stakeholders. Support mentor engagement, training logistics, and distribution processes related to program supports or stipends, when applicable. Grant Compliance, Data, and Reporting Maintain organized records for grant activities, expenditures, participant data, and required documentation. Assist with budget tracking and coordination with university offices as needed. Develop and maintain systems for collecting, organizing, and reporting program data. Prepare reports, summaries, and documentation for university leadership, funders, and other stakeholders in an accurate