TRIO Program Academic Advisor, First-Gen Support Center

ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITION VACANCY

Title (Function): TRIO
Program Academic Advisor, First-Gen+ Support Center
Department: Student Services/ Enrollment Management
Reporting To: Director
of TRIO Collegiate Programs, First-Gen+ Support Center
FLSA Status: Exempt
Compensation: $49,500.00-50,000.00. Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!
Open Date: 07/11/2025
Close Date: 07/27/2025 11:59 PM MST

SECTION
I - OUR VALUES CULTIVATE OUR VISION AND CULTURE

At CMU, we believe
in acting from a foundation of goodwill. This belief gives us the courage to
form meaningful relationships, embark on joint endeavors and take risks in the
pursuit of new possibilities. It's this courage that enables the Mavily to explore
new ways of thinking and doing, knowing that there is no perfect solution, no
perfect idea.

From this place of humility and courage, we've built a culture of resilience.
We invest in the future by continuously adapting to change, overcoming
challenges, and seizing new opportunities. We recognize that change is
constant, and our resilience allows us to embrace it with confidence. Endless
curiosity drives us to approach the unexpected as if it were expected, seeing
opportunities for discovery and renewal in every challenge. In this community
rooted in love and dignity, curiosity thrives, leading to endless opportunities
for growth and advancement.

Inspired by the soul of the West-the spirit that our region embodies-we emerge
as a force for positive change, harnessing our collective power to build a
Human Scale University that reflects our values and brings to life our shared
vision of the world we aspire to create.

Colorado Mesa University Core Values
Love - Extending oneself for nurturing the growth of self and
others
Dignity - Respecting the intrinsic value of each person and
believing that others act from a foundation of goodwill
Courage - Taking risks in the pursuit of new possibilities
Humility - Suspending one's ego and pride to recognize that no idea
is perfect and being open to the input of others
Resiliency - Investing in the future by adapting to changes,
overcoming challenges and pursuing Opportunity
Curiosity - Cultivating awe and exploring the unknown
Power - The strength to act collaboratively with individual agency to
achieve our goals

SECTION
II - THE SEAT

At CMU, we look at
every position as a seat. Every seat is vital and the individual in the seat
contributes significantly to our mission of providing an affordable and
accessible education and forming meaningful and mutually enriching partnerships
that support the well-being and vibrancy of our community. As a human centric
organization, a priority is to ensure we have the "right seats" in our
organization, and that the expectations, ownership and accountabilities are
defined and communicated clearly for the success of the individuals holding the
seats.

OVERVIEW AND ROLE SCOPE OF TEAM AND/OR TASKS

The TRIO Program Advisor plays a vital role in CMU's First
Gen+ Support Center and TRIO Student Support Services Program (SSS), supporting
a caseload of first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities.
This federally funded program is designed to improve retention, academic
performance, and graduation rates of its participants through comprehensive,
holistic, and proactive support services.

Working under the guidance of the Director of TRIO
Collegiate Programs, the Advisor helps students develop individualized
educational plans, navigate college systems, and access campus and community
resources. The Advisor collaborates with campus partners and contributes to the
success of the First Gen+ Support Center's mission and team.

Utilizing a case management system and Appreciative Advising
framework, TRIO Advisors provide holistic and student-centered advising on
multiple aspects of student success, such as academic advising and
registration, financial literacy, financial aid, personal wellness, and student
success skills. TRIO Advisors support and empower students from a wide variety
of backgrounds and are expected to maintain a high level of customer service
with all interactions.

Advising
& Student Support Tasks

• Provide academic advising and coaching to a caseload of TRIO-eligible students.
  
• Develop and monitor individual "academic snapshots and action plans."
  
• Coordinate and track services including academic and financial aid counseling, graduate program advising and post-grad plans, disability accommodations, tutoring, financial literacy, and course registration.
  
• Provide proactive interventions and success coaching to encourage academic standing, retention, and graduation.
  
• Assist students with career exploration and post-graduation planning.
  
