Upward Bound Program Advisor

The TRIO Upward Bound program at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) invites applications for a full-time (0.92 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Program Advisor.

The Upward Bound Program Advisor is responsible for providing academic, personal, and career advising to first-generation and low-income high school students participating in the federally funded Upward Bound program. The advisor plays a vital role in helping students prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education by offering mentorship, workshops, and guidance throughout the academic year and during the summer program.

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Student Support (50%)

• Assess participant needs in academic skills, career exploration, social-emotional learning, and financial literacy.  
• Provide personalized academic and college advising, including career planning and postsecondary goal-setting.
• Promote the Upward Bound program at assigned high schools; recruit, interview, and admit new participants.
• Monitor academic progress and maintain accurate records of student performance.
• Guide students through key college preparation milestones, including ACT registration, FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and college applications.

Program Planning (20%)

• Curate and share engaging academic, career, and social-emotional content through student platforms (e.g., GroupMe).
• Plan and lead monthly student workshops (typically on Saturdays).
• Coordinate group events such as college visits, field trips, and guest speakers.
• Support the hiring, training, and supervision of temporary staff (college students) for the six-week summer program.

Tutoring Oversight (15%)

• Assess participants' academic needs and match them with appropriate tutoring support.
• Train and mentor college-student tutors in effective instructional strategies.
• Manage and adjust tutoring schedules across assigned schools as needed.

Grant Compliance (10%)

• Document all engagement with participants in our Student Access database.
• Collect and maintain participant sign-in records for all events.
• Ensure the retention of participants throughout their high school career, collaborating with the Program Director to address any student concerns
• Attend weekly team meetings and participate in occasional off-site trainings and conferences (state, regional, national TRIO events).

Partnership & Outreach (5%)

• Maintain communication with assigned high school’s teachers, counselors, and administrative staff to build a sense of support and advocacy in the partnership.
• Communicate with participants’ parents/guardians to support student success and encourage engagement in programming.

Other duties as assigned. 

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology, sociology, secondary education, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in customer relationship-based roles, ideally involving long-term individual support.
• Experience supporting students from a variety of backgrounds, with an understanding of the barriers that can impact college access and success.
• Interest in working extensively with high-school-aged youth, culturally diverse populations, and community partners.
• Willingness to learn best practices related to advising, student development, human relations, budget management, the college admissions process, and financial aid.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build rapport, motivate, and effectively engage youth.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team environment.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed, particularly during peak program periods.
• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and complete a university-sponsored defensive driving program upon hire.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.
• Occasionally required to lift or move items up to 10-15 pounds.
• Must possess the ability to safely operate a vehicle for the purpose of transporting students.

TRAVEL/SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS:

• Two weekdays each week are dedicated to in-person advising at assigned partner high schools. Typical hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Two weekdays each week may be worked either on-site at CSB or remotely. Friday mornings are reserved for on-site team meetings at CSB. Typical work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Advisors lead one Saturday workshop or field trip per month (typically 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM).
• During the six-week summer program, Advisors participate in one 2–3 day overnight trip with students.
• Optional overnight travel opportunities are available for TRIO conferences.

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the CSB and SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5501 or employment@csbsju.edu.

It is the policy of CSB and SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.