Career Academic Advisor

RFCUNY Research Foundation of the City University of New York; Brocks Corner (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RFCUNY Benefits

Job summary

RFCUNY’s Bronx GEAR UP INSPIRES program seeks Middle and High School College and Career Readiness Coaches to mentor students through transitions from middle school to high school and from high school to college. You will provide personalized academic planning, career exploration, mentoring, and college readiness support, working with families, school staff, and partners at Bronx Community College.

A master's degree is preferred, with at least three years of experience supporting underserved and

Qualifications

• A master’s degree (preferred but not required) in Education, Counseling, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in college readiness or student support preferred.
• Experience supporting underserved and first‑generation students is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide personalized academic planning, career exploration, mentoring, and college readiness support.
• Collaborate with school-based staff, families, and partners to strengthen pathways to higher education and career success.
• Plan and execute workshops, counseling sessions, and enrichment activities for middle and high school students and parents.

Skills

Mentoring

Academic planning

Career exploration

Student engagement

Communication

Leadership

Organizational skills

Evening/weekend availability

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Education

Master’s degree preferred in Education, Counseling or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Thank you for considering a career with the Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY). The team at RFCUNY is made up of dedicated, talented professionals committed to providing the services that allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries. We are pleased that you are interested in exploring opportunities to join RFCUNY.

Primary Location: BRONX C. C. Bargaining Unit: No

Program Overview

Bronx GEAR UP INSPIRES is a federally funded college access and success initiative led by The Bronx Institute at Lehman College. The program partners with Bronx schools to support students from middle school through their first year of college by helping them develop the academic, social, and personal skills necessary to succeed in higher education and beyond.

General Description of Duties and Responsibilities

The Middle and High School College and Career Readiness Coaches serve as frontline mentors and guides within Bronx GEAR UP INSPIRES, supporting students as they navigate the critical transitions from middle school to high school and from high school to college and career readiness. Working directly with students, families, school staff, and program partners, Coaches provide personalized academic planning, career exploration, mentoring, and college readiness support. This role focuses on helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and persistence needed to pursue higher education and achieve long-term academic and career success.

Coaches will work closely with school-based coaching staff, the Program Coordinator and Liaison, and the Administrative Assistant at Bronx Community College to support program implementation, student engagement, and the successful delivery of college and career readiness services.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

Guide students through academic transitions from middle school through college by developing and supporting personalized college and career readiness plans. Provide hands‑on support through tutoring, mentoring, college visits, career and technical site visits, summer programs, and financial aid workshops. Collaborate with school-based Coaches, school leaders, families, and community partners to strengthen pathways to higher education and career success. Participate in and support the Saturday Academy Program, providing academic enrichment, mentoring, college and career readiness activities, and other student support services as assigned. Use academic data and evidence‑based strategies to identify student needs, implement appropriate interventions, and improve student outcomes across program sites. Maintain regular communication and provide weekly progress reports to the school-based Coaches, the Program Coordinator and Liaison, and the Administrative Assistant at Bronx Community College through appropriate methods of communication. Assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of program activities, workshops, and student services. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the goals and objectives of Bronx GEAR UP INSPIRES.

Core Competencies

Demonstrated experience implementing academic interventions, advising, and early outreach strategies that promote college access, persistence, and career readiness. Knowledge of college and career pathways, workforce preparation, and resources that support underserved and first‑generation students. Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with students, families, educators, and community partners. Understanding of Bronx communities and a commitment to supporting local youth in achieving their educational and career goals. Ability to collaborate effectively with school-based staff and program leadership while working independently and managing multiple responsibilities.

Qualifications

A master’s degree (preferred but not required) in Education, Counseling, or a related field. At least three years of experience supporting underserved and first‑generation students. Strong interpersonal communication and organizational skills, with the ability to work independently, cultivate professional relationships, and engage effectively with school leadership, students, and families. Ability to plan, organize, and deliver workshops and enrichment activities for middle and high school students and parents. Experience in college preparation, academic coaching, mentoring, or student support within a middle or high school setting is preferred. Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, prioritize responsibilities, and adapt to changing program needs. Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and collaboratively as part of a team across various tasks and projects. Grit, determination, flexibility, and a strong commitment to student success, including the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.

Work Schedule and Reporting Structure

Maintain a flexible schedule to work with students during the school day at assigned school sites, with a minimum commitment of work two days per week when the Saturday Academy Program is not in session. When the Saturday Academy Program is in session, participation in the Saturday Academy will count as one workday, and the employee will work one additional day during the week, for a total of two days per week. Participate in Saturday Academy activities and other program events, workshops, and student support initiatives as assigned. Report to and coordinate with the Program Coordinator and Liaison at BCC, the school-based Coaches, and the Administrative Assistant at Bronx Community College regarding student services, program activities, progress updates, and assigned responsibilities. Maintain effective communication with program leadership and school-based staff to ensure consistent implementation of Bronx GEAR UP INSPIRES goals and objectives.

Pay Range: Minimum - Maximum: $33.79/hour

RFCUNY Benefits

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1963 to provide post-award fiscal and administrative support for CUNY’s research and sponsored programs. RFCUNY’s services allow CUNY researchers, faculty, and staff to focus on their intellectual curiosity and scientific discoveries, on projects and programs that serve our local and global communities, proposing concrete solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. RFCUNY serves as a fiscal agent and works closely with all the CUNY campus Grants Offices to perform the core functions of post-award financial management for CUNY research projects and sponsored programs. These functions include legal assessment and signing of agreements where RFCUNY is named as a fiscal agent; setting up award accounts; preparing sub-awards and assisting PIs in monitoring the work of the recipients of sub-awards; supporting project directors with hiring and managing research project and sponsored program staff; supporting the purchasing and paying for goods and services with grant and program funds; managing financial aspects of projects including accounts receivable, financial reporting, invoicing, budget monitoring, and cost compliance with uniform guidance; ensuring that sponsor financial requirements are met; monitoring compliance with applicable project and financial management rules and laws; supporting the management of independent and external audits and financial reviews; and providing data, information, management expertise, and other supports to CUNY’s research and sponsored programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Research Foundation of the City University of New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Americans with Disabilities Act/E-Verify Employer. It is the policy of the Research Foundation of CUNY to provide equal employment opportunities free of discrimination based on race, color, age, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic violence victim status, arrest record, criminal conviction history, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.