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of student engagement, contact notes, and outcomes in accordance with federal and institutional policies.
  
• Foster a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment that helps students thrive.
  
Cultivate meaningful and productive relationships with students, staff, and leaders by initiating critical conversations, having a visible presence, and maintaining regular communication.

• 
  

  Programming & Events Tasks
  
  

• Support and facilitate workshops, travel opportunities, and enrichment activities in collaboration with the Engagement Specialist.
  
• Participate in First-Gen+ events such as National TRIO Day, First-Gen Week, beginning of semester kick offs, end of semester celebrations, and various campus events where program outreach can occur.
  
• Help develop and present programming on financial literacy, academic skills, graduate school preparation, post-graduation options and career readiness, personal/professional development, and student wellness.
  
• Collaborate in evaluation of TRIO programming and support changes based on outcomes.

  
  Individuals in this seat support the following teams:
  
  

• First-Gen+ Support Center Department - Advisors support the Director of the First-Gen+ Support Center, Program Coordinators, and department operations.
  
• Enrollment Management - Advisors support the overall efforts of the Enrollment Management team regarding student success, enrollment, and retention.
  
• Regularly collaborate with university partner offices, such as IRIS Advisors, Financial Aid, Educational Access Services, Student Wellness Center, Student Services, Registrar, and Student Accounts.
  
• Serve as a representative of CMU's TRIO programs at occasional regional/national TRIO association meetings.
  
• Maintain compliance with U.S. Department of Education regulations and CMU standards.

  
  Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA)
  Responsibilities
  
  

• Does not directly supervise staff but may collaborate with student mentors and student employees.
  
• Must manage multiple priorities and use sound judgment in advising underserved student populations.
  
Accountable for achieving federal program benchmarks related to persistence, academic performance, and graduation.

• 
  

  Individuals in this seat are required to:
  
  

• Demonstrate a high level of discretion and professional judgment in actively assessing and advising students from all backgrounds on key aspects of student success, such as academic advising and registration, student finances, personal wellness, and student success skills.
  
• Interpret and apply institutional policies, procedures, and regulations related to academic, financial, and student support programs. As well as federal regulations of the TRIO program.

  
  Other duties may be assigned as needed by our business.

  SECTION
  III - OUR DESIRES FOR RIGHT FIT

  For the success of
  our mission and our teams, we desire to have individuals who are a "Right Fit"
  in our seats. We define "Right Fit" as those who embrace our culture,
  demonstrate our values, understand the seat and what is required. We seek
  individuals who want this seat, desire to be a part of a bigger vision and have
  the capacity to be a successful member of our CMU team.

  CAPACITY REQUIREMENTS

• Excellent communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills
  
• Cultural competence and a strong commitment to supporting diverse and underserved students
  
• Discretion in handling sensitive issues and maintaining student confidentiality in compliance with FERPA
  
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time, priorities, and multiple responsibilities
  
• Proficiency with student systems and the ability to learn new technologies and policies quickly
  
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, high-demand environment with emotional intelligence and sound judgment
  
• Commitment to student-centered service and the Appreciative Advising approach
  
• Skill in presenting complex information clearly to students, families, and campus partners
  
• Ability to develop and deliver engaging programming to a range of audiences
  
• Effective collaborator with the ability to navigate difficult conversations and support strategic decision-making
  
• Embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement

  
  ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE FOR RIGHT FIT

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in education, psychology, counseling, social work, or related field
  
• One to two years of experience in higher education, counseling, or similar settings
  
• Experience working with diverse student populations, especially first-generation, low-income, academically underprepared and/or groups that are underrepresented in higher education.
  
• Experience in customer service, academic advising, success coaching, college classroom teaching and/or counseling/social work.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently as well as be a team player.
  
• Experience in First Year Experience, goal setting, financial literacy, and graduate school/career planning is preferred
  
• Background in TRIO or a similar support program is preferred
  
• Strong record-keeping and outcome documentation experience is preferred
  
• Strong computer skills. Proficiency with Microsoft 365, Student Access, Banner, Slate