ProX Program Specialist-1

At the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, we first listen to the communities we serve, tap into our learnings and relationships, and bring everyone together to build and support programs that improve education, boost entrepreneurship, and help Kansas City thrive.

ProX Program Specialist-1

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a private, nonpartisan foundation that provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. The Foundation uses its grantmaking, research, programs, affiliates, and initiatives to support the start and growth of new businesses, a more prepared workforce, and stronger communities. Our work is grounded in the principles of racial equity, diversity, and inclusion and is consistent with the aspirations of our founder, Ewing Marion Kauffman.

Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the Kauffman Foundation is one of the largest foundations in the United States with an asset base of approximately $3 billion. While striving to have national impact and global reach, the Foundation is deeply committed to Kansas City, as evidenced by work on initiatives that reach into neighborhoods and enrich the community and quality of life in the region. For more information about the Foundation, please visit the website at www.kauffman.org.

** This work assignment is with Real World Initiatives, a 501c3 affiliate of the Kauffman Foundation. **

RESPONSIBILITIES

The ProX Program Specialist ** provides hands-on administrative, outreach, and event support during the program’s busiest season. Working across multiple phases of the ProX summer internship cycle, this position helps the team prepare employer partners, recruit and onboard students, deliver large-scale program experiences, and respond to participant needs.

The Program Specialist serves as a knowledgeable and welcoming representative of ProX. This role communicates with students, families, employers, schools, and community partners; helps participants complete required program steps; maintains accurate records; and supports the day-to-day coordination necessary to deliver a high-quality work-based learning experience.

This position is well suited for someone who is organized, responsive, comfortable working with diverse groups, and able to shift between administrative tasks, participant support, and in-person events during a fast-paced program season.

Specific Responsibilities include:

School & Community Engagement

Serve as a representative of the ProX team at school and community-based events, including info nights, recruitment fairs, and presentations.

Support the dissemination of program materials and messaging to students, families, educators, and community contacts.

Respond to inquiries and provide accurate, timely information about program eligibility, structure, and expectations.

Engage directly with counselors, advisors, and school staff to ensure they are equipped to share information with their students.

Collaborate with the ProX team to ensure alignment in messaging and student support.

Student & Employer Onboarding

Support intern onboarding efforts by helping students complete required steps such as HR paperwork, Crossroads summer school application, and ProX required workshops.

Assist in the planning and delivery of ProX onboarding sessions for both students and employer partners.

Help ensure participants are informed, prepared, and aligned with ProX expectations prior to the start of their experience.

Troubleshoot onboarding-related issues and provide timely support to students and employers as needed.

Collaboration & Events

Coordinate with ProX Coaches and program administrative staff to ensure smooth handoffs between recruitment, onboarding, and internship phases.

Assist in staffing and facilitating ProX events, including info sessions, workshops, the Hiring Fair, onboarding sessions, and other ProX related events.

Provide general event support and represent ProX in a professional and welcoming manner at all external engagements.

Communication & Administrative Support

Maintain accurate records of school visits, student inquiries, and outreach efforts using ProX systems.

Support data tracking related to student engagement and student/employer onboarding progress.

Communicate updates, concerns, and trends to the ProX program team in real time.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in education, social work, youth development, or related fields.

Work Experience: At least five years of relevant industry experience, with prior experience in program management, coaching, youth development, and education. Experience coaching or mentoring youth, particularly those from historically underserved communities.

Travel & Schedule: Work is primarily in-person, with travel to school and community sites across the Kansas City metro. Hybrid schedule with remote work and some in-person office meetings being expected.

QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates in this position must be highly motivated, capable of self-directed work, detail-oriented and able to work collaboratively across teams and departments. Candidates must exhibit a keen sense of responsibility and enjoy working with multiple demands, shifting priorities and constant change.

Is familiar with work-based learning, real-world learning frameworks, or student career readiness.

Is a relationship builder and leader with the ability to engage, inspire, and work collaboratively and effectively with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders while building supportive relationships across diverse populations.

Is confident, and possesses professional credibility, and excellent writing and speaking skills.

Demonstrates flexibility, professionalism, and a team-first attitude.

Has the ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

Must pass a criminal background check and fingerprint clearance.

Has strong computer literacy skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

All of the statements in this position description are intended to describe the general nature of the work being performed and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. This document describes the position currently available. The organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

The EMKF provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable law.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants can apply for this position by submitting a cover letter and resume. Job posting will be removed at 5:00 pm CT on October 26, 2026.

Please note that this role is Kansas City, MO based and associates must reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area.