Meridian Program Coordinator

Job Summary
The Meridian Program Coordinator will manage on-site operations at one designated university or paired locations (SFASU/La Tech, ECU/App State, ASU/NSU,), driving recruitment, training facilitation, and student engagement to deliver 20-25 IT/cybersecurity interns per site annually (40-50 for paired sites). This role collaborates with university stakeholders, oversees business school interns for support tasks, and ensures alignment with the program’s mission to develop rural talent. The ideal candidate is a proactive, community-oriented professional with strong organizational and interpersonal skills, passionate about fostering career opportunities in rural settings.

About the Meridian Program
The Meridian Program, under Optomi Professional Services (OPS), bridges the tech talent gap in rural America by training and placing STEM students in IT, software engineering, and cybersecurity roles. Partnering with universities, we deliver hands-on training and create job opportunities to revitalize local economies. In 2026, we are expanding to six (potentially seven) locations, targeting 75-100 hires annually through university-based internship programs.

Key Responsibilities

Recruitment and Outreach (40%):

• Recruit 20-25 interns per site (40-50 for paired sites) by organizing career fairs, virtual info sessions, and outreach through university career centers and local networks (e.g., chambers of commerce).
• Screen applicants to ensure alignment with IT/ServiceNow/cybersecurity training requirements, targeting a diverse applicant pool reflective of rural communities.
• Collaborate with university faculty and advisors to build a pipeline of 100+ applicants per site (200+ for paired sites) annually.
• Supervise 1-2 business school interns per site (10-15 hours/week) to assist with recruitment tasks (e.g., tabling, social media outreach).

Training Facilitation (30%):

• Facilitate peer-led training for 5-8 week IT, software engineering, and cybersecurity modules (12.5 hours/week per site), using curriculum provided by the Senior Director.
• Coordinate training logistics, including scheduling, venue setup, and virtual session support, ensuring 80% intern completion rate.
• Mentor interns to support retention, addressing rural-specific challenges (e.g., transportation, relocation) and aiming for 80% intern-to-hire conversion with employers like OPS.

Program Operations and Logistics (20%):

• Manage site-specific operations for one or paired locations, including monthly travel (e.g., between Nacogdoches and Ruston for SFASU/La Tech, ~100 miles) and event coordination (e.g., roadshows, employer meet-and-greets).
• Maintain partnerships with university stakeholders, ensuring compliance with MOUs and alignment with program goals.
• Track and report metrics (e.g., enrollment, training completion, placement rates) via ServiceNow, submitting biweekly updates to the Senior Director.

Community Engagement (10%):

• Build trust with local communities through engagement with civic groups, high schools, and economic development boards to promote the program.
• Support grant applications by providing site-specific data on rural economic impact (e.g., job creation, intern placements).

Qualifications
Required:

• • Bachelor’s degree in business, education, IT, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 2+ years of experience in program coordination, recruitment, or education/training roles.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills, with ability to engage diverse stakeholders (students, faculty, rural communities).
  • Ability to travel monthly within the region (e.g., 1-2 days/month for site visits, such as between ECU and App State, ~120 miles) and work on-site at assigned universities.
  • Proficiency with tools like Microsoft Office, Zoom, and basic data entry (ServiceNow experience a plus).

Preferred:

• • Experience working with universities or in rural communities.
  • Background in IT, cybersecurity, or workforce development programs.
  • Connections to the assigned location’s university or community (e.g., alumni, local resident).
  • Prior supervision of interns or entry-level staff.

Working Conditions

• • On-site role at assigned university or paired universities, with hybrid flexibility for administrative tasks.
  • Regular travel (1-2 days/month) for site visits or events (e.g., between ASU and NSU, ~150 miles), with travel expenses reimbursed.
  • Standard workweek of 40 hours, with occasional evening/weekend events (e.g., career fairs).

Benefits

• • Competitive compensation.
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Professional development opportunities, including ServiceNow training.
  • Opportunity to impact rural communities and shape the next generation of IT professionals.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should reach out via our web page, , and select “Learn More” to complete the initial contact form. Please specify your preferred location or paired sites (SFASU/La Tech, ECU/App State, ASU/NSU) in your application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with interviews starting in Q1 2026.


Application Deadline: March 31, 2026 (priority for early applicants).