About the Job

Position Overview

This federal grant-funded position is a specialist in college access and readiness programming and development for first generation and low-income high school-aged youth. Utilizing a holistic college access advising model, this position is responsible for academic advising and student development in all facets of college readiness including academic, personal, social, cultural and behavioral.

This position is also responsible for developing, implementing and managing program initiatives and services, recruiting students from high schools in the Minneapolis Public School system, co-instructing a non-credit academic year college planning course, coordinating all summer residential services (including live-in responsibilities for five weeks), supervising and training summer residential support staff, and providing direct advocacy and development support for students at the assigned target high schools. This position works both independently and collaboratively with TRIO leadership team and reports to the program director.

You must complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume .

Job Responsibilities:

Direct Service to students (45%)

• Provide academic, personal, social, and financial aid advising to students and families from a variety of cultures and communities to increase college readiness indicators towards meeting high school graduation and PSE enrollment program performance objectives.
• Utilizing a holistic college access advising model, guide, challenge, and support students
• Identify, understand, and apply organization and student development theory to guide students to reflect on important decisions that challenge and support their development
• Monitor and employ analytical reviews of student progress in high school and at Upward Bound to intervene, advise, and recommend alternative solutions to academic, social and economic difficulties in participants’ ability to meet program objectives
• Develop annual student plans of action based on individual needs, interests, educational best practices, ensuring students’ equitable access to services and effective intervention services
• Evaluate student curricular and extra-curricular plans as well as behavioral development to promote timely high school graduation and college preparation
• Coordinate, lead, implement and manage a timely student recruitment process, including direct student recruitment within target school(s), with commitment to the recruitment and retention of diverse student populations who meet federally mandated and program specific admissions
  criteria
• Utilize a variety of communication methods to actively develop and maintain relationships with and inform, participants’ parents/guardians of student academic progress and development
• Manage, track, document, report and evaluate student contact and performance utilizing database system and effective communication to a variety of stakeholders
• Comply with mandatory reporting state regulations
• Understand and communicate the interconnectedness of University, school and community resources to individual students to support their program and HS retention and an engaged student experience
• Influence student program retention, high school graduation and college matriculations through relationship development and establishment of trust through numerous and varying and personalized contact strategies across the academic lifespan.
• Assess student needs and guide them on best fit despite obstacles that prevent students from moving forward.
• Implement, track and report compliance with United States Department of Agriculture Summer Foods Program as scheduled
• Manage, track, dispense and reconcile student performance stipend during summer program
• Reside in residence halls with students and residential staff during scheduled summer residential services
• Equitably and consistently enforce program and University policies, manage student behavioral issues that arise during summer residential services, communicate with parents when issues arise.

Supervision of Summer Residential Program (15%)

• Train summer staff, prepare residential staff training budget, evaluate effectiveness of training, recommend areas of additional training, develop training methods, draft training manual and/or materials, analyze training modes and devise new ones when necessary
• Coordinate and supervise summer residential events for students participating in summer program
• Supervise and evaluate residential staff performance during summer program services; identify and manage performance issues when appropriate
• Communicate clearly and regularly, utilizing a variety of community methods, with all summer staff regarding program needs, expectations and student concerns
• Ensure compliance with safety, security and liability policies, promoting a culture of respect and safe a learning and living environment for participants and employees
• Update, annually, job descriptions for residential program positions, based on University of Minnesota hiring standards and in accordance with grant guidelines and funding
• Recruit and interview eligible diverse applicants and recommend appropriate candidates for hire to program director

Program development and operation (15%)

• Coordinate and implement academic year and summer experiential activities for students and/or parent/guardians with a variety of interests
• Assist with the design and implementation of holistic student and parent/guardian education workshops and orientation sessions geared toward students and families from diverse communities and cultures
• Develop, promote, and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, utilizing a variety of communication methods which are effective, timely and sensitive, in the target schools and community to ensure the retention and academic success of program participants, in accordance with program objectives
• Design, implement and manage an effective student caseload management system to ensure the retention and academic success of program participants, according to program objectives
• Develop, manage, track, and evaluate staff utilization of caseload management system
• Utilize universal design concepts for planning meetings and disseminating information to families
• Ensure compliance with liability are met when planning events, trips and workshops coordinate, implement, manage and chaperone experiential program and program events with special focus in generating equal accessibility to information and opportunities and building social and cultural capital
• Prepare, track, monitor and report student developmental and social progress; design and implement appropriate and timely intervention
  strategies

