Under the general direction of the Utah State University Eastern (USU Eastern) GEAR UP Director, the incumbent will:

• Work one-on-one or in small groups with high school GEAR UP (GU) students and families/guardians, providing tutoring and academic assistance.
• Address the needs of diverse learners and serve as a positive role model.
• Interact with students, families/guardians, faculty, and/or administration using discernment, follow-through, and decision-making.
• Travel regularly to and from Green River High School in Emery County  to serve high school students.
• Travel to the GEAR UP home office at Utah State University Eastern for quarterly staff meetings and annual training.
• Have annual travel opportunities to a statewide, regional, and/or national GEAR UP conference for professional development purposes, subject to funding availability.
• Occasionally work evenings and weekends for special events, such as National GEAR UP Week, parent-teacher conferences, professional development opportunities, National Senior Signing Day, or to contact students and families/guardians.

Additional Responsibilities:

• This position falls under USU’s Title IX “Responsible Employee” designation, requiring the reporting of any disclosures of sexual harassment or sexual violence to the USU Title IX Coordinator and/or appropriate school district/school authority.
• Utah law mandates reporting of child abuse or neglect to the nearest peace office, law enforcement agency, or office of the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).

Requirements:

• Hiring is contingent on the successful completion of a background check.

Work Details:

• Hours: 15 hours per week (non-benefited).
• Duration: 10 months, with no work during university/school holidays, school fall break, winter break, and spring break.

Responsibilities by approximate percentage:

• 50%: Serve as advisor and positive role model for GU student: identify and encourage student participation in GU: meet with GU students/families/guardians in person, small group, or classroom on a regular basis: communicate with GU students/families/guardians via phone, text, or email. Make appropriate referrals to school or community organizations based on student/family/guardian need.
• 30%: Assist GU students with homework, AP/SAT prep, and other academic activities; scholarship, financial aid (FAFSA), and college applications; college preparatory activities; advancement to rigorous coursework (advanced classes, AP classes, concurrent enrollment, CLEP tests), and other GU-related functions during GU classes, office hours, or after school: conduct workshops about college and career readiness, academic skills, life skills, and other GU-related topics for students and families/guardians: create a college-going culture at school and with GU students and families/guardians; identify supports and barriers for students to complete high school and attend a regionally-accredited post-secondary institution.
• 20%: Promote GU program and activities; contribute to GU social media content; contribute to monthly GU newsletter: participate in GU training, staff meetings, campus visits, activities, and events: submit required paperwork according to GU deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associates Degree
• Graduation from a regionally-accredited post-secondary institution with a baccalaureate degree
• Valid Utah driver’s license to perform essential job responsibilities, such as driving university vehicles and transporting materials 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or previous experience with GEAR UP program
• Previous experience mentoring or working with high school and middle school students
• Knowledge of college/university admissions, financial aid/scholarship programs, and degree requirements
• Fluency in Spanish conversation, reading, and writing

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent intercultural communication skills for working with diverse groups of people
• Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Above-average public speaking skills
• Ability to work independently since traveling to/from Emery County schools and USU Eastern may be required
• Ability to handle confidential information, including FERPA
• Ability to follow GEAR UP and school/district/university policies, regulations, and procedures
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook email, Google Calendar, Mac and/or PC platform

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV"
2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and may lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university, with a strong commitment to excellence, access, and inclusion, empowering people to lead successful lives of involvement, innovation, and impact. Utah State provides high-quality education to 27,500-plus students locations throughout the state, including at three residential campuses, eight statewide campuses, and 23 education centers. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research and scholarly activities, providing a high-quality undergraduate and graduate education at an affordable price.

Utah State is committed to cultivating a community of inclusive excellence where all perspectives, values, cultures, and identities are acknowledged, welcomed, and valued. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

About the Region

U.S. News and World Report ranked Utah first for its strong economy, fiscal stability, education, and health care. Outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities abound throughout the state, including five national parks, 43 state parks and recreation areas, and 15 alpine ski resorts. The home of USU’s main campus, Logan, is a city of 54,000-plus people in a picturesque mountain valley 80 miles north of Salt Lake City. The Logan metro area claimed the top spot in the Milken Institute’s 2022 ranking for best-performing small cities in the nation. 

*updated 04/2024

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266

Title IX Coordinator Cody Carmichael, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266

Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov

*updated 09/2023