Talent Search Academic Advisor (TRIO)

University of Maine System•Presque Isle, ME

12d

About The Position

The University of Maine at Presque Isle is seeking a TRIO Talent Search Academic Advisor to support middle and high school students in partner schools across Presque Isle, Central Aroostook, Fort Fairfield, Caswell, Limestone, Washburn, and Ashland. The Advisor provides academic advising, career and college exploration, study-skills development, financial-literacy education, and individualized support to help students prepare for college success. The role also involves tracking student progress, collaborating with school staff and TRIO colleagues, and connecting students to campus and community resources. This is an 11-month position, running August 15 through July 15, at 40 hours per week. It is home- and school-based, with most workdays at partner school sites, and the schedule follows school calendars. Occasional morning, evening, weekend, and holiday hours may be required. Regular travel to assigned partner schools is required, as is a reliable means of transportation. The position is a grant-funded, soft-money appointment supported through a federally funded, five-year renewable TRIO Talent Search grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The annual salary for the 11-month position is $44,000. The university will consider the salary of current UMS employees transferring or receiving a promotion based on skills and experience. Benefits include medical, retirement, dental, vision, and tuition-waiver programs for employees and dependents, as well as wellness programs.

Requirements

Baccalaureate degree in educational counseling, education, psychology, social work, or another appropriate and related field.
Understanding of the unique needs and challenges of working with low-income and educationally disadvantaged youth and/or adults in an educational environment.
Ability to travel to assigned schools; a valid driver’s license, ownership of a reliable, fully insured vehicle, and a clean driving record to drive University vehicles are required.
Deep understanding of adolescent development and a proven track record of respecting, recruiting, and supporting youth from diverse social, economic, cultural, and academic backgrounds.
Working knowledge of secondary and postsecondary systems, student learning strategies, academic/vocational assessment tools, and group facilitation.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and proficiency with standard workplace technologies.
Demonstrated ability to manage priorities, exercise sound judgment, and drive outcomes independently without direct supervision.
For remote work: proof of a stable, reliable internet connection of at least 25 Mbps; mobile hotspots are not acceptable.
For remote work: a dedicated, distraction-free private workspace that accommodates a full workstation, including two monitors, docking stations, and other required equipment, and supports confidentiality under University policy and FERPA regulations.
Ability to complete an annual Remote Work Agreement Form.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a relevant field, or currently pursuing a master’s degree with the required direct-service experience.
Three or more years of related work experience.
Preference is given to individuals who have overcome circumstances like those of the population the project serves.
Experience with and understanding of college admissions and financial-aid processes for low-income students, particularly through programs with objectives such as TRIO.
Knowledge of target schools.

Responsibilities

Provide academic advising, career and college exploration, study-skills development, and financial-literacy education to students.
Offer individualized support to help students prepare for college success.
Track student progress.
Collaborate with school staff and TRIO colleagues.
Connect students to campus and community resources.
Travel regularly to assigned partner schools in the service areas.