TRIO-Upward Bound invites applications for an Academic Coordinator. This position participates in mentoring and tutoring and offering educational programming at 3 high schools in Missoula: Hellgate, Sentinel, and Big Sky High School. The Academic Coordinator implements afterschool programming, college access workshops, service-learning opportunities, and the six-week Summer Academy using extant curriculum, generally defined in the funded Upward Bound (UB) proposal.
The Academic Coordinator’s responsibilities involve student assessment, weekly afterschool programs, and working as part of a student support team.
- Deliver academic-year programming, including weekly individual and group mentoring and tutoring in core high school subjects.
- Plan and implement services aligned with Upward Bound goals, including workshops on college preparation, financial literacy, career exploration, ACT prep, and service learning.
- Develop and manage Student Success Plans (SSPs), including student assessment, service recommendations, progress monitoring, and database updates.
- Recruit and enroll eligible students by developing and executing effective outreach and recruitment strategies.
- Maintain accurate student records in the Blumen database and assist with Annual Performance Report preparation.
- Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with students, families, and school staff in Missoula and the Blackfeet Nation.
- Monitor student academic progress regularly and provide targeted support and interventions as needed.
- Provide comprehensive advising and advocacy, including academic and college advising, financial aid guidance, career counseling, and communication with families and school personnel.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Experience with academic advising, instruction, or mentoring high school students.
- Understanding of barriers facing low-income, first-generation, and rural students, with the ability to advise and support effectively.
- Knowledge of advising best practices and high school graduation requirements, or the ability to quickly learn.
- Familiarity with postsecondary systems, including degree programs, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities (or ability to learn), particularly within Montana and Tribal colleges.
- Knowledge of federal TRIO programs and compliance requirements, or the ability to ensure adherence to regulations and reporting standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to engage students, families, school staff, and community partners.
- Demonstrated cultural awareness, empathy, and ability to build trust with diverse populations, including Tribal communities.
- Strong organizational, written communication, and computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, databases) and the ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently, plan events and workshops, and travel as required.
- Valid Montana driver’s license (or ability to obtain).
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience working with low-income, first-generation, and rural high school students.
- Experience with UM departments, policies, and procedures.
- Knowledge of the MUS and Missoula County Public Schools.
Position Number: 290920
Compensation Title: Academic Advisor II
Union: FOCUS-MFPE
Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE (40 Hours a week), Typically Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, occasional evenings and weekends required, 12 months/year.
Probationary Period: Six (6) months minimum
Benefits Include: Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
Screening of applications will begin after the closing date; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration.
A complete application includes:
- Letter of Interest – addressing your qualifications and experience related to the stated required skills for the position. A general letter salutation such as “Dear Search Committee” or “Dear Hiring Manager” is acceptable.
- Detailed Resume – listing education and describing work experience
- Three (3) Professional References – names and contact information
- Mentoring/tutoring philosophy
Must be eligible to work in the United States upon hire. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from people who would assist the University in demonstrating its fivepriorities for action:Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.
