Upward Bound Vision Quest Academic Advisor

About the Job:
The TRIO Upward Bound Vision Quest (UBVQ) 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.

Upward Bound Vision Quest 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 UBVQ Academic Advisor position also includes recruiting participants at the Advisor's assigned target school 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. This posting will fill an Academic Advisor vacancy at Minneapolis Edison High School.

Duties:

(55%) Provide Academic Advising, key educational services, and support to students

• Meet weekly with students to review academic progress and develop individual short-term goals
• Serve as an advocate for students and refer students to school services as appropriate
• Develop recommendations based on weekly meetings with students to address challenges and develop or provide resources on how to ensure academic success
• Work with students to develop long-terms goals related to their unique academic circumstances and collegiate aspirations
• Monitor grades and course registration to ensure students remain in good academic standing, remain on track to graduate, and complete a rigorous program of study
• Deliver program curriculum during college access groups
• Assist students with ACT/Accuplacer college entrance exam preparation and registration
• Assist students with college admission tasks such as completing college and scholarship applications, essay writing, and the FAFSA
• Work during the annual UBVQ Summer Program which may require hours outside of normal working hours

(15%) Student Recruitment

• Lead recruitment efforts at assigned target school(s) and support recruitment efforts at all UBVQ target high schools
• Recruit required number of participants at target high school(s) each year as designated by Project Director
• Conduct recruitment activities at schools during lunches, class presentations; and attend school open houses, activity fairs, family nights, and conferences to recruit participants
• 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 Project Director, UBVQ staff, and target school staff

(15%) Assist with developing program curriculum, coordinating program events, recordkeeping, and grant reporting

• Assist Project Coordinator in developing new program curriculum as necessary
• Provide recommendations to Project Director and Project 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 Project Director and Project Coordinator in completing the UBVQ Annual Performance Report

(10%) Cultivate and maintain relationships with target school(s), University personnel, local colleges and Universities, and community organizations

• Develop relationships with target school staff such as guidance counselors, college/career center staff, teachers, and administrators
• Develop relationships with community organizations that can provide valuable services to UBVQ students
• Develop relationships with admissions offices at local colleges and universities to coordinate campus visits for UBVQ students
• Work with other TRIO and similar programs in the Minneapolis and Duluth public school systems to coordinate services.

(5%) Other

• Participate in UBVQ staff meetings and curriculum meetings
• Attend scheduled one-on-one meetings with the UBVQ Project Director
• Participate in professional development activities
• Monitor program tutors while at target schools
• Other Duties as assigned

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: $20.44 - $22.00; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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

Applicants are required to include a cover letter to be considered for the position.

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.

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).