GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded program. This is a part-time position. The successful applicant will work approximately 10-15 hours per week. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor is responsible for providing college awareness and access services to disadvantaged students and their families. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor works with the GEAR UP Director, Assistant Director, and Programming Coordinator to plan local program activities and ensure that plans are implemented properly. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor assists with budget management and data collection as it relates to the grant. The employee will also work within the cooperative partnership structure, which includes the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, and the seven community colleges in Wyoming. This person must be able to get along with people from diverse backgrounds and must have strong communication and motivational skills. This person must have the ability to manage workload independently and as a team member, analyze complex issues, and prepare concise reports and plans for addressing these issues.

TRAVEL AND EVENING WORK REQUIRED.

It is expected that this individual will accomplish duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, this individual must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with college personnel and the public. This individual will follow all college policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines as they relate to this position.

1. Assumes responsibility for knowing all facets of the GEAR UP Grant.

2. Assists in overseeing the development of local project materials and marketing pieces.

3. Understands the terms and conditions of the grant, conducts all activities in compliance with federal and state requirements, and assists in preparing annual grant reports as required.

4. Conducts program evaluations and revises goals as necessary.

6. Oversees GEAR UP activities & student conduct within the boundaries of the assigned service area.

7. Submits weekly grant activity reports to the GEAR UP Director and Assistant Director.

8. Maintains inventory of all assigned equipment and supplies, keeping proper records as necessary.

MARKETING and PUBLICATIONS

1. Work with the GEAR UP staff to develop and implement all aspects of local marketing efforts.

2. Maintain community and school contacts that work with special populations students.

3. Conduct presentations and network with school district personnel as needed.

4. Educate and involve the local community in GEAR UP opportunities.

5. Present to local community groups and others as related to and appropriate for the program.

DIRECT SERVICE TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

1. Serves as the GEAR UP Representative for their assigned service area.

2. Coordinates student services, workshops, seminars, and summer programs for GEAR UP students.

3. Establishes strong working relationships with local students and families. Conducts regular parent information meetings.

4. Conducts student needs assessments and facilitates services tailored to meet individual student needs.

5. Develops, conducts, and facilitates local workshops on career exploration, college preparation and exploration, college selection, financial aid application processes, and ACT preparation.

6. Helps students to locate, prepare, and apply for scholarship opportunities. Educates students and families on the Hathaway Scholarship Program and the Daniels Fund Scholarship.

8. Works with local school counselors to encourage enrollment in dual and concurrent courses and involvement in a variety of collegiate activities during their high school years.

10. Monitors and assists with FAFSA completion for all high school seniors enrolled in GEAR UP.

11. Tracks and assists with the college enrollment plans of all program participants during the summer between their senior year of high school and their freshman year of college.

SERVICE TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS

1. Works with local counselors, teachers, school staff, and administration to do need assessments of enrolled GEAR UP students.

2. Works with local school clerical staff to collect data on students.

3. Presents project information to local superintendents, principals, teachers, and counselors yearly.

4. Works with curriculum learning centers in the schools.

5. Facilitates college planning programs.

OTHER COLLEGE DUTIES

1. Follows all federal (FERPA, HIPPA, EOE, etc.) state, institutional, and other (NJCAA) guidelines necessary to be in compliance.

2. Serves as a resource person to the community as a whole and to various special publics by being willing to speak to groups, answer specific inquiries, assist with research projects and workshops, locate information, and perform other related tasks.

3. Becomes familiar with the budgeting and requisition process of the college. Assists with preparing annual and biennial budgets as requested; becomes comfortable with the purchase requisitions process.

4. Maintains safe working conditions and practices at all times.

5. Keeps abreast of professional developments by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops and by reading appropriate professional literature.

6. Performs other related duties as appropriate or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience, Knowledge and Abilities)

1. Skill in dealing with a diverse population.

2. Strong verbal and written communication skills.

3. Ability to make effective presentations for workshops, classrooms, and in the community using specialized software.

4. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, Canva, and Google Drive.

5. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree.

For those candidates who do not exactly meet all minimum qualifications, an equivalent combination of education and experience, which has provided comparable knowledge and abilities, may be accepted.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Abilities, Education and Experience)

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.

2. Working knowledge of Western Wyoming Community College and the GEAR UP grant.

3. Experience working with individuals from the GEAR UP target population.

4. Bilingual.