| Position Summary | The Community Relations Coordinator (CRC) for the Full Spectrum Learning (FSL) Program at Austin Peay State University (APSU) leads the program’s external engagement strategy through outreach, recruitment, visibility campaigns, and student-led advocacy. This role strengthens the presence and impact of FSL by building strategic partnerships, managing communications, and planning public-facing events. The CRC also supports a caseload of students through structured case management, supervises a Graduate Assistant (GA), and mentors peer leaders in the Advocates for Autism (AFA) student group. This position plays a vital role in sustaining awareness of neurodiversity on campus and in the community. The Community Relations Coordinator reports directly to the FSL Director.
Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 180,000 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN. |
| Primary Duties and Responsibilities | Student Support and Peer Advocacy - Provide structured case management for a caseload of FSL students using the program’s goal-setting framework; maintain accurate documentation and prepare materials for supervision, staff meetings, and semester planning.
- Lead and supervise weekly Social Hours, ensuring preparation, volunteer coordination, attendance tracking, and collaboration with campus partners.
- Coordinate with FSL staff on summer recruitment activities, including interest sessions, prospective student tracking, and participation in transition events.
- Oversee the Advocates for Autism (AFA) peer group, mentoring student leaders in promoting inclusion, neurodiversity education, and self-advocacy.
- Supervise Graduate Assistants by setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and ensuring performance quality.
Outreach, Recruitment, and Strategic Partnerships
- Serve as the primary outreach representative for Full Spectrum Learning by attending recruitment events, college fairs, Govs Orientation (G.O.) programs, and leading the FSL pre-orientation summer sessions, “Know Before You G.O.”
- Build relationships with prospective students, families, school partners, and counselors; coordinate with the Program Coordinator to support applicants through the admissions process.
- Maintain prospective student outreach lists and lead follow-up communications.
- Strengthen partnerships with APSU Admissions, Student Life and Engagement (SLE), and external stakeholders such as school districts, community agencies, and state service providers.
- Plan monthly visibility events and contribute to Autism Acceptance Month programming.
Communications and Public Engagement
- Manage FSL’s digital presence, including social media, newsletters, and outreach campaigns, ensuring clear and inclusive communication to prospective students, families, and partners.
- Update program materials and website content to reflect current services and eligibility criteria.
- Track and report engagement metrics from public events, digital platforms, and interest forms.
- Collaborate with FSL staff to ensure consistent messaging across outreach efforts.
Event Management, Reporting, and Evaluation
- Plan and manage public-facing events such as awareness forums and resource fairs.
- Track alumni contact information and post-graduation outcomes to support scholarship reporting and long-term evaluation.
- Oversee logistics and budgets for outreach travel, Social Hour supplies, and public engagement materials.
- Compile and present data for semester-end reports.
- Participate in ongoing professional development
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities | - Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its impact in educational and community contexts.
- Experience managing student organizations, public engagement campaigns, or outreach programs.
- Strong communication skills (written, verbal, and digital), with the ability to create inclusive content and represent the program publicly.
- Proficiency in maintaining case documentation, outreach records, and digital media metrics.
- Ability to collaborate with internal teams and external partners across multiple sectors.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and time management.
- Comfort with event planning, logistics coordination, and community-building activities.
- Ability to supervise student employees or graduate assistants and provide feedback.
- Ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed for events
- Openness to feedback/Demonstrates evidence of implementation of program suggestions made by supervisors;
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| Required Minimum Qualifications | - Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Disability Studies, Communication, or a related field.
- One year of experience working with individuals with ASD or in community-based outreach roles (paid or unpaid).
- Experience coordinating public events, campaigns, or student-led initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Autism training/certification required, or FSL will provide it within 6 months of hire
Preferred Qualifications: - Master’s degree and experience working in a higher education setting with autistic or neurodiverse students.
- Knowledge of inclusive communications practices and public relations.
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