Academic & Recruitment Counselor, Veteran's Upward Bound Program Staff Boston, Massachusetts Description Suffolk University invites qualified candidates to for the Academic & Recruitment Counselor position in the Center for Academic Access and Opportunity (CAAO) department. The Academic & Recruitment Counselor position is responsible for assisting the program director with the development and implementation of outreach and recruitment initiatives, as well as, academic guidance to participants in the Veterans Upward Bound Program (VUB). A federally-funded TRIO program, the VUB Program was created to help qualified military veterans develop the necessary skills to enroll and succeed in post-secondary education. Alongside the Program Director, the Academic & Recruitment Counselor ensures that eligible participants receive individualized educational support services, assistance with college admissions and financial aid planning, access to coursework in key areas such as math, science, literature, composition, and foreign language, and exposure to cultural events and activities. This position reports to Veterans Upward Bound Program Director. Primary/Principal Responsibilities: * Assist with the identification, outreach, and recruitment of eligible program participants, and work with program staff in the development, coordination, and implementation of academic and student services, programs, and initiatives for program participants. Ensure student files, paper and digital are accurate and up to date. * Meet with students to conduct student needs assessments and create personal education plans; Assess and monitor participant performance in the program, at the institution, and during the college admissions processes; maintain regular communication with participants and external service providers involved with the participant; review and update participants records and maintain participant data, where appropriate, and keep program directors informed of participant progress. Must maintain confidentiality of participant records and information. * Work closely with program participants to assist in the identification of post-secondary programs, inform participants of financial aid resources and strategies, and monitor students in the college application and financial aid process providing feedback and direction where necessary. Ideally, the prospect should be knowledgeable of universities, programs, and organizations that have targeted opportunities for veterans, adult learners, first-generation, low-income, and students at risk of academic failure and keep a running directory of a variety of relevant opportunities to these populations. * Propose, design, and lead workshops and seminars appropriate to the immediate needs of the students and the overall goals and objectives of the program, including but not limited to: future careers, college admissions, financial aid, financial literacy, navigating university resources, mental health and well-being, writing strategies, accessing veteran services, veterans benefits, etc. These seminars may be presented on campus for active participants or at external locations for recruitment purposes. * Assist with the development of the programs recruitment and outreach plans, as well as, the creation and distribution of marketing materials and social media to ensure the visibility of the VUB Project in the greater Boston area. In conjunction with the Program Director, participate, as applicable, in veteran services networks to strengthen relationships with area service providers and bring awareness to the services offered by the program. * Support the implementation of methods to achieve program goals and objectives and ensure the proper management of records and participant information systems. Assist the Program Director with the preparation of the Annual Performance Report (APR) required by the U.S. Department of Education and with the preparation of other progress and outcome reports for the institution or external partners, as needed. * Support other university-related initiatives and/or engage in other duties, as assigned, to further the mission and visibility of the VUB Program and the CAAO where the program is housed Outcomes/Objectives: * Develop initial social media plan and presence for the VUB office in coordination with the program director. Build social media calendar, curate content, advertise and promote the VUB program across numerous social media platforms and the Suffolk website. * Ensure outreach materials are prepared and available for events and requests. * Maintain accurate digital and physical student files per the Department of Education standards and regulations. * Track the number of active program participants and collect required data on a semester basis. * Conduct meetings with students to ensure satisfaction and academic progress on a bi-monthly basis. * Assist program director with the annual performance report required by the U.S. Department of Education. Requirements/Qualifications: * Bachelors degree required with an emphasis in education, human service, or related field * A minimum of two (2) years of successful professional experience teaching, advising, or mentoring adult learners and/or veterans from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds * Knowledge of financial aid, college admissions, student assessment, and curriculum development, especially as it relates to adult learners * Must have demonstrated capability of being creative, proactive, and a team player, and possess strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills * Experience facilitating workshops and trainings and working effectively with diverse populations * Possess a strong understanding of veterans services, military culture, veterans benefits, and other veteran socio-economic issues * Flexibility to attend veterans-related events, accompany program participants on college visits, or participate in professional development conferences and trainings in the evening or weekends, on occasion, is required Preferred Qualifications * Military or experience working in veterans services is strongly preferred * Masters degree or higher, in student affairs, higher education administration, counseling, psychology, adult learning, social work or similar * Previous experience working with or participating in TRIO (or similar) programs * Familiarity with grant-funded programs and ability to work within federal and state guidelines. * Preference will be given to individuals who have overcome circumstances similar to those of program participants. This position is grant funded through August 31, 2023. Employment beyond the cycle of the grant is contingent upon a successful grant funding. Review of applications will begin immediately.