Instruction (10%)

• Serve as instructor for academic year class in post-secondary education planning
• Assess student PSE plans and recommend appropriate alternative pathways and plans for students using informed college admissions standards
• Write recommendation letters, edit college and scholarship applications, essays and resumes for TRIO Upward Bound participants
• Revise, update, document and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans utilizing up-to-date information regarding post-secondary and financial aid processes and best practices
• Monitor, track, document and report student post secondary education planning progress, assignment completion and class attendance
• Refer students to TRIO Student Support Services programs and other identified programs aimed at serving TRIO-like students in respective matriculating institutions

Outreach, networking and relationship building in support of direct service (10%)

• Utilize and build relationships and networks at assigned target high school, across the University, with community programs, and with other TRIO programs to ensure holistic services, broad and effective advocacy on behalf of students, and increased efficiency of college readiness program services.
• Develop and integrate into advising a comprehensive understanding of how financial literacy is integral to the undergraduate student experience.
• Build effective relationships with parents/guardians and families of participants to ensure readiness services are comprehensive and communicated broadly to those who influence high school student success.
• Liaisons to central campus offices and administrative units such as OED/OSA and the specific units within
• Represent and publicize Upward Bound within target high school & community including participation in classroom presentation, target school open houses, parent/teacher conferences, and other target school-related events as determined and/or assigned
• Advocate for participants in schools & community, actively seeking equal accessibility and exposure to adequate college-preparatory resources
• Serve on target school committees promoting targeted service intervention and community program collaboration, effectively communicating and reporting program impact on overall school performance outcomes
• Collaborate with University of Minnesota Office of Housing and Residential Life and University Dining Services to secure residential hall space, update contract and audit final bill
• Hold regular and consistent office hours at target schools and secure adequate resources to effectively represent Upward Bound at target school

Other (5%)

• Attend staff meetings
• Chaperone students to conference/field trips
• Participate in professional development, with a focused commitment of gaining perspective in diverse backgrounds, effective communication, and issues in accessibility
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, youth development, family social science, psychology, sociology, or related experience with at least 3 years of professional work experience, or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years
• Minimum of one year experience performing work relating to planning and supervising a residential or similar educational program (inclusive in the years of related experience listed above), including supervision of staff
• Experience in Microsoft office suite
• Experience advising one-on-one and/or in group settings
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record
• Must have access to reliable transportation
• Finalist must be able to accommodate evening, overnight and weekend hours, and live-in requirements for five weeks of summer program (typically mid-June through-July)
• Finalist must be able to pass a criminal background and driving check

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working with low-income and/or first-generation individuals and/or communities
• Demonstrated experience working in a diverse educational setting in an urban area
• Knowledge of or experience working with Minneapolis Public High Schools
• Experience with classroom instruction and curriculum development, preferably at the high school level
• Comprehensive knowledge of high school graduation requirements and post-secondary planning, college admission and financial aid processes
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Strong skills and experience with database software, specifically Blumen, Microsoft Office software, and Google applications.
• Ability to work effectively and inclusively as part of a diverse team
• Ability to adapt to a changing environment and handle multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform duties with minimal supervision and strong attention to detail
• Ability to speak a foreign language – Spanish, Oromo, Somali, Hmong, Amharic, etc.
• Personal experience with and a demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting the TRIO eligible population. Consideration given to individuals with experience overcoming academic, economic, and/or social obstacles to success

About the Department

Department Overview

TRIO Upward Bound is a federally funded, U.S. Department of Education equal educational opportunity program designed to generate within our students (and parents), the skills and motivation necessary to both graduate high school and enter and graduate successfully complete a post secondary degree. TRIO UB annually serves 118 low-income and first-generation college bound youth from four high schools in Minneapolis. We develop and provide intensive, year-round academic services and enrichment programming to engage students, parents, school administrators and community partners to advance both individual and systemic change.

College Overview

The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD), the third largest college at the University, contributes to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. We know diversity is necessary to do our best work and foster our humanity. That’s why the CEHD community is collectively dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and equitable environment, embracing and celebrating all identities of our students, staff, and faculty. These values are also a moral imperative requiring continuous proactive measures and a firm stance against prejudice, discrimination, and systemic injustice. https://www.cehd.umn.edu /

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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 Scholarship
• 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

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

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You must 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.

Diversity

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

Employment Requirements

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.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).