APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

The Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State seeks a qualified and culturally responsive Program Co-Coordinator to support the implementation and management of grant-funded programs serving Afghan families residing in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region as they transition to life in the United States.

The Program Co-Coordinator will play a key role in coordinating English as a Second Language (ESL) programming and workforce development initiatives, while fostering partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders. The successful candidate will help ensure that program participants have access to educational, employment, and supportive resources that promote long-term integration and self-sufficiency.

Location and Work Arrangement: This position is based in Pittsburgh, PA, and will require a daily presence in the city.

Key Responsibilities: The following are the key responsibilities of this position:

English as a Second Language (ESL)

• Recruit, screen, select, and onboard qualified ESL teachers.
• Provide ongoing supervision and coordination of ESL instructional staff.
• Coordinate classroom locations, materials, technology, and other logistical needs.
• Monitor and document participant attendance, engagement and learning outcomes.
• Collect and maintain data related to student success and program effectiveness

Workforce Development

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with workforce training organizations, including programs such as the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, and facilitate participant enrollment and placement.
• Assess barriers to employment and collaborate with partners to develop strategies and resources that address those barriers.
• Identify employment opportunities and connect participants with job openings aligned with their skills and goals.
• Support participants throughout the workforce development process, including referrals, navigation, and follow-up.
• Collaborate with Clearinghouse researchers and staff to integrate relevant data, evidence-based practices, and program insights into service delivery.

Project Analysis and Reporting

• Develop, implement, and track metrics to assess program outcomes and participant progress.
• Collect, manage, and analyze participant and program data.
• Using collected data, prepare reports, briefs, and other documents.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements, reporting expectations, and data management procedures.  

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

• Ability to speak, read, listen, and write in English, Pashto, and Dari.
• Demonstrated experience working with the Afghan communities and a strong understanding of the Afghan culture, customs, and social norms.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build trust, foster engagement, and navigate diverse perspectives.
• Strong observational skills, including the ability to read and respond to group dynamics in real time.
• Experience developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with various community organizations and stakeholders.
• Ability to manage grant-funded activities and resources responsibly.
• Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing program data.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify emerging challenges and develop practical solutions. skills, including synthesizing information, identifying emerging issues, and guiding process decisions.
• Strong connections to and understanding of the Afghan community living in Pittsburgh.
• Deep understanding of Afghan culture, customs, and courtesies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience working with the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh and the Heinz Endowment is preferred.
• Experience supporting refugee, immigrant, or newcomer populations.
• Knowledge of workforce development or community-based service programs

Why This Work Matters:

This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Afghan families as they establish new lives in the United States. Through education, workforce development, and community partnership, the Program Co-Coordinator will help participants access critical resources, build economic stability, and strengthen their connections to the communities in which they live and work.

 

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

 

 

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

 

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

 

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $42,100.00 - $61,000.00.

 

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

 

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

 

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