GEAR UP Advisor; Part - Time

Working Title

GEAR UP Advisor (Part-Time)

State Role

Title:

Education Support Specialist II
Position Type: Part-time - Wage / Part-time Salaried
Pay: $20.00 per hour (Hourly) with a maximum of 29 hours per week
Location: Staunton, VA (requires regular travel to Staunton)
Funding: Grant‑funded position contingent upon continued funding

As a part‑time GEAR UP Advisor at James Madison University, you will play a vital role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, goal‑oriented environment. Advisors work closely with the GEAR UP Project Director, Parent Liaison, other Program Advisors, and student employees to support first‑generation and under‑represented students in Staunton City Schools.

• Provide case management, academic support, curriculum development, and advising services related to admissions and financial aid.
• Execute activities and programs for middle school, high school, and students who have dropped out of school or who have not applied to post‑secondary institutions, in partnership with school divisions (e.g., test preparation, goal setting).
• Support the development of promotional, educational, training, and newsletter materials.
• Assist with parenting activities in collaboration with the Parent Liaison.
• Collect and manage data to inform continuous program improvement.
• Maintain accurate program records and activity schedules at schools.
• Ensure confidentiality of all project records and sensitive information.
• Prepare special or one‑time report summaries or responses to inquiries using multiple data sources.
• Execute school‑day advising and participate in workshops and conferences as deemed necessary.
• Plan, organize, and co‑supervise student field trips, college visits, and cultural activities.
• Assist the GEAR UP Director with hiring and onboarding student workers.
• Work occasional weekend, early‑morning or late‑evening hours for events or field trips.
• Maintain a valid driver's license to operate JMU vans as required.

• Professional experience in a student support program at a secondary or post‑secondary level.
• Experience in student advising.
• Strong communication and organizational skills for collaboration with school administration.
• Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with students, parents, and school administration.
• Experience developing and implementing academic services and activities to assist students needing academic support.
• A bachelor's degree in education, counseling, or a related field (recommended).
• Knowledge of assessing academic and personal needs of GEAR UP students via transcript evaluations, student interviews, and high school counselor recommendations.
• Experience maintaining student information in the GEAR UP database.
• Experience developing and implementing policies and services that lead to student success at the high‑school level.
• Ability to handle confidential participant files and document services and activities.

• Must be willing and available to travel to Staunton on a regular basis.
• Work hours Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with occasional weekend, early‑morning, or late‑evening hours as needed for events or field trips.

Employment is contingent upon a successful criminal background check. This is a part‑time wage position working up to an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits. New hires must complete an I‑9 form and provide documentation for E‑Verify.

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. The university does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568‑6991.

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs, please contact us at (540) 568‑3597 or jobs. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807.

• Tuition Waiver Program for undergraduate and graduate level courses.
• Free access to the University Recreation Center (UREC).
• Optional voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans.
• Holiday Breaks: 12 holidays per year.
• Talent Development Trainings through the Talent Development department.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment