Program Advisor - TRIO Upward Bound Programs

Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and

Competitive benefits package

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State's TRIO Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor to coordinate program operations across partner school districts and serve as the on-site liaison with school personnel. The role involves recruiting students, advising on college readiness and financial aid, and developing academic year and summer programs in line with federal guidelines.

The candidate will work with high school students from low-income, first-generation families, building partnerships with campus offices and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree and 1+ years of relevant experience.
• Background checks including PA State Police, PA Child Abuse History, and FBI fingerprint clearance are required.

Responsibilities

• Recruit and program participants across grant-determined districts and coordinate events.
• Advise, tutor, or refer participants on college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, and college applications.
• Develop and implement academic year and summer programming compliant with federal guidelines; maintain relationships with school districts and campus partners.
• Communicate unit policies and federal grant guidelines effectively in oral and written form.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Position Specifics

TRIO Upward Bound Programs is seeking a Program Advisor for program operations in the Mount Union and Steelton-Highspire School Districts. At Penn State, the Upward Bound Program (UB) is located within The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Upward Bound is a federally-funded program that helps high-school students gain academic skills and motivation to continue their education beyond high school. The project provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. Upward Bound Program (ed.gov)

The Upward Bound Program Advisor assists in organizing, developing, and implementing social, educational, and service-learning programs/activities for Upward Bound Programs' participants. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of working effectively with high school students in a team environment, will serve as the Penn State on-site program liaison/contact with school district personnel, and will be responsible for:

• Student recruitment and programming for grant-determined school district population, parent/student events, and community stakeholders
• Advising, tutoring, or referring program participants on various student services including high school course selection, college readiness, financial aid, health and wellness, career services, academic advising, student leadership, and diversity and inclusion
• Development and implementation of academic year and summer residential programming in compliance with federal guidelines as outlined in the grant develop and maintain effective working relationships with school districts, community partners, and campus and University-wide offices
• Understanding and articulating unit policies and federal grant guidelines in oral and written communication

This individual will be responsible for providing services to students with a focus on meeting the following core objectives of the project:

• Assisting non-senior students to complete rigorous coursework and pass to the next grade level each year
• Assisting senior students to graduate from high school on time
• Assisting senior students to matriculate to postsecondary education for the fall semester immediately following high school graduation
• Assisting with tracking the postsecondary progress of students served for six years after high school graduation

The ideal candidate will have experience in the following knowledge areas:

• Collaborating with school district personnel to assist participants with scheduling high school courses and providing academic counseling and support services necessary to ensure completion of a rigorous curriculum
• Reviewing and monitoring participants' academic progress to guide implementation of grade-level appropriate activities, focused on postsecondary goals integrated with a salient career focus
• Assisting participants with applying to postsecondary education and navigating the enrollment process
• Providing information about financial aid and assisting participants with applying for aid and interpreting financial aid packages
• Coordinating and chaperoning postsecondary campus tours and career focused field trips
• Developing and maintaining a network of professional relationships with postsecondary institutions and community agencies
• Demonstrated experience in providing direct college preparation services to 9th through 12th grade students and in working with low-income, first-generation high school students from diverse backgrounds are essential
• Knowledge of and experience with federally funded TRIO programs is preferred

Competencies critical to success include:

• Outstanding interpersonal verbal and written communications
• Effective analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• The ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines

This is a term appointment funded for one year from the start date with an excellent opportunity for renewal.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Certifications:None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary & Benefits

• The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $44,628.00 - $64,668.00.
• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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