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: 520120 - GEAR UP Staunton

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: 08/20/2025

About JMU:

JMU is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. 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.

Visit our Benefits site to learn more about the benefits that James Madison University offers to part-time employees!

General Information:

James Madison University is proud to partner with GEAR UP to empower first-generation and underrepresented students on their path to college. As a part-time GEAR UP Advisor, you'll play a vital role in shaping futures while working in a supportive, mission-driven environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in students’ lives while gaining meaningful experience in college access and success initiatives

The position reports to the Director of GEAR UP. It supports the strategic vision and the mission of Enrollment Management and Outreach. GEAR UP serves a two-year cohort from the Staunton City Public School District, starting in middle school and following the cohort through their first year of post-secondary education. GEAR UP aims to increase the rate at which high-poverty participants complete secondary education. The grant will serve the district for a period of seven years.

The GEAR UP advisor works directly with students, assisting them with academic class scheduling, implementing workshops, and providing support for college applications, career research, and financial aid. The advisor also works with the Director and the Parent Liaison in data reporting to the US Department of Education. The GEAR UP Advisor will also work with students who are truant or have dropped out of school and have not yet started post-secondary enrollment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• 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 improvement.
• Maintains accurate program project records and scheduling of activities at the schools.
• Ensure and maintain the confidentiality of all project records and other sensitive information.
• Prepares special or one-time report summaries or replies to inquiries, selecting data from a variety of sources.
• Executes school day advising.
• Plan, organize, and co-supervise student field trips (including the supervision of students), college visits, and cultural activities.
• Assist the GEAR UP Director with hiring and onboarding student workers.
• Attend workshops and conferences as deemed necessary.
• Some weekend and odd hours may be required.
• A valid driver’s license is required, as the advisor may be responsible for driving JMU vans

Qualifications:

Required:

• Professional experience in a student support program at a secondary or post-secondary level, can be working during the summer in a summer program
• Student advising experience
• Strong communication and organizational skills to work with school administration
• Demonstrated ability to successfully interact with students, parents, and school administration.
• Development and implementing academic services and activities to assist students who need academic assistance

Additional Considerations:

• Due to the grant requirements for this role, a bachelor's degree with coursework in education, counseling, or related field or educational experience that will meet the standards of a bachelor’s degree is recommended for this role.
• Knowledge of assessing academic and personal needs of GEAR UP students through transcript evaluations, student interviews, and high school counselor recommendations
• Maintaining student information including files on academic advisement on the GEAR UP database.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies, services and activities which lead to student success at the high school
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential participant files and documentation of services and activities.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a 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.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

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. This institution 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.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. 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.

Reasonable Accommodation:

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@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.