GEAR UP College Access Advisor​/Transition Specialist

GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist

Requisition Number: S02350P

Position Category:
Staff

Hours Per Week: 40

Months Per Year: 12

Alternate

Work Schedule:

N/A

Pay Grade: E31

Salary:
Starting at $44,000

FLSA:
Exempt

Under the direction of the GEAR UP Program Director, the GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with approximately 100 students in grades 10‑12 at Northridge High School in the Davis School District and 50 first‑year college students at Weber State University. The role focuses on implementing GEAR UP grant objectives: increasing academic performance and preparation for post‑secondary education;

increasing high school graduation rates and post‑secondary enrollment; enhancing students’ knowledge of post‑secondary options, preparation, and financing; and improving first‑year college student success.

• Recruit and enroll new program participants as needed.
• Distribute and collect annual student and parent surveys and senior exit forms.
• Provide individualized advising in personal, academic, college planning, and career development areas.
• Conduct college readiness workshops for students and parents.
• Ensure all seniors complete standardized testing, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid applications, and registration for fall classes.
• Maintain accurate data on participant caseloads and services delivered and produce additional reports as required.
• Stay updated on scholarship opportunities, financial aid changes, college admission procedures, and transition programs for incoming freshmen.
• Help coordinate events such as college campus visits and career exploration activities.
• Coordinate with high school GEAR UP counselor liaisons and collaborate with school faculty and staff to implement grant objectives.
• Use technology and resources to communicate upcoming GEAR UP events and initiatives to students and parents/guardians.
• Attend required training and conferences.
• Plan and implement the GEAR UP summer bridge program for incoming college freshmen.
• Advise the GEAR UP alumni club at WSU.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
• Equivalent of one year full‑time (or two years part‑time) experience working with socially and economically disadvantaged student populations.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Subject‑matter expertise in education or related fields.
• Organized, collaborative, dependable, and able to follow instructions.
• Ability to handle confidential information ethically.
• Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Friendly, welcoming approach when assisting students and parents/guardians.
• Willingness to learn and support the GEAR UP program mission and growth.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Spanish speaking preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with FAFSA and the financial aid process.
• Experience or knowledge of K‑12 public education.

WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long‑term disability, life insurance, retirement, wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing‑arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Extending hands and arms in any direction; moving about to accomplish tasks, especially for long distances or moving between work sites; operating, activating, using, preparing, inspecting, placing, detecting, or positioning equipment; expressing or exchanging ideas with detailed instructions; receiving detailed information; repetitive wrist, hand, and finger motions.

Light work. Exerting up to 20 lb of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lb of force frequently or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Use of arm and/or leg controls exerts forces greater than those for sedentary work.

Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all individuals, including culturally diverse staff, faculty, and students. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, or others, as required by law and university policy.