Education Support Specialist

This role supports the mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by coordinating, administering, and managing the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) program across a designated area. This role empowers individuals to become temporally and spiritually self-reliant by facilitating access to educational and vocational opportunities. The specialist works closely with priesthood leaders, the Welfare & Self-Reliance Department, area teams, and educational institutions to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with Church objectives. This is an individual contributor role doing career-level, professional work.

• Program Coordination: Oversee daily operations and implementation of PEF and the review of semi-annual Benson Grant applications, managing disbursement requests and participant inquiries, ensuring alignment with Church policies and area needs. Review and approve educational programs submitted by WSR managers for the Perpetual Education Fund program and assess their feasibility.
• Training and Support: Provide ongoing guidance and training to missionaries, volunteers, and priesthood leaders on PEF principles and processes.
• Resource Distribution: Ensure accurate and timely processing of educational disbursements, including Benson Scholarships, in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Serve as a liaison between program participants, local Church leaders, the Welfare & Self-Reliance Department, and educational partners to promote consistent communication and problem-solving.
• Opportunity Evaluation: Research and recommend educational programs and institutions and support initiatives to expand access where needed.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Track program outcomes, identify trends, and provide regular reports and insights to area leadership, department leadership, and local Church leaders.
• Support to Program Participants: Provide consistent follow-up and encouragement to PEF participants, helping them honor their commitments and stay on track with their educational and self-reliance goals.
• Complexity and Independence: Address moderately complex problems using established procedures and guidelines. Apply analytical skills to evaluate options and recommend solutions, escalating more complex issues that require broader judgment or cross-functional input. Perform assignments with moderate supervision, applying established methods and procedures. Receive direction on priorities and guidance on complex issues, while independently managing routine tasks and contributing to team objectives.

Required:

• 8 years of any combination of related experience or progress towards or completion of a relevant university (post secondary) degree or an industry-recognized certification.
• Strong understanding of Church doctrines related to self-reliance and welfare.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and cross-cultural collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and local languages. Availability and ability to travel within the area and to occasionally work evenings and weekends.

Preferred:

• Master's degree.