Upward Bound Academic MPLS Advisor

About the Job:

The TRIO Upward Bound (UB) program is a federally funded college preparatory program for low-income and potential first-generation high school students. UBVQ serves a total of 135 students at Minneapolis Edison, Roosevelt, South, and Wellstone International High Schools, and at Duluth Denfeld High School.

This position is currently based at one primary Minneapolis High School (Mondays - Thursday) with some work at our downtown Minneapolis office (Fridays), and other times within the Twin Cities community. Remote or hybrid work is not available. Minneapolis Advisors work at one or two primary high schools. Free street parking is available at many community and school locations (Monday-Thursday); however, free parking is only available at the downtown office on Fridays on a rotating basis. A free bus pass is provided, and the office is located on a high-frequency bus line.

Upward Bound Academic Advisors are professional-level staff responsible for promoting the program in our target high schools, and providing key educational services, mentorship, and support to students. The Upward Bound Academic Advisor position also includes recruiting participants at the Advisor's assigned target school(s) each year, providing assistance in developing new program curriculum, planning events, gathering and analyzing feedback on program implementation, cultivating and maintaining relationships with target schools, local colleges and universities, and community organizations, and providing support to other project staff as needed.

Duties:

• (55%) Provide Academic Advising, key educational services, and support to students
  • Meet weekly with students to review progress and set academic goals
  • Serve as a student advocate and connect them to school and community resources
  • Ensure students can log in to and utilize Tutor.com, a free on-demand tutoring platform
  • Assist students with ACT/Accuplacer test prep and college application tasks, including essays, scholarships, and FAFSA
  • Monitor academic records to ensure students stay on track for graduation
  • Deliver program curriculum in group settings focused on college access
  • Positively contribute to planning and working the annual in-person Upward Bound Summer Program which may require hours outside of normal working hours
  • Chaperone a week-long, out-of-state, overnight college tour at the end of summer
    
• (15%) Student Recruitment
  • Lead recruitment efforts at assigned school(s) and support efforts at others
  • Recruit and retain required number of participants at target high school(s) each year as designated by Program Director
  • Conduct recruitment activities at schools during lunches, class presentations; and attend school open houses, activity fairs, family nights, and conferences to recruit participants
  • Create and maintain relationships with school staff and community organizations that serve students at target high school(s)
  • Conduct prospective student interviews and collect and maintain student applications
  • Develop promotional materials such as posters, videos, and program advertisements
  • Assess student's understanding of program requirements
  • Communicate recruitment updates with Program Director, Program Coordinator, Upward Bound staff, and target school staff
    
• (15%) Assist with developing program curriculum, coordinating program events, recordkeeping, and grant reporting
  • Assist Program Coordinator in developing new program curriculum as necessary
  • Provide recommendations to Program Director and Program Coordinator on new initiatives
  • Plan, implement, and chaperone students on field trips and monthly activities which may occur outside of normal working hours
  • Document student participation in program activities and complete case notes on Student Access database
  • Maintain accurate and complete student forms, files and records
  • Support Program Director and Program Coordinator in completing the Upward Bound Annual Performance Report
    
• (10%) Cultivate and maintain relationships with target school(s), University personnel, local colleges and Universities, and community organizations
  • Develop and sustain relationships with target school staff such as guidance counselors, college/career center staff, teachers, and administrators
  • Develop and sustain relationships with community organizations that can provide valuable services to Upward Bound students
  • Develop and sustain relationships with admissions offices at local colleges and universities to coordinate campus visits for Upward Bound students
  • Work with other TRIO and similar programs in the Minneapolis and Duluth public school systems to coordinate services
    
• (5%) Other
  • Participate and collaboratively contribute ideas during staff meetings, curriculum meetings, and team meetings
  • Collaboratively participate in scheduled one-on-one meetings with the Upward Bound Program Director
  • Participate in professional development activities
  • Ensure all students can login to Tutor.com and encourage students to use this on-demand resource
  • Adapt to evolving responsibilities and perform additional duties as assigned with flexibility and a positive attitude

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with at least 2 years of experience working with education programs teaching, tutoring, or advising adolescent, low-income and first generation college-bound youth OR have a combination of related education and relevant work experience equal to six years
• Must have experience working with diverse groups of people including youth
• Familiarity with the college admission process
• Strong written, computer and verbal skills
• Must show clear understanding of safety of minors
• Must pass an extensive background check
• A cover letter is required to be considered for this position

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (education, counseling, etc.)
• Minimum of 2 years experience working in a TRIO program or another similar college access program teaching, tutoring, or advising adolescents
• Experience working in or with the Minneapolis public school system
• Experience developing curriculum and other educational materials
• Experience developing partnerships with agencies and organizations
  

Pay Range: $21.87-$22.00 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Required application materials:

• Resume and cover letter are required.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).