Work at DSN | Down Syndrome Network

Posted: October 13, 2026

Project Coordinator — Postsecondary Education Initiative

Part-Time, Temporary Employee | Approximately 10 hours/week | $25 to 28/hour (based on experience)| Late October 2026 to May 2027

Reports to Executive Director

DSNetwork is launching a new initiative to increase awareness that college can be a postsecondary option for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The initiative is grounded in a student-centered approach. College opportunities reflect each student’s strengths, interests, goals, and support needs.

Phase One will focus on awareness, information, storytelling, network-building, and strengthening the conversation around meaningful college supports and services. DSNetwork will help families and the broader community understand Arizona’s current college landscape, highlight and share the experiences of Arizona students with Down syndrome, showcase selected national student stories and leading national program models, and create a central online resource with clear ways to get involved.

The initiative will also begin a broader conversation about the appropriate supports and services students with I/DD need to access and succeed in college across Arizona.

This first phase aims to lay the foundation for a longer-term strategic initiative. Over the next two to three years, DSNetwork’s broader goal is to build the relationships, community leadership, funding, and demonstrated demand needed to expand college opportunities and move toward an Arizona landscape in which students with I/DD can access the individualized supports and services they need to succeed. Future phases may also expand into transition planning, education, IEP support, and family resources as strategy and funding develop.

Position Overview

DSNetwork seeks a highly organized, proactive Project Coordinator to lead day-to-day implementation of Phase 1 (October 2026 to May 2027). The Coordinator will organize research, build relationships, coordinate student stories and educational events, support digital and social content, and help grow engagement among parents, self-advocates, colleges, and community Champions. This hands-on role is for someone who is resourceful, relationship-oriented, and able to independently move multiple parts of a project forward while working closely with DSNetwork leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Research and organize information about Arizona college and postsecondary opportunities for students with I/DD.
Build relationships with colleges, disability organizations, transition professionals, students, families, and community partners.
Identify and coordinate student stories from Arizona and nationally.
Support development and ongoing updates of the initiative’s family-facing webpage.
Coordinate social and outreach content featuring student stories, program highlights, national examples, resources, and upcoming opportunities.
Build and coordinate a Parent Network and help identify parents, self-advocates, and community members who may become Champions for future phases.
Coordinate webinars, speakers, and monthly network meetings
Help surface questions, gaps, and opportunities related to supports for students with I/DD across Arizona colleges.
Help identify partnerships and potential funding opportunities for future phases.
Maintain organized project records, contacts, timelines, and regular progress updates.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is organized, resourceful, and relationship-oriented.

Strong candidates will bring:

Excellent project coordination and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Confidence initiating outreach and developing relationships.
Strong research skills and the ability to make complex information clear and accessible.
Initiative, follow-through, and attention to detail.
Comfort coordinating Zoom meetings, webinars, speakers, and events.
Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the DSNetwork team.

Experience in disability services, education, higher education, transition, nonprofit work, communications, community engagement, or family advocacy is helpful. Familiarity with Down syndrome and the experiences of individuals and families is strongly valued.

Our Core Values

At DSNetwork, we are:

Trustworthy in our responsibilities and service to others
Empathetic and respectful in all interactions
Grounded in integrity
Collaborative with families, community partners, and stakeholders
Innovative in addressing challenges
Invested in our mission and the people we serve

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our small, nonprofit, heart-centered team, please submit your letter of interest and resume to Jennifer O’Connell, Executive Director, at jennifer@dsnetworkaz.org.