Upward Bound/conncap Academic Coordinator

**Upward Bound/ConnCAP Academic Coordinator**:
**Search #**: 498386

**Work type**: Full-time

**Location**: Storrs Campus

**Categories**: Student Programs and Services

**JOB SUMMARY**

Under the general direction of the Upward Bound/ConnCAP Director, the Upward Bound/ConnCAP Academic Coordinator (Student Services Program Coordinator) provides advising and support to high school students enrolled in the Upward Bound/ConnCAP program to assist them in preparing for postsecondary education. The Academic Coordinator also develops, facilitates, implements, and supports academic, personal, and career development activities to promote students’ holistic success while serving as a resource to motivate potentially first-generation students to apply, enroll, and succeed in higher education.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Coordinates and assists with the implementation of program objectives with the aim of helping first-generation and/or low-income students from target cities/schools to prepare for postsecondary enrollment.
- Serves as academic advisor to high school students enrolled in the program, with responsibility for advising them regarding academic choices and performance and for monitoring student performance and progress towards successful completion of high school studies.
- Acts as a liaison with students, parents/guardians, and high school staff, responding to questions regarding program policies, procedures, and requirements, making referrals as appropriate, and ensuring quality advising and program development.
- Provides career and college counseling to assist students in appraising their interests, aptitudes, and abilities, and assists them in educational and vocational planning.
- Advises students regarding college choices and assists them in gaining admission and obtaining financial aid and scholarships or other needed resources with the goal of graduating from high school.
- Participates in all program planning and identifies the need for changes and recommends improvements in the program.
- Assists with the planning of a summer commuter component designed to provide participants with academic support and preparation.
- Provides students with supervision as part of the summer component and ensures students’ safety and compliance with the University’s policies.
- Plans and organizes periodic group meetings for all participants. Coordinates and plans student activities during the academic year component.
- Delivers workshops, seminars, and presentations to students, parents, and school staff on college preparation and readiness.
- Participates in student recruitment, including disseminating program objectives, reviewing records, interviewing students and families, and recommending final selections.
- Supervises a tutoring program designed to supplement high school courses, with the responsibility to determine student needs, schedule tutoring sessions, and monitor student progress.
- Administers diagnostic tests and develops an appropriate educational program accordingly, monitors student performance and progress towards successful completion of high school program.
- Maintains a program database to document students’ services and track retention, graduation, and postsecondary progress.
- Prepares quarterly reports on each student, describing counseling activities for the reporting period and providing specific details regarding student progress such as course schedule, grades, problems, and related matters.
- Perform other related duties and special assignments as required.

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Minimum three years of related experience including at least one year of experience working with high school students in a diverse environment; experience with school counseling, community work, or social agency.
- Demonstrated excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of higher education and the challenges faced by low-income, first-generation-to-college, and underrepresented students.
- Ability to report to multiple worksites and work flexible hours.
- Ability to make a commitment to the non-residential, commuter summer component.

**PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS**
- Two or more years of experience working with high school students in a diverse environment; experience with school counseling, community work, or social agency.
- Experience with providing academic and college preparation programming.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish.

**APPOINTMENT TERMS**

**TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT