"MnSCU Academic Professional 1 - Upward Bound Advisor"

Job Description

This position provides academic support, advising, progress monitoring, and follow-up services to Upward Bound participants who are low-income and first-generation students. The Advisor supports students in developing the academic skills, motivation, and college readiness necessary to complete secondary education and successfully enter and persist in postsecondary education. Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program supported by the U.S. Department of Education. This position is a limited appointment and is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. The current Upward Bound grant period extends through August 31, 2027. The institution anticipates applying for and continuing the program through the next federal funding cycle, which would extend funding for an additional five-year period, contingent upon federal approval.

Salary Range

$23.98 - $34.69/Hour; $50,070 - $72,433/Year

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• One (1) year experience working directly with high school students, including instruction, academic advising, and/or personal support to prepare students for college.
• Experience working with low-income, first-generation, and/or diverse college bound students, including knowledge of barriers impacting academic access and success.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and support students’ academic, personal, career, and social emotional needs, particularly within underserved communities.
• Strong communication and instructional skills, including public speaking, teaching, and written communication in individual and group settings (in person, phone, and virtual), with the ability to motivate students and collaborate respectfully with colleagues.
• Demonstrated organizational and self-management skills, including the ability to work autonomously and collaboratively, initiate and follow through on tasks, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and 2–5 overnight trips per year.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in youth development, education, or other related field.
• A background similar to that of our students (former TRIO participant, first-generation college student, member of BIPOC community, etc.)
• Proficiency in a language other than English (Spanish, Somali, or Amharic preferred)
• Experience working with TRIO or similar programs.
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development Theory, social-emotional learning, and high-quality youth development programming.

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Academic Year (late August to early June) Programming aligns with school year schedule for target high schools
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM; Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Occasional evening, weekend, and overnight work required:
6 - 8 evening family workshops lasting until 9 PM
1 Saturday workshop per month
2 - 5 overnight trips (3-7 days)
Summer (mid-June to early August)
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
2 - 3 overnight trips, between 2 and 7 days long
In general, vacation requests that overlap with the 6-week summer session will not be approved.

Other Requirements

In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.