Part-Time Student Success Mentor

Utah State University•Blanding, UT

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Utah State University (USU) is seeking a dedicated and relationship-focused Mentor to support students at the USU Blanding campus and extend mentoring and student-support services into the surrounding communities. The Mentor will build meaningful relationships with students, help them navigate college life and academic expectations, and connect them with campus and community resources. A key component of this position is outreach to prospective and current students in rural and surrounding communities, helping strengthen pathways to higher education and increasing awareness of the educational opportunities available through USU. This position requires someone who is comfortable working both on campus and in community settings, building trust with students, families, schools, tribal communities, and community partners. Regular travel to outreach locations will be expected. This is a 9-month position, based on refunding opportunities.

Requirements

Associates degree or two years experience in a related field or an equivalent combination.
Experience working with students, young adults, families, or community members in a mentoring, advising, education, social-service, or related capacity.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain trusting relationships with students and community partners.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with a team.
Ability to travel regularly to outreach locations, including Montezuma Creek and Monument Valley.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation, as required for community outreach responsibilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when working with students and sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors degree and two years of experience working in a college-access, student-success, mentoring, advising, recruitment, or retention program.
Experience working with students from rural, first-generation, low-income, or historically underserved communities.
Familiarity with the educational landscape and communities of southeastern Utah.
Experience working with Native American/Indigenous students and communities and demonstrated cultural awareness and respect.
Experience building partnerships with schools, tribal organizations, community organizations, or other local agencies.
Strong knowledge of college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and student-support resources.
Ability to communicate effectively with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
Experience facilitating workshops, presentations, or community events.

Responsibilities

Provide consistent, supportive, and culturally responsive mentoring to USU Blanding students.
Become a source of encouragement and support to students at risk of academic failure as identified in the Early Alert System.
Develop trusting relationships with students and serve as a reliable source of encouragement, guidance, and support.
Help students identify academic, personal, and career goals and develop strategies to achieve them.
Assist students in navigating university resources, services, policies, and processes.
Connect students with appropriate academic advising, tutoring, financial aid, mental health, career, and other support services.
Monitor student engagement and progress and proactively reach out to students who may need additional support.
Conduct outreach activities in Monticello, Montezuma Creek, Monument Valley, and surrounding communities.
Build and maintain positive relationships with local schools, community organizations, tribal/community partners, families, and other stakeholders.
Participate in college-access events, workshops, presentations, recruitment activities, and community events.
Help prospective students understand USU programs, admissions processes, financial aid, and available student-support resources.
Support transition and retention efforts for students entering USU from local communities.
Coordinate with USU Blanding faculty, staff, advisors, recruiters, and other student-support personnel.
Maintain accurate records of mentoring and outreach activities while protecting student confidentiality.
Travel regularly between USU Blanding and designated outreach communities.
Attend staff meetings, professional-development activities, and other university events as required.
Perform other duties related to student mentoring, outreach, and college-access initiatives as assigned.