Academic Coordinator, Upward Bound

Academic Coordinator (Student Services Professional 1 - MR07 )
Upward Bound
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

The Academic Coordinator position supports the academic progress of Upward Bound participants. This position coordinates the academic portion of the monthly Saturday sessions and conduct remedial instruction as necessary. Other responsibilities as detailed in the Upward Bound Grant Application and to help insure that program objectives as mandated by the Dept. of Education (funding agency) are met annually. This position will:

Conduct assessments and provide educational, career and personal counseling to UB participants. Coordinate academic portion of the monthly Saturday sessions and tutoring in approved college preparatory courses, develop action plans for project participants and take necessary steps to ensure that students adhere to their plans. Teach up to two courses during the academic year and participate in summer program activities (including overnight responsibilities). Assure that students are participating in courses and completing the necessary assignments. Create evaluations and assessments when necessary to counsel participants. Help recruit, train and supervise summer Resident Assistant staff and assist when necessary with other staff during the summer residential program. Assist with presentations and new participant recruitment. Assist in tutor training, oversee and report tutoring progress. Assist with planning of college visits, cultural and social events each semester (may include overnight stays each term).

Visit target schools and consult with school officials weekly to recruit, enroll and maintain a roster of the approved number of project participants per academic year. Ensure that eligibility requirements and applications for new participants are complete according to Upward Bound federal regulations. Collect report cards and other necessary documents to determine specific needs of individual participants and contact parents when necessary to ensure students are on track academically. Communicate with UB Director when necessary for added support and other resources.

Document and maintain proof of services provided to project participants (new and continuing) based on school visits and other contact with students and/or parents. Enter documentation of contacts in the program database (BLUMEN) on a weekly basis. Prepare and submit reports as required by the CCCE Executive Director, UB Director and others as required in accordance to federal regulations and/or UTC policies. Generate statistical reports and assist in submitting the Annual Performance Report annually and UB proposal for continued funding.

Assist UB participants in choosing colleges, schedule/plan and conduct workshops designed to assist students in the college entrance process. Provide assistance in finding scholarship opportunities, college entrance exams and completion of the FAFSA.

Assist in the process of recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and evaluating a team of qualified instructors, tutors, and other support staff and implement other administrative duties and responsibilities as assigned by the UB Director. Promote the program within the community and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office and social media platforms, knowledge in the post-secondary process: FAFSA, ACT Prep, the college admission process, financial aid, college life and ability to develop rapport with students while holding them accountable for meeting program requirements.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Experience working with high school aged students and underrepresented populations.
• Knowledge working with high school advising and high school graduation requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment or proven strategies for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment; demonstrated ability or proven strategies to teach and work with persons from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work occasional overnight stays for college visits, meetings and cultural/social program events.

Review of applications will begin September 27, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by this date will receive priority consideration.

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Counseling or related fields; two years delivering educational and/or counseling services for disadvantaged populations, including assessing needs and developing service plans with secondary and post-secondary goals/strategies. Must have valid driver's license. Weekends and occasional evening shifts required.

Preferred Qualifications : Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling or related fields; knowledge of Federal TRIO programs (i.e. TRIO programs); experience with curriculum development, student advocacy, supervision and tutoring or mentoring.

The University of Tennessee Chattanooga is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or protected veteran status.

Qualifications :