Title: ASPIRE Scholars Academic Coordinator
Position Type: Professional Tech Full time
College: Pikes Peak State College
Location: Colorado Springs
Salary Range: $50,891 annual gross
Who We Are:
Pikes Peak State College is the largest and most diverse college in the Pikes Peak region, serving students with a wide range of goals, experiences, and responsibilities. Our students include recent high school graduates, working adults, military-affiliated students, parents, first-generation students, career changers, transfer students, and lifelong learners.
Our mission is to provide high-quality educational opportunities to all, with a focus on student success and community needs. We fulfill that mission by creating affordable, flexible, and accessible pathways that help students transfer to four-year institutions, enter the workforce, advance their careers, and build better futures close to home.
As the needs of our students, employers, and communities continue to evolve, so do we. PPSC embraces innovation that is human-centered, ethical, and focused on student learning. Through strong workforce partnerships and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, we prepare students not only for today's opportunities, but for what's next.
We're looking for people who are passionate about access, collaboration, innovation, and student success. Whether you work in the classroom or behind the scenes, your contributions help create opportunities that change lives. At PPSC, our vision is simple: Students Succeed at PPSC.
Job Summary:
This is a Perkins Grant funded assignment, anticipated end date on or before June 30, 2027.
Multi-year grants are funded based on the fiscal years for the full grant period. However, there is no guarantee that funding is available year after year from the awarding agencies. Employment with the college after each grant-funded period is not assured.
Grant-funded positions cannot guarantee a payout of leave benefits. Grant-funded employees are encouraged to work with their supervisor to schedule and utilize annual leave benefits during each grant fiscal year.
Grant funded positions may be eligible for annual increases contingent upon awarded yearly grant budgets and a satisfactory performance evaluation.
The Academic Coordinator (AC) serves as a key professional staff member within the ASPIRE Scholars Program, providing comprehensive academic coordination, coaching, and support to ensure the success of students with intellectual and developmental disabilities at Pikes Peak State College. This full-time role is responsible for fostering an inclusive, accessible, and empowering learning environment by implementing individualized academic plans, facilitating accommodations and modifications, and coordinating holistic support services. The AC collaborates closely with the ASPIRE Program Manager, faculty, peer mentors, families, and campus partners to promote student achievement, retention, and personal development. Through proactive communication, data informed practices, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the AC contributes to the ongoing growth, quality, and sustainability of the ASPIRE Scholars Program.
REPORTS TO: ASPIRE Program Director
Duties & Responsibilities:
• Provide consistent and comprehensive academic coordination and support for all ASPIRE Scholars throughout the academic year.
• Lead and oversee peer mentor training, performance, and ongoing guidance to ensure high-quality academic support for students.
• Monitor student academic progress, implement interventions, and coordinate campus supports to enhance student retention and success.
• Maintain and update accurate student files, accommodation records, modification plans, and progress documentation in compliance with institutional and legal requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the Program Manager to design and implement individualized academic plans and holistic student support strategies.
• Conduct regular student success meetings, support goal-setting, and track academic, social, and independent living development.
• Support curriculum development, modification, and accessibility improvements for ASPIRE academic programming.
• Participate in recruitment, admissions, interviews, and onboarding for new ASPIRE Scholars.
• Contribute to program assessment, data collection, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Represent the ASPIRE Program in campus committees, community outreach, and cross-departmental collaborations.
Competencies/KSAs:
• Deep understanding of inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) models and supports for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of academic coaching, disability services, inclusive pedagogy, and student success strategies.
• Ability to independently manage a full caseload of students and maintain high-quality documentation and communication.
• Strong leadership skills, including coaching peer mentors, facilitating workshops, and collaborating across departments.
• Proficiency in educational technology platforms, case management systems, and assistive technologies.
• Ability to interpret and apply ADA/504 requirements in postsecondary settings.
• High-level organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated cultural competence and commitment to equity, access, and inclusion.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution OR completed Associate’s degree with two years of professional level experience performing similar duties to those described for this position.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in educational or community settings.
• Experience providing academic support, coaching, or case management.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Education, Special Education, Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, or related field.
• Experience working inclusive higher education or transition programs for students with disabilities.
• Experience developing and implementing accommodations, modifications, or person-centered support plans.
• Experience supervising student employees or leading teams.
Selection Process:
For full consideration, all application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. MST on November 4, 2026.
Must be a State of Colorado resident or able to relocate to Colorado prior to first date of employment.
Visa support is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
Pikes Peak State College will conduct reference checks and a criminal background check on the selected candidate. Employment offers and continued employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. Positions with access to Federal Tax Information require a fingerprint-based criminal history record check as part of the pre-employment process.
Application must be submitted online. Incomplete applications may not receive full consideration. A complete application will include:
Cover letter - Address the minimum and preferred qualifications in the order listed on the job announcement.
Resume - Reflect experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Unofficial Transcripts - Unofficial transcripts for all degrees conferred. Official transcripts are required if hired for the position.
Professional References - Provide names and contact information for three recent professional references who can address your expertise and background for this position.
Additional Information/Benefits:
Work Life Balance
Pikes Peak State College offers a generous amount of annual leave and sick leave. Depending on your employment category and full or part-time status, Pikes Peak State College offers 15 hours a month of annual leave and 10 hours a month of sick leave accrual. There are paid holidays and alternate paid holidays which allow the college to be closed Christmas Day through New Year's Day. Eligibility is defined by your employment FTE status.
Tuition Reimbursement
Education and your success are a priority at Pikes Peak State College. We encourage you to develop job skills and abilities which will benefit you as well as our college. Eligible employees, their eligible dependents, and spouse/domestic partners may enroll in credit courses at any of the Colorado Community College System. Eligibility is defined by your employment FTE status.
Health, Dental & Vision
Pikes Peak State College offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide you and eligible dependents, spouse/domestic partner, with a broad range of employer paid and employee paid benefit options. In addition to medical coverage, the college offers dental and vision insurance plans to choose from. Eligibility is defined by your employment FTE status.
Retirement
Pikes Peak State College participates in Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA) contribution rates. State employees are required to a mandatory contribution of a percentage of their salary to the plan, and the college contributes a percentage as well. While you are enrolled in PERA, you do not pay Social Security. In addition, there are supplemental retirement plans available through three other vendors.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) offer you an easy way to pay for eligible medical and childcare expenses with money that's set aside with a pre-tax benefit. Eligibility is defined by your employment FTE status.
Disability Coverage
Pikes Peak State College offers disability insurance to help you meet needs should you become unable to work due to an illness or injury.
Life Insurance
Pikes Peak State College offers life insurance paid for by the college to eligible employees. Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies are available for those interested in additional coverage. Eligibility is defined by your employment FTE status.
Additional Leave Programs
Pikes Peak State College offers additional leave programs such as bereavement leave, jury leave, community and parental academic leave, Family and Medical Leave (FML), and Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI).