Position Summary:

The TRIO Talent Search Academic Advisor works with eligible middle and high school students in Pagosa Springs schools as outlined in the TRIO Talent Search grant. This position requires day travel to Pagosa schools 2-3 days per week as well as weekly work on the Fort Lewis College campus. Advisors assist students with postsecondary school admissions, financial aid and scholarship applications, academic planning, and career and leadership development, so that they have the opportunity and knowledge to continue their education beyond high school.

Job Description:

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Adheres to all conditions presented in the Talent Search grant proposal.
• Plans and implements innovative academic services for our students, which requires curriculum development ensuring access to postsecondary opportunities for low income and potential first-generation students.
• Builds positive relationships between the program and students, families, PSE institutions, target schools and community partners.
• Plans and maintains weekly visitations to schools.
• Responsible for collection, organization, and monitoring of individual student contacts and reports required for Talent Search Annual Performance Report and other related program guidelines.
• Monitors student progress and academic need.
• Recruits eligible student applicants at target schools and through community organizations.
• Plans and leads day and overnight program field trips.

• Assists in the planning and implementation of parent meetings and related student/parent events
• Responsible for articles for the newsletter and other program communications
• Attends state, regional, and national conferences as needed/available

• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities
• Maintains knowledge and awareness of digital accessibility including the American with Disabilities Act and Section 508.
• Produces and remediates digitally accessible materials in accordance with FLC standards.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Required Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Reliable personal transportation; ability to travel to target schools and/or Fort Lewis College up to four days a week; work some evenings, and participate in overnight student college field trips
• Demonstrated commitment to and sensitivity for addressing the needs of economically and educationally disadvantaged youth and adults
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and student success, as well as working with broadly diverse communities
• Minimum one year of experience advising students in academics, career exploration, personal development, leadership, financial aid, and/or college/ vocational school admissions
• Minimum one year of experience working with secondary (grades 6-12) students in a volunteer or professional capacity
• Demonstrated experience providing presentations and/or workshops on financial aid, college admissions, leadership and career development, or related topics
• Organizational skills to plan educational trips and other events for students and families
• Demonstrated experience working and/or collaborating with secondary and post-secondary schools, community-based programs, or service-learning programs (teaching, coaching, counseling, outdoor education. etc.)
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong technology skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and Zoom
• Position is subject to a background check

Preferred Education, Specialized Skills and Experience:

• Experience with TRIO or other educational opportunity programs as a participant or employee.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Indigenous language(s) of the Four Corners Region
• Experience planning and leading field trips with secondary students.
• Familiarity with Fort Lewis College and/or Four Corners area.
• Preference will be given to candidates who live in Pagosa Springs

Reports To / Supervisory Responsibility:

Who does the employee report to? TRIO Talent Search Director

 Who will report to the employee? NA

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that an employee can expect while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Moderate to high levels of noise (i.e. business office with computer