Gates Advisor

The Priority Regions Grant EIF Advisor (Gates Advisor) works directly with cohorts of 9th and 10th grade students at DeSoto HS to increase college readiness outcomes by the end of the freshman and sophomore years. The Advisor delivers classroom-integrated lessons, individualized advising, and family engagement activities that build students’ self-awareness, academic planning skills, and understanding of postsecondary and career pathways. This role works closely with EIF staff, campus counselors, teachers, district staff, and Commit to ensure students build strong academic foundations, understand the “why” behind rigorous coursework and testing benchmarks (such as TSIA), and are prepared for the expectations of Dual Credit (DC), AP, college, and the workplace.

Key Competencies

• Communication: Writes and speaks professionally; presents information in a way that is digestible to students, their parents, and administrators
• Leadership: Adopts a leadership role on the campus and within the organization
• Persistence: Not willing to give up on students, regardless of the challenge
• Compassion: Demonstrates an understanding of the barriers and obstacles faced by students
• Charisma: Positive and enthusiastic personality that engages students
• Resourcefulness: Possesses the ability to make something out of nothing and make the impossible possible
• Passionate: Thoroughly enjoys work and sees the job as his or her calling or civic duty
• Interpersonal/Relationship skills: Ability to build rapport and strong relationships with students, parents, teachers, counselors, and principals
• Organization: Develops and adheres to timelines; ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects
• Work ethic: Sets high standards and takes responsibility for a project from start to finish
• Computer skills: Knowledge of Microsoft Office required; knowledge of additional software a plus

Essential Functions

Classroom Integration & Academic Foundations

• Implement existing classroom integration lessons with fidelity, emphasizing GPA, academic pathways, Dual Credit (DC) readiness, and extracurricular involvement.
• Reinforce the value and “why” behind meeting TSIA (Texas Success Initiative Assessment) benchmarks, connecting it to students’ long-term academic goals.

Student Self-Awareness & Assessment

• Administer RIASEC or a comparable career interest/personality assessment to help students identify potential career pathways.
• Administer a learning style assessment to build student self-awareness and support the development of effective study strategies for rigorous coursework.

Advising & Planning

• Provide time management advising to help students balance academics, extracurricular activities, and personal/family life.
• Facilitate goal setting and planning sessions, partnering with school counselors to help students create a 6-year academic and career plan.
• Deliver a college planning overview, introducing students early to postsecondary options and requirements.
• Lead career exploration activities connecting student interests to real-world career pathways.

Readiness & Workplace Preparation

• Teach workplace skills and attitudes that prepare students for the expectations of Dual Credit and AP coursework, as well as future college and workplace environments.

Program & Community Support

• Support district (ISD) summer bridge program efforts to ease the transition into high school.
• Plan and lead parent and family engagement activities to build support systems around student success.

Note: This list reflects current program priorities and may be refined as the advising model is finalized in collaboration with other grant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferred in education, social science or related field
• 2 years prior experience in education or a field related to counseling or youth programming

Pay

From $50,000 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance