Assistant - GEAR UP Services Outreach

Position Announcement

Make a meaningful impact on students during one of the most important transitions of their academic journey. As part of the GEAR UP Utah First Year Services team, you will work directly with first-year college students, providing individualized support, guidance, and encouragement as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of higher education. Through one-on-one interactions, you will help students develop the confidence, skills, and connections needed to persist and succeed in college.

This role offers the opportunity to serve as a mentor, advocate, and positive role model while supporting a broad student population. You'll collaborate with students to identify resources, overcome obstacles, and achieve their academic goals, contributing to increased student retention and success. If you are passionate about education, student development, and helping others reach their potential, this position provides a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of college students while gaining valuable experience in higher education and student support services.

• Works closely with the First-Year Counselor to ensure the success/retention of first-year college students.
• Tracks and follows up with students as requested by the First-Year Counselor.
• Coordinates students' academic progress and attendance.
• Organizes and assists with planning and providing GEAR UP academic activities.
• Coordinates workshops and connects students to their college campus resources.
• Mentors students about good decision-making processes related to attendance, college course selection, study skills, financial aid, and college and scholarship applications.
• Makes follow up calls and appointments as needed.
• Connect with students via email, phone, and texting platform.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Graduation from an accredited institution with an associate's degree plus one year of related experience; OR any combination of related education and experience totaling three years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Valid driver's license and transportation.
• Ability to speak and translate Spanish to English.

Knowledge

• Foundational academic knowledge is typically acquired through completion of a high school diploma or equivalent, with sufficient college readiness to successfully navigate and support a postsecondary educational environment.
• Familiarity with college admissions processes, enrollment requirements, and higher education pathways.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and their effective use for communication, outreach, and engagement.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues.
• Proficiency in using technology and digital communication tools to engage with students and support program initiatives.

Abilities

• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, organize schedules, and consistently follow through on assignments and commitments.
• Ability to build positive relationships and effectively interact with individuals from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to engage, mentor, and encourage students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
• Bilingual Spanish/English communication and translation abilities are highly preferred.

UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.