Academic Advisor

Academic Advisor Req No. 2026-20679 Category Other Type Full-Time Contract Salary $19 - $23/hour Dept/Proj Name Institute for Transformative Education Overview The salary range for this position is $19.00 - 23.00 per hour depending upon qualifications and is non-negotiable. Under supervision, incumbents provide lead direction, training and/or mentorship to lower level Youth Leaders (Youth Leader I).

The San Diego State University (SDSU) Institute for Transformative Education (ITE) is an institute under the School of Teacher Education, College of Education. Our Vision: For students to have the foundation and resources to achieve their academic potential. The purpose of SDSU Upward Bound is to develop in students the motivation and skills to assist them in pursuing and completing a program of postsecondary education.

SDSU Upward Bound (UB) educational programs assist eligible low-income and/or first-generation college-going high school students in pursuing and completing postsecondary education. The SDSU TRIO Upward Bound Program is 100% supported by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education through grant awards totaling $860,446 for the current grant year.

San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF) administers these grants. The SDSU TRIO Upward Bound Program is accredited by the American Camp Association. The Advisor for Upward Bound is responsible for the implementation of program objectives in order to meet program needs.

The advisor also participates in planning program activities and data collection that meet Department of Education requirements. During the academic year, the Upward Bound Advisor's primary role is to conduct weekly advising sessions with student participants at the partner school sites, collaborate in the planning and implementation of the recruitment processes and engagement activities, including Saturday Sessions, and provide seniors with the support needed to successfully submit college and financial aid applications.

During the summer, the UB Advisor's primary role is the Residential Advisor. As a Residential Advisor, the role is to act as the summer camp counselor - ensure the safety of participants, team building, activity planning, and basic needs support with daily routines, hygiene, and dietary needs. The person assigned to this role is required to be a Mandated Reporter and must maintain professional relationships with student participants.

Responsibilities Program Development (15%)

• Help plan, implement, and co-facilitate new student orientations to include parents and their families.
• Help develop and implement program curriculum in alignment with each grade level.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of the engagement component (Advising sessions).
• Helps plan and implement new innovations as required by the Department of Education and other programmatic innovative services.
• Proactively participates in assessing the program curriculum and provides actionable feedback.
• Other duties of this position may include, but are not limited to: ○ Collection and assessment of student transcripts and exam results from the partner schools. ○ Translate transcript information to determine student progress on meeting program objectives. ○ Will assist with the system for student tracking to include participation in the academic year, attendance at advising sessions, and academic progress in meeting A-G requirements. Participant Recruitment (30%)
• Assist the Executive Director and Assistant Director in monitoring recruitment protocols for assigned school sites
• In cooperation with the Executive Director and Assistant Director, assist with reviewing and revising recruitment protocols, tools, and strategies to fit the needs of the school sites assigned.
• Recruit students following the approved program protocol and eligibility standards. Use informational materials, screen applications for appropriate documents, and verify recruitment eligibility using established program protocols and criteria.
• Conduct intake interviews, rate candidates, and recommend the selection of program participants to the Director and Assistant Director.
• Conduct timely/regular contacts with potential students and their parents to get complete program applications. Academic Advising (45%)
• Provide advising services to participants at school sites, online, and where appropriate. These services include, but are not limited to, personal problem-solving, academic advice, building positive peer support, enhancing communication skills, career planning, academic skill-building, study skills techniques, and motivational counseling.
• Conduct needs assessment and develop Individual Learning Plans (ILPs).
• Check students' A-G progress.
• Conduct college admissions and financial aid advising with senior participants.
• Document all student contacts and services: using the Participant Service Sheets (PSS), service contacts, student case notes, Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), academic assessments/goals, senior tracking information, attendance rosters, and the alumni tracking forms (student and registrar).
• Conduct timely/regular student follow-up contacts at school sites and online.
• Provide support to students with financial award letters and scholarships. Six-Week Summer Academy (5% AY, 100% Summer)
• Support with recommendations and recruitment of student participants.
• Support with screening of submitted student applications for the summer academy
• Assist with Summer Academy recruitment presentations at school sites as needed
• Assist with the interview process for summer academy staff as needed.
• Must be able to transition to the Residential Advisor position during the 6-week Summer Academy.
• The Residential Advisor must live on campus with students in the residence halls.
• Must be able to travel with students during any Summer Academy overnight activities.
• Attends mandatory RA trainings and activities.
• Is responsible for a group of 10-12 students during the summer.
• Other summer duties of this position include, but are not limited to: o Attend all program functions and staff meetings. o Attend all field experiences. Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications & Special skills Experience working with high school students. One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, tutor, camp counselor, or equivalent. Must be able to maintain a schedule to serve three assigned school sites: El Cajon Valley High School, Morse High School, and Mount Miguel High School.

Must be able to maintain a schedule that requires in-person performance of duties at the assigned school sites. Must be able to adhere to common working hours; Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM at assigned school sites and the SDSU campus. Must be able to work a minimum of one Saturday each month during the academic year.

Qualifications Minimum Education None Minimum Experience One or more years of previous experience as a youth leader, camp counselor, or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications Has the experience and skills necessary to help students attain and achieve their academic goals. Demonstrates an ability to work independently at in-person and remote sites. Can work collaboratively with key high school counselors and teachers at their assigned schools.

Bachelor's Degree in education, counseling, psychology, or a related field. 4 years of progressively successful experience in a role similar to that of this position. Two years of experience in advising/mentoring high school students.

Experience coordinating events for groups. Knowledge of TRIO programs and regulations, or of other outreach programs with similar goals and objectives as TRIO programs. Experience working with the populations served by the three school sites assigned.

ADDITIONAL APPLICANT INFORMATION Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire. Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on