Special Education Grant Coordinator

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 and timely manner.

• Support evaluation and continuous improvement efforts by reviewing data, identifying trends, and helping document program impact.

University Service and Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend department, program, and university meetings as required.

• Submit reports, correspondence, and documentation in an accurate and timely manner.

• Participate in university, school, and community events related to the program and grant objectives.

• Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and effective working relationships across stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the grant and the department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education, Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• Experience in PK-12 special education.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex projects, programs, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.

• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Experience with data management, recordkeeping, and report preparation.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, particularly in work with historically underserved communities.

• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, school personnel, administrators, candidates, and community partners.

• Proficiency with standard office and educational technology tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.

• Connecticut certification in special education.

• Experience working with grant-funded programs, including compliance tracking and reporting.

• Experience in teacher preparation, clinical supervision, mentoring, or professional development.

• Familiarity with Connecticut educator preparation requirements, school district partnerships, and special education systems.

• Experience working in urban or high-needs school settings.

• Knowledge of accreditation, program assessment, or continuous improvement processes in higher education.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current practices, research, and trends in special education and educator preparation.

• Ability to analyze, synthesize, and interpret program and participant data to support improvement efforts.

• Strong project coordination and time management skills, with attention to detail and deadlines.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Demonstrated ability to work collegially in a team environment while also showing initiative and independent action.

• Commitment to professional conduct and student- and partner-centered service.

Work Environment

This position is based at the University of Bridgeport and may require travel to partner schools, districts, or community sites as needed. Some evening or occasional off-site responsibilities may be required in support of program activities. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation may be preferred for travel related to partnership responsibilities.

This is a one-year, grant-funded position. Continued employment beyond the appointment period is contingent upon grant funding, program needs, and institutional approval.

Full-Time Employee Benefits

University of Bridgeport offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:

• Medical Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Pet Insurance

• 401(k) employer match

• Employee and dependent life insurance

• Tuition benefits for employee, spouse, and dependents

• Paid time off

• Flexible work schedule/work-from-home opportunities, where applicable and approved

Additional Statement

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the University of Bridgeport and the employee. It is intended as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change based on institutional needs and grant requirements.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between The University of Bridgeport and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

The University of Bridgeport provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The University of Bridgeport complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training