NJ-STEP Community Relations Specialist

Job Category Staff & Executive - Student Affairs and Services

Department

Department NJ Step

Overview

The New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education (NJ- STEP ) Consortium is an association of higher educational institutions that work in partnership with the NJ Department of Corrections and the State Parole to provide comprehensive college degree programming for students while incarcerated and to assist in their transition to college life and further degree work upon release. Under the office of the Chancellor, NJ- STEP serves a statewide population of people enrolled in college while in prison, on parole, and post-incarceration. NJ- STEP operates at each Rutgers campus, in 5 separate prisons, and a variety of residential reentry programs and partner college campuses across the state. For further information, please visit

Posting Summary

Rutgers University- Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a NJ- STEP Community Relation Specialist. Reporting directly to the Transitions Director, this position is responsible for and not limited to the following.
This position is responsible for and not limited to the following:

• Recruiting, training and supervising a Junior Completion Counselor who will provide ongoing tracking and support of released and matriculating NJ- STEP students statewide; this includes assessing student needs during pre-release assessments and develop appropriate programmatic responses for post-release
• Serving as the NJ- STEP representative and ambassador for all community relations initiatives, including those related to on-and off-campus student support services, internship and employment opportunities, and other activities and initiatives that promote social and economic mobility for NJ- STEP students and alumni
• Building and mapping connections with current and potential community partners
• Attending appropriate community program meetings and events on behalf of the NJ- STEP program
• Expected to initiate contact and develop relationships with community college personnel, partnered 4-year colleges, DOC /halfway house facility staff, and community agencies and organizations to develop partnerships and processes that enable NJ- STEP students transitioning into the community to continue and complete college degree work and participate in leadership opportunities to increase their professional skills and abilities
• Serving as a liaison for University-led youth outreach initiatives and interventions for local Newark justice-impacted youth. The NJ- STEP Community Relations Specialist will assist in all aspects of administering NJ- STEP as needed, including managing all clerical tasks, program communications, and supervision of staff, program interns/ field placements, and student employees
• Tracking all service delivery and generates formative reports as needed
• Reporting program updates, needs, student issues, and concerns to the Director of Transitions
• Position requires a solid understanding of, and investment in, the mission of the NJ- STEP , which assists previously incarcerated individuals in earning college degrees

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Grade

Grade 06

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

Mid Range Salary

Maximum Salary

Offer Information

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
• Life insurance coverage
• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

37.5

Standard Hours

37.50

Daily Work Shift

Work Arrangement Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the Application System. Additional information may be found at .

Union Description

Admin Assembly (MPSC)

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Requires a master’s degree in Counseling, Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in the candidate’s chosen field and at least three years of experience in program management and/or evaluation.

Certifications/Licenses

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must have excellent communication, writing skills, and organizational skills.
• Ability to evaluate effectiveness of components of the existing program and adjust as appropriate.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must have access to transportation for regular travel throughout the state, including to remote locations.
• Experience with opportunity programs, New Jersey State Department of Corrections, prisons, incarcerated populations or reentry populations preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Some teaching experience or academic support experience at the secondary and college level is preferred.
• Preference may be given to candidates whose background is similar to the target population, or individuals with other experience or direct knowledge of incarceration and reentry processes.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• May need to carry 30lbs up to 100 ft.

Special Conditions

Posting Number 26ST2000

Posting Open Date 10/20/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Regional Campus

Home Location Campus

City Newark

State NJ

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals , if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address:

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Ph.D.
• * Do you have three years of experience in program management and/or evaluation?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Have you been in your current position for 6 months?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application
• List of Professional References (contact Info)

Optional Documents

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination-Statement .
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation with regard to your access to and/or your participation in the application and selection processes (for example, the online application process or interviews), please call or e-mail us .

Rutgers University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. If you have trouble accessing this page because of a disability, please contact us at or via email at .

Rutgers University participates in the E-Verify program as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program .

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