TRIO Upward Bound Academic Specialist
About The Position
The Academic Specialist provides professional academic advising, student development, and program coordination services to support academic success, college readiness, and personal development of Upward Bound participants. This position exercises independent judgment in evaluating student academic needs, developing individualized success plans, coordinating academic support services, monitoring student progress, and implementing educational and enrichment activities. The Academic Specialist collaborates in coordinating participant recruitment and selection, tutoring services, workshops, family engagement, college access activities, and program data collection and reporting. The position works collaboratively with students, families, school personnel, program staff, and community partners and serves as a resource regarding academic preparation, college access, career exploration, and student success.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in education, counseling, social work, advising, or a related field.
- Two (2) years of experience working with youth, families, or educational support programs
- Experience providing academic advising, educational support, or student development services to individuals with diverse educational needs
- Valid New Mexico Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in varying weather and road conditions
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Ability to analyze problems, evaluate available options, and implement appropriate solutions
- Knowledge of TRIO programs and services
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and related software
- Basic website management and content development skills
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management abilities
- Ability to exercise independent judgment in assessing student needs, developing individualized support strategies, and resolving student and program-related issues
- Ability to analyze student academic data and develop appropriate interventions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment
- Flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with TRIO programs or prior participation in a TRIO or similar college access program
- Experience with website maintenance, social media platforms, and electronic communications
- Knowledge of financial aid processes, college admissions procedures, student recruitment practices, community outreach, and assessment tools
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
Responsibilities
- Provide academic advising, financial literacy education, career exploration guidance, and college readiness support
- Review and evaluate student academic records, including grades, transcripts, standardized test scores, and course enrollment, to develop individualized success plans aligned with participants’ academic, career, and personal goals.
- Assess participants’ academic needs and monitor progress toward program objectives
- Coordinate academic tutoring services, including scheduling, tutor assignments, program expectations, and monitoring the effectiveness of tutoring support
- Train, assign, supervise, and evaluate academic tutors and provide ongoing guidance regarding tutoring expectations and program requirements
- Organize and facilitate study sessions, workshops, and academic enrichment activities
- Develop, organize, and facilitate group learning experiences focused on financial literacy, personal development, leadership, college access, career exploration, and other student success areas
- Coordinate with the department in the identification and recruitment of eligible Upward Bound participants
- Develop and implement parent and family engagement activities.
- Maintain regular communication with students, parents, guardians, and school personnel
- Collaborate with the Director and Coordinator in the planning and execution of college tours, educational enrichment activities, and special events
- Regular and predictable attendance required
- Perform other duties as assigned
Benefits
- Must pass a pre-employment background check.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
