Pre-Collegiate Advisor - Westminster H.S. and Hidden Lake H.S..

State of Colorado; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Colorado Department of Higher Education invites applications for a Pre-Collegiate Advisor within the GEAR UP program. Under general supervision, you will support high school students through intensive advising, college readiness workshops, and partnerships with postsecondary institutions.

This intermediate level role emphasizes data-driven program support, budget management, and cross-team collaboration to improve graduation rates and postsecondary transitions for diverse student cohorts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education or related field.
• Two years of experience in a high school or college setting.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred; data management experience valued.

Responsibilities

• Provide intensive case management through one-on-one and small group advising sessions with students, including monitoring attendance and academic progress.
• Facilitate monthly college and career readiness workshops.
• Build and lead a strong GEAR UP presence in the school and implement best practices.
• Coordinate and host parent engagement events.
• Conduct outreach and intrusive advising to promote holistic student success.
• Assist with budget and data reporting for program activities.
• Develop partnerships with postsecondary institutions to support student transitions.

Skills

Communication

Critical thinking

Time management

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Motivation

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education or related field

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Outlook

Teams

Job description

Join Our Team

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system.

Department Information

Join Our Team

This announcement is not governed by the selection processes of the classified personnel system. This posting is open to both current and non-current residents of the State of Colorado at the time of application. However, please note that upon hire, you will be required to establish residence within the State of Colorado.

Position Description

Under general supervision, the Pre-Collegiate Advisor coordinates and implements pre-collegiate services under the guidelines, policies, and mission of Colorado GEAR UP. The GEAR UP Pre-Collegiate Advisor serves as an advisor, mentor, resource, and case manager to cohorts of students in individual and group settings. This position is responsible for increasing high school graduation rates and preparing students for postsecondary and matriculation.

Term Limited Notice

This position is term-limited and is expected to conclude on September 30, 2032. The position will be renewed annually through September 30, 2032, contingent upon funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Supervision Exercised

This position does not supervise any employees.

Description Of Job

This intermediate level position is responsible for independently performing specialized duties supporting the GEAR UP program. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Job Duties

The duties listed below reflect the different types of work that may be performed. The omission of any specific duty will not prevent the assignment of work that is appropriately related to this position.

High School Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide intense case managing through one-on-one and small group advising sessions with students, including monitoring and tracking attendance and academic progress regularly and setting-up and monitoring early inventions for student success including tutoring
• Facilitate monthly college and career readiness workshops
• Build and lead a strong GEAR UP presence in the school and implement sustainable best practices
• Create and develop a strong postsecondary outlook and culture in collaboration with the high school by providing opportunities for college awareness
• Promote and coordinate opportunities for college visits, college fairs, career workshops and other related college readiness opportunities
• Promote dual enrollment and assist with coordination, implementation and reporting
• Build, develop and foster strong, mentoring relationships with students
• Coordinate and host parent engagement events
• Network and develop partnerships with postsecondary institutions and support programs to provide students with postsecondary exposure and experiences
• Lead, coordinate and facilitate student recruitment activities
• Guide and assist seniors through the college admissions process including college applications, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications and postsecondary transitions tasks
• Develop and foster relationships with postsecondary institutions that will help ease the transition from high school to college for students
• Promote, coordinate and support summer programs

College Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach and intrusive advising in one-on-one or small group advising sessions with students, including providing wrap-around support services that promote holistic academic success and monitoring and tracking academic progress and milestones
• Provide college success tools and techniques such as time management, study skills, tutoring opportunities and FAFSA completion
• Facilitate new student transition orientations and Meet and Greet events
• Serve as a mentor, resource, liaison and advocate for student enrollment, transition, persistence, degree plans and degree attainment
• Network and develop partnerships with existing programs that will provide students with resources, academic support, and opportunities to boost social integration
• Assist students in becoming independent learners by providing them with the knowledge and resources on how to navigate through a postsecondary system including financial aid
• Lead summer melt initiatives

Other Responsibilities

• Manage onsite budget and expense reporting
• Maintain student data regularly and accurately, including reviewing and analyzing data to help drive and refine program initiatives, outcomes and success
• Assist with federal annual and final reporting
• Manage in-kind contributions for school site and grant activities

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions Of Employment & Appeal Rights

Education and Experience

Education:

• Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in education or related field
• Substitution: Four (4) years of experience in a related field can replace the education requirement of a bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience in a high school or college setting

Licenses And Certifications:

• Valid Colorado driver’s license and compliance with all requirements for driving a state vehicle are required throughout the term of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (Spanish preferred)
• Data management experience

Knowledge Of:

• Standard office practices, procedures, software and equipment, including the use of personal computers, telephones, Zoom, and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point, Outlook, and Teams)
• State statutes, rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Financial aid and college admissions
• College placement, admissions test, and assessments
• Developmental education, dual/concurrent enrollment, graduation guidelines and Guided Pathways

Ability To:

• Work effectively in both independent and team situations
• Manage sensitive issues and confidential information
• Think critically and apply reasoning and analysis
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally
• Employ attention to technical detail and accuracy
• Apply time management skills to prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships with {internal/external} stakeholders
• Motivate others

Supplemental Information

Physical and Mental Standards (Hybrid Setting)

The physical and mental standards described here are representative of those that must typically be met by employees to perform the essential functions of this class successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently sit/stand at a desk for extended periods of time
• Frequently move from one area/building to another and sit/stand during the course of a day/week/month for meetings
• Occasionally may push or pull an object
• Frequently use finger dexterity and operate a keyboard
• Regularly lift 10 pounds and occasionally lift 25 pounds
• Frequently use vision to read documents, view computer screens, and see close and distant objects
• Frequently use speech and hearing to engage in conversation, in person, and over the telephone

If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquires to [e-mail]

Typical Working Conditions

• Job duties may occasionally require working extended hours or hours outside of the regular schedule.
• The position may require periodic in-state and out-of-state travel requiring occasional overnight stays. The position requires the ability to travel independently through the state including overnight stays.

Notice

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this level of position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. The duties, expectations, and actions listed for this role may change at any time with or without notice.

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Higher Education is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resource Director [e-mail] or call 720.264.8575.

Notice: The official version of this job description is maintained by the Human Resources Office. This document may not reflect the most current updates in real time.