Gear Up: Student Outreach Specialist

The Urban League of Rochester seeks a Gear Up Student Outreach Specialist who will participate in helping students in 7th grade – 12th grade graduate from high school prepared to enter and succeed in college. Works one-on-one with students, addresses the needs of the diverse learner, serves as a positive role model, and interacts with students and faculty to meet program objectives. These include increasing the student’s academic performance and preparation for college, the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in college, and knowledge of college options. Programmatic, evaluation, enrichment, and counseling responsibilities are essential to the success of this position. The Gear Up Student Outreach Specialist and local school district will work cooperatively to establish positive, sustainable student outreach for district Gear Up schools.

1. Identify and serve eligible Gear Up students at assigned school sites.

2. Serve as a postsecondary planning resource for Gear Up students.

3. Work and collaborate effectively with teachers and other school personnel to identify and meet the academic needs of Gear Up students.

4. Positively represent the programs and the Urban League in the community.

5. Implement and coordinate comprehensive pre-college programs for Gear Up students that include and are not limited to career exploration, academic planning and preparations, college visits, tutoring, and mentoring.

6. Conduct outreach and recruitment efforts, including program orientations and community presentations.

7. Attend local and national Gear Up meetings, institutes, and conferences as needed.

8. Design and implement a wide range of instructional activities. Materials, programs, services, and strategies in classrooms, seminars, sessions, workshops, and summer programs for use with individuals, small groups, and whole classrooms.

9. Complete and maintain program files, records, and reports to track and assure successful program outcomes.

10. Participate in additional training as required for effective program operation.

• Work experience with diverse families and community organizations
• Excellent communication skills (virtual, oral, and written)
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct practical workshops and presentations
• Competency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint, Zoom video conferencing
• Must be detail-oriented and a team player.
• Ability to relate to, communicate with, and work with a diverse population and understand the issues relating to such a population.
• Excellent interpersonal communication with problem-solving skills
• Ability to work evenings and weekends when required
• Reliable transportation
• Work effectively with school personnel, parents, community leaders, and students.
• Commitment to the value of education, strong interpersonal and networking skills
• Excellent project management skills
• Growth mindset and a positive, self-starter attitude
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a customer-centered approach
• A positive role model for students, families, and advocates on behalf of Gear Up