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

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt:
Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Access and Enrollment

Department: 520125 - GEAR UP Staunton Year 2

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $20.00 per hour

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/12/2026

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

JMU offers several perks to all employees including:

• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC):
  Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks:
  The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings:
  The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

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

JMU is proud to partner with GEAR UP to serve students and families in Staunton City Schools. GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. GEAR UP is a federal grant funded program to empower first-generation and underrepresented students on their path to college. GEAR UP Staunton serves a two-year cohort from the Staunton City Schools, starting in middle school and following the cohort two years after high school graduation.

As a part-time GEAR UP Advisor, you'll play a vital role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, goal-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives while gaining meaningful experience in college and career access and readiness initiatives.

Advisors work closely with the GEAR UP Project Director, Parent Liaison and a team of other Program Advisors as well as student employees. GEAR UP aims to increase high school graduation rates and improve attendance by supporting students and their families in middle school, high school and two years post-high school graduation.

GEAR UP Advisors work directly with students by assisting them with selecting and scheduling classes, delivering workshops, providing support in completing college admissions applications, exploring career options and navigating financial aid.

• Provides case management, academic support, curriculum development, and advising services for students related to admissions and financial aid.
• Execute activities, programs, and direct student services designed 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, such as test preparation, goal setting, and related skills.
• Assist program.
• Assist Project Director with the development of promotional materials, educational materials, training manuals, newsletters, and brochures as appropriate to the program.
• Assist with parenting activities with the Parent Liaison.
• Assist Project Director with efficient and effective data collection and management to inform continuous program…