GEAR UP Advisor (Part - Time)

About the role

This is a grant-funded, part-time position contingent upon continued funding. The GEAR UP Advisor will work up to an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits. The role is non-exempt and eligible for overtime. A valid driver’s license is required, as the advisor may be responsible for driving JMU vehicles. Occasional weekend, early morning, and/or late evening hours may be required for events or field trips.

About JMU

At James Madison University (JMU), 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.

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, including test preparation, goal setting, and related skills.
• Assist the Project Director with the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and brochures.
• Assist with parenting activities with the Parent Liaison.
• Assist the 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.
• Prepare 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.

Requirements

• Professional experience in a student support program at a secondary or post-secondary level (can include summer programs).
• 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.

Qualifications

• Due to grant requirements, a bachelor’s degree with coursework in education, counseling, or a related field—or educational experience that meets 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 that lead to student success at the high school level.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential participant files and documentation of services and activities.

Pay

$20.00 – $22.00 per hour.