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The HEOP Counselor will provide comprehensive support to students in the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at Hobart and William Smith. This role requires a strong commitment to student success, academic advising, and personal development. The Academic Counselor will work closely with students, helping them navigate academic, social, and financial challenges to ensure successful matriculation and graduation. The position requires a proactive and student-centered approach.

The HEOP Counselor manages various tasks related to the persistence and graduation of students in HEOP. The Academic Counselor will provide management of student caseloads related to academic guidance, personal support and career counseling. Coordinate and provide support for current and prospective students; assist in coordinating career, cultural and other workshops/activities; assist the Director & Associate Director with the Summer Institute. In addition, the Academic Counselor will manage all communication and marketing logistics for the department using traditional digital and social media marketing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Student Advising and Counseling

o Provide individualized academic, financial, and personal counseling to students in HEOP.

o Create and monitor academic plans to ensure students meet their academic goals.

o Support students in adjusting to college life, navigating personal challenges, and developing skills for academic and personal success.

• Academic Support

o Collaborate with faculty and other campus resources to support students academically.

o Provide early intervention strategies to support students academically.

o Conduct regular check-ins with students to monitor academic progress and adjust support plans as needed.

• Workshops and Programming

o Plan and facilitate workshops on topics such as time management, study skills, financial literacy, and career planning.

o Develop programming that fosters personal and academic growth for students in HEOP.

o Represent the HEOP program at various college events and outreach activities.

• Student Supervision

o Oversee and mentor the HEOP Student Board, providing guidance on leadership development and program initiatives.

o Supervise HEOP Student Workers, ensuring they receive appropriate training and support to effectively assist in office operations and student engagement activities.

o Foster leadership opportunities for HEOP students through active participation in program initiatives.

• Advocacy and Resource Navigation

o Advocate for students in HEOP within the college community.

o Connect students with campus resources such as tutoring, mental health services, financial aid, and career development.

• Collaboration and Reporting

o Work collaboratively with the HEOP team, faculty, and administration to support the holistic development of students.

o Maintain detailed records of student interactions and progress.

o Prepare reports for the HEOP Director and assist in program assessments.

Other Information:

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt, 10-month, benefits-eligible position. This position description is not all-inclusive as other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned. Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the academic year, with a possible shortened workweek during the scheduled summer hours. Pay range is $23/hr - $26/hr.

• Bachelor’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field required. Masters preferred.

• At least 2-3 years of experience working a higher education setting.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with students and colleagues.

• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a collaborative team.

• Knowledge of financial aid processes and academic support services a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with a strong aptitude for quickly learning new technologies.

• Experience with Slate software a plus.

About HWS

A liberal arts and sciences institution, Hobart and William Smith is known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures. Our nationally ranked faculty are accessible teachers and scholars known for the impact of their research and distinguished by the depth of their mentorship. World challenges are studied in the classroom where critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are honed. In the field, knowledge turns into discovery. In office hours, plans are carefully crafted to tie interests and talents to an academic path that motivates beyond graduation.

Our location in the heart of the Finger Lakes allows faculty, staff and students to live and work collaboratively on the banks of a resource-rich lake. Student-athletes play for 30 varsity teams boasting 24 national titles, including the 2023 and 2024 NCAA DIII Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. With three graduate programs, students can build on their undergraduate degree with a Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Arts in Teaching, or a Master of Science in Management. Together, the experiences and mentorship at HWS prepare students to lead lives of consequence.

The Colleges are an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities against employees or applicants based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, caregiver status, military status, including past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, social class, or any other category or characteristic protected by applicable law.