EXPECTATIONS AND NATURE OF THE POSITION

GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a federally funded program. This is a part-time position. The successful applicant will work approximately 10-15 hours per week. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor is responsible for providing college awareness and access services to disadvantaged students and their families. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor works with the Director and Assistant Director to plan local program activities and ensures that plans are implemented properly. The GEAR UP Outreach Advisor assists with budget management and data collection as it relates to the grant. The employee will also work within the cooperative partnership structure which includes the University of Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Education, and the seven community colleges. This person must be able to get along with people from diverse backgrounds and must have strong communication and motivational skills. This person must have the ability to manage workload, independently and as a team member; analyze complex issues and prepare concise reports and plans for addressing these issues. TRAVEL AND EVENING WORK REQUIRED.

This position is for the following location:

It is expected that this individual will accomplish duties in an efficient, effective, and competent manner and strive for improvement and excellence in all work performed. Additionally, this individual must understand the comprehensive role of the community college and cooperate and work harmoniously with college personnel and the public. This individual will follow all college policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines as they relate to this position.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR WHICH THIS INDIVIDUAL IS ACCOUNTABLE

ADMINISTRATIVE
1. Assumes responsibility for knowing all facets of the GEAR UP Grant.
2. Assists in overseeing the development of local project materials and marketing pieces.
3. Understands the terms and conditions of the grant, conducts all activities in compliance with federal and state requirements, and assists in preparing annual grant reports as required.
4. Conducts program evaluations and revises goals as necessary.
6. Oversees GEAR UP activities & student conduct within the boundaries of the assigned service area.
7. Submits weekly grant activity reports to the GEAR UP Director and Assistant Director.

MARKETING and PUBLICATIONS
1. Works with the GEAR UP staff to develop and implement all aspects of local marketing efforts.
2. Maintains community and school contacts that work with special populations students.
3. Conducts presentations and networks with school district personnel as needed.
4. Educates and involves the local community in GEAR UP opportunities.
5. Presents to local community groups and others as related to and appropriate for the program.

DIRECT SERVICE TO STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
1. Serves as the GEAR UP Representative for their assigned service area.
2. Assists in coordinating student services, workshops, seminars, and summer programs for GEAR UP students.
3. Establishes strong working relationships with local students and families. Conducts parent information meetings.
4. Assists in conducting student needs assessments and facilitates services tailored to meet individual student needs.
5. Assists in developing, conducting, and facilitating local workshops on career exploration, college preparation and exploration, college selection, financial aid application processes, and ACT preparation.
6. Helps students to locate and prepare for scholarship opportunities. Educates students and families on the Hathaway Scholarship Program and Daniels Fund Scholarship.
8. Works with local school counselors to encourage enrollment in concurrent courses and involvement in a variety of collegiate activities during their high school years.
10. Monitors FAFSA completion for all high school seniors enrolled in GEAR UP.
11. Tracks college enrollment plans of all program participants during the summer between their senior year of high school and their freshman year of college.

SERVICE TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS
1. Works with the GEAR UP staff to do need assessments with local principals, counselors, teachers, and staff.
2. Works with local school clerical staff to collect data on students.
3. Presents project information to local superintendents, principals, teachers, and counselors.
4. Works with curriculum learning centers in the schools.
5. Facilitates college planning programs.

OTHER COLLEGE DUTIES
1. Serves as a resource person to the community as a whole and to various special publics by being willing to speak to groups, answer specific inquiries, assist with research projects and workshops, locate information, and perform other related tasks.
2. Becomes familiar with the budgeting and requisition process of the college. Assists with preparing annual and biennial budgets as requested; becomes comfortable with the purchase requisitions process.
3. Maintains safe working conditions and practices at all times.
4. Keeps abreast of professional developments by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops and by reading appropriate professional literature.
5. Performs other related duties as appropriate or required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience, Knowledge and Abilities)
1. Skill in dealing with a diverse population.
2. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
3. Ability to make effective presentations for workshops, classrooms, and in the community.
4. Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel.
5. Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate degree.

Equivalency Statement

For those candidates who do not exactly meet all minimum qualifications, an equivalent combination of education and experience, which has provided comparable knowledge and abilities, may be accepted.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Abilities, Education and Experience)

1. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.
2. Working knowledge of Western Wyoming Community College and the GEAR UP grant.
3. Experience working with individuals from the GEAR UP target population.
4. Bilingual.