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Job Description

The GEAR UP RISE UP program has an outstanding opportunity for two full-time Academic Counselors.

This position is a grant-funded position and contingent upon funding.

This position is stationed in a remote site: Yakima School District both at the Middle/High School buildings in Yakima, WA. Occasional statewide and national travel is also required at times for professional development. In addition, this program offers residential programming in the summer and overnight college visits throughout the year.

For over 55 years, the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) has advanced diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Washington, a campus that sits on tribal land. Through our programs and partnerships, we create pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. This legacy of work continues to drive excellence at UW and together, we help the university work toward its vision for becoming a more just and equitable campus community. More information about the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity is available at uw.edu/OMAD (https://www.washington.edu/omad/) .

Within OMA&D is the College Access unit that implements programs focused on expanding access for underserved communities by partnering with K-12 school districts, two-year colleges, and community coalitions. The Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, Rural Initiatives in STEM Education and Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP RISE UP) is the largest college access program serving middle and high school students.

The University of Washington GEAR UP Program (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) RISE UP serves 9,000 students throughout Washington State with an annual operating budget of $7 million. The goal of the GEAR UP grant is to increase student college-going rates and preparedness by enhancing educational environments and creating sustainable programs at the middle school and high school grade levels. Focus is on interventions/activities that intentionally provide students with opportunities for acquiring intellectual and interpersonal skills that will increase their likelihood of success and retention at the post-secondary level.

Under the Direction of the GEAR UP Director, Associate Director and the YSD Counseling Services Coordinator, **the Academic Counselor (AC)** develops, plans, and delivers GEAR UP services to low-income and first-generation students and their families in Yakima School District. The AC will help refine and implement GEAR UP’s grant objectives, procedures, practices, and policies and serve as the main point of contact for students, family, and the public for information about GEAR UP. The AC monitors student performance and identifies students in need of extra support or intervention. The AC helps develop curriculum and services and collect data to ensure grant outcomes are met.

GEAR UP is a funded federal program (that includes 2 distinct grants within its operation) and are the largest grants operated by the Office of Minority Affairs/Diversity. This grant will serve over 9,000 students in the Yakima, Grant, Kittitas and Skagit Counties, with an annual operating budget of 7 million with a seven-year commitment to renew it. The goal of the GEAR UP grant is to increase student college-going rates and preparedness.

The Academic Counselor for the GEAR UP RISE UP will work with students, families, k-12 schools, and college campuses to promote and develop strategies, activities, and resources to ensure college readiness and first year success in post-secondary education and success of low-income first-generation students. This position requires the ability to collaborate with students, families, and schools to develop innovative college access events, parent academies, and summer programs that utilize best practices for supporting GEAR UP students who are motivated to pursue higher education. The AC will increase communications and visibility of University of Washington in our program participant communities, schools and contribute to higher applications and admittance of students in the cohort served at UW and other postsecondary programs across the state and nation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Implementation of grant and services:

- Develop and implement GEAR UP activities and services to meet the grant goals and objectives.

- Conduct advising sessions at each GEAR UP school, monitor student progress, and communicate with students, families, teachers, and guidance counselors to support students and overcome obstacles to their success.

- Work with students and implement activities and services to improve the number of students who obtain a high school diploma and enroll into a postsecondary program of study by providing individual advising sessions to GEAR UP students and their families in the following areas: college research and selection, and financial literacy.

- Work with building Principals to develop and set up education programs for extended day learning to continue student academic development after and before school, Saturdays, and summer school.

- Provide programming as services to participants and parents in the forms of family financial literacy nights, field trips, cultural events etc., to educate our participants and disseminate information in the target schools about post-secondary options.

- Work with teachers to identify at-risk students in need of academic support services.

- Conduct outreach activities, special programming in STEM.

- Introduce eligible students to institutions of higher education through campus field trips and school-based sessions.

- Provide tutoring in all subjects and as necessary.

- Provide mentoring services.

- Supervise all student tutoring and mentoring GEAR UP programming and services.

- Disseminate GEAR UP information that promotes the importance of higher education.

Administrative Functions:

Document activities for program reporting requirements and external evaluator for the purpose of the Annual Performance Report. Identify and record cost share activities for required program goals. Work on regular data entry to support the development of the annual reports. Assist with the development and implement an annual subaward budget to reflect the required and permissible services allowed by the federal grant allowable expenses. Support the Counseling Services Coordinator and GEAR UP Central Office with the collection of Cost-Share required by the Sponsor.

Support the CSC in the development and creation of the annual Work Plan to ensure grant outcomes are met. Attend GEAR UP professional development and meetings as requested/as needed.

Other duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in education, social work or related field and 2 - 3 years of experience in an educational setting: K–12 or post-secondary education, delivering college access services to students and families, or experience managing large federal or state grants such as GEAR UP, TRIO Programs, or similar college access initiatives.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Additional Requirements:

+ Program Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to set goals, communicate effectively with stakeholders, maintain ongoing engagement, manage relationships, meet reporting requirements, prioritize tasks, and adhere to tight deadlines.

+ Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to clearly articulate ideas.

+ Student Engagement: Experience working with middle school, high school, and college students from underserved communities, low-income, or first-generation backgrounds, with a proven ability to serve diverse populations effectively.

+ Teamwork and Independence: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

+ Language Skills: Bilingual proficiency in Spanish (written and oral).

DESIRED REQUIREMENTS

+ Bilingual/Bicultural Engagement: Experience working in bilingual and/or bicultural environments and effectively engaging students and families.

+ Program Knowledge: Familiarity with GEAR UP RISE UP partner schools, regional initiatives, and local communities.

+ Postsecondary Expertise: Knowledge of Washington State postsecondary institutions and pathways, including college admissions processes and financial aid requirements.

+ Student Support: Experience working with middle and high school students from underserved communities,​ low-income, or first-generation backgrounds, with a demonstrated ability to serve diverse populations.

+ Technical Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams) and experience using university and/or district systems.

Application Requirement

This recruitment requires a cover letter. Your application will not be considered unless you attach a cover letter.

Your cover letter should outline your interest in the position and highlight relevant experience or qualifications. Please explain why you are interested in the GEAR UP Academic Counselor role, what motivates you to work with first‑generation and underserved student populations, and how your values and professional experiences align with GEAR UP’s mission.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$57,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$57,000.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81 (https://policy.uw.edu/directory/po/executive-orders/eo-81-prohibiting-discrimination-harassment-and-sexual-misconduct/) .

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected] .

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law (https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080) .

University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.