People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Resource Center Specialist

  • Title: Resource Center Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 3

Nature and Scope of Work

The Resource Center Specialist provides coordination and oversight of activities associated with a small Resource Center and/or provides assistance to a Resource Center Coordinator in a larger program. Incumbents work independently in developing and implementing programs or activities for students using the Resource Center. The Specialist directs the work of student coordinators, identifies appropriate tools and resources for the Resource Center, plans and facilitates workshops, and provides general student support as needed.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Resource Center Specialist is distinguished from the Resource Center Coordinator in that the Coordinator is responsible for a Resource Center at an assigned campus that provides services to the general student population. Coordinators have responsibility for oversight of staff and budget. The Resource Center Specialist coordinates the activities of a small Resource Center for an assigned program.

Principal Accountabilities (includes some or all of the following)

  1. Coordinates and facilitates activities for a Resource Center for an assigned program. Develops and implements marketing strategies for services provided by the Center. Collects and evaluates data on Resource Center usage. Develops and implements changes adapting to student needs.
  2. Identifies current resource materials, both written and computerized, for inclusion in the center. Purchases materials as needed and ensures materials are current. Ensures computer hardware and software is operable.
  3. Designs and facilitates workshops focused on areas such as working with specialized student populations at a college environment.  Works with faculty and staff on the oversight of a task force and retention strategies.  Delivers presentations to classes and external stakeholders as requested.
  4. Assists students in removing barriers to their education. Fosters relationships with community and state agencies as well as other college resources. Refers students to available services for further assistance.
  5. Assists with the hire process via Associated Students of Portland Community College (ASPCC) funded advocate positions.
  6. May provide case management and academic advising.
  7. Participates in problem solving issues between students, instructors, and/or counselors/advisors. Facilitates student transition into the college environment.
  8. Initiates and coordinates the development of grant proposals and solicits donations that support the goals of the resource center; oversees implementation of grants awarded.
  9. Serves as liaison to community and regional organizations that can contribute to the goals of the resource center.
  10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an office environment.

Physical Requirements

Occasional lifting of catalogs or marketing materials that may weigh up to 50 pounds. Some extended periods of sitting at a computer required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Liberal Arts, Psychology, Social Sciences or related field.  Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Demonstrated experience working in a student support services environment. Experience designing and facilitating training for a diverse audience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Considerable knowledge of effective marketing techniques.
  • Knowledge of general college policies and procedures and Portland Community College programs.
Skills in:
  • Skill in evaluating transcripts and graduation petitions may be required in some positions.
  • Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.
  • Skill in designing, writing, and editing promotional materials.
  • Skill in developing and facilitating effective training workshops.
Ability to:
  • Ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
  • Ability to work with an ethnically and culturally diverse student population.
  • Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Reviewed: 12/2018

  • New: 7/2012