New

NJ-STEP Community Relations Specialist

Rutgers University

82166.000-125837.000

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, Newark

Oct 20, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	NJ-STEP Community Relations Specialist
Job Category	Staff & Executive - Student Affairs and Services
Department	NJ Step
Overview	The New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education (NJ- STEP) Consortium is an association of higher educational institutions that work in partnership with the NJ Department of Corrections and the State Parole to provide comprehensive college degree programming for students while incarcerated and to assist in their transition to college life and further degree work upon release. Under the office of the Chancellor, NJ- STEP serves a statewide population of people enrolled in college while in prison, on parole, and post-incarceration. NJ- STEP operates at each Rutgers campus, in 5 separate prisons, and a variety of residential reentry programs and partner college campuses across the state. For further information, please visit http://njstep.newark.rutgers.edu/
Posting Summary	Rutgers University- Newark (RU-N), an urban public research university and anchor institution, located in Newark, New Jersey, a city of promise is seeking a NJ- STEP Community Relation Specialist. Reporting directly to the Transitions Director, this position is responsible for and not limited to the following. This position is responsible for and not limited to the following: Recruiting, training and supervising a Junior Completion Counselor who will provide ongoing tracking and support of released and matriculating NJ-STEP students statewide; this includes assessing student needs during pre-release assessments and develop appropriate programmatic responses for post-release Serving as the NJ-STEP representative and ambassador for all community relations initiatives, including those related to on-and off-campus student support services, internship and employment opportunities, and other activities and initiatives that promote social and economic mobility for NJ-STEP students and alumni Building and mapping connections with current and potential community partners Attending appropriate community program meetings and events on behalf of the NJ-STEP program Expected to initiate contact and develop relationships with community college personnel, partnered 4-year colleges, DOC/halfway house facility staff, and community agencies and organizations to develop partnerships and processes that enable NJ-STEP students transitioning into the community to continue and complete college degree work and participate in leadership opportunities to increase their professional skills and abilities Serving as a liaison for University-led youth outreach initiatives and interventions for local Newark justice-impacted youth. The NJ-STEP Community Relations Specialist will assist in all aspects of administering NJ-STEP as needed, including managing all clerical tasks, program communications, and supervision of staff, program interns/ field placements, and student employees Tracking all service delivery and generates formative reports as needed Reporting program updates, needs, student issues, and concerns to the Director of Transitions Position requires a solid understanding of, and investment in, the mission of the NJ-STEP, which assists previously incarcerated individuals in earning college degrees
FLSA	Exempt
Grade	06
Salary Details
Minimum Salary	82166.000
Mid Range Salary	104002.000
Maximum Salary	125837.000
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Full Time
Working Hours	37.5
Standard Hours	37.50
Daily Work Shift
Work Arrangement	Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.
Union Description	Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment	Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility	ABP

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Requires a master's degree in Counseling, Psychology, Education, Social Work, Criminal Justice or related field. Minimum of three years' experience in the candidate's chosen field and at least three years of experience in program management and/or evaluation.
Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Must have excellent communication, writing skills, and organizational skills. Ability to evaluate effectiveness of components of the existing program and adjust as appropriate. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Must have access to transportation for regular travel throughout the state, including to remote locations. Experience with opportunity programs, New Jersey State Department of Corrections, prisons, incarcerated populations or reentry populations preferred.
Preferred Qualifications	Some teaching experience or academic support experience at the secondary and college level is preferred. Preference may be given to candidates whose background is similar to the target population, or individuals with other experience or direct knowledge of incarceration and reentry processes.
Equipment Utilized
Physical Demands and Work Environment	May need to carry 30lbs up to 100 ft.
Special Conditions

Posting Details

Posting Number	26ST2000
Posting Open Date	10/20/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus	Rutgers University-Newark
City	Newark
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement