What are the responsibilities and job description for the GEAR UP College & Career Readiness Advisor position at VALLEY OPPORTUNITY COUNCIL INC?
GEAR UP Advisor
Full-Time | Valley Opportunity Council
Help Students Discover Their Future
Are you passionate about empowering young people to achieve their college and career dreams? Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships, inspiring students, and creating opportunities that change lives?
Join the GEAR UP team at Valley Opportunity Council and make a lasting impact by guiding students and families through one of the most important journeys of their lives—preparing for college, careers, and lifelong success.
What You'll Do
As a GEAR UP Advisor, you'll serve as a mentor, educator, advocate, and connector for middle and high school students. Every day offers the opportunity to inspire confidence, remove barriers to higher education, and help students realize their full potential.
You'll:
- Design and facilitate engaging workshops on topics including:
- College and career readiness
- Financial literacy
- College admissions
- FAFSA and financial aid
- Scholarships
- SAT/ACT preparation
- Goal setting, time management, interviewing, and other life skills
- Provide individualized coaching to students on academic success, attendance, college planning, and career exploration.
- Guide students and families through the college application and financial aid process.
- Help students locate scholarships and secure fee waivers for applications and standardized testing.
- Build strong partnerships with school administrators, teachers, families, and community organizations.
- Plan educational field trips, college visits, and summer enrichment programming.
- Represent GEAR UP at recruitment events, presentations, and community outreach activities.
- Collect program data, prepare reports, and contribute to continuous program improvement.
- Collaborate with colleagues to create innovative programming that supports student success.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who believes every student deserves the opportunity to succeed and enjoys making a meaningful difference every day.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Bachelor's degree required (Master's degree preferred)
- 1–2 years of relevant experience (3–5 years preferred)
- Experience working with youth, especially underserved or first-generation college-bound students
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Strong organizational and project management abilities
- The ability to build positive relationships with students, families, school staff, and community partners
- Creativity, initiative, and a passion for developing engaging educational programming
Why You'll Love This Role
- Make a lasting impact on students' lives and futures.
- Help students become the first in their families to attend college.
- Develop meaningful relationships within schools and the community.
- Lead innovative workshops, events, and enrichment programs.
- Grow professionally through ongoing training and development.
- Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to expanding educational opportunity.
If you're passionate about education, mentorship, and helping students reach their full potential, we'd love to hear from you. Join Valley Opportunity Council and help open doors to brighter futures.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $21.84 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Work Location: In person
Salary : $22