GEAR UP Advisor (Part - Time)

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

About the role

JMU is proud to partner with GEAR UP to serve students and families in Staunton City Schools. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a federal grant-funded program to empower first-generation and underrepresented students on their path to college. GEAR UP Staunton serves a two-year cohort from the Staunton City Schools, starting in middle school and following the cohort two years after high school graduation.

As a part-time GEAR UP Advisor, you'll play a vital role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, goal-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives while gaining meaningful experience in college and career access and readiness initiatives. Advisors work closely with the GEAR UP Project Director, Parent Liaison, and a team of other Program Advisors as well as student employees. GEAR UP aims to increase high school graduation rates and improve attendance by supporting students and their families in middle school, high school, and two years post-high school graduation.

GEAR UP Advisors work directly with students by assisting them with selecting and scheduling classes, delivering workshops, providing support in completing college admissions applications, exploring career options, and navigating financial aid.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management, academic support, curriculum development, and advising services for students related to admissions and financial aid.
• Execute activities, programs, and direct student services designed for middle school, high school, and students who have dropped out of school or who have not applied to post-secondary institutions in partnership with school divisions, such as test preparation, goal setting, and related skills.
• Assist Project Director with the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and brochures as appropriate to the program.
• Assist with parenting activities with the Parent Liaison.
• Assist Project Director with efficient and effective data collection and management to inform continuous program improvement.
• Maintain accurate program project records and scheduling of activities at the schools.
• Ensure and maintain the confidentiality of all project records and other sensitive information.
• Prepares special or one-time report summaries or replies to inquiries, selecting data from a variety of sources.
• Execute school day advising.
• Plan, organize, and co-supervise student field trips (including the supervision of students), college visits, and cultural activities.
• Assist the GEAR UP Director with hiring and onboarding student workers.
• Attend workshops and conferences as deemed necessary.
• Some weekend and odd hours may be required.
• A valid driver’s license is required, as the advisor may be responsible for driving JMU vehicles.

Requirements

• Professional experience in a student support program at a secondary or post-secondary level, which can include working during the summer in a summer program.
• Student advising experience.
• Strong communication and organizational skills to work with school administration.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with students, parents, and school administration.
• Experience developing and implementing academic services and activities to assist students who need academic assistance.
• Due to the grant requirements for this role, a bachelor's degree with coursework in education, counseling, or related field or educational experience that will meet the standards of a bachelor’s degree is recommended.
• Knowledge of assessing academic and personal needs of GEAR UP students through transcript evaluations, student interviews, and high school counselor recommendations.
• Experience maintaining student information, including files on academic advisement.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies, services, and activities which lead to student success at the high school.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential participant files and documentation of services and activities.
• Must be willing and available to travel to Staunton schools on a regular basis.
• Position requires occasional weekend, early morning, and/or late evening hours as needed for events or field trips.
• Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Benefits

• Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park, including the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks: The university grants 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

Pay

$20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Schedule

This is a part-time wage position working up to an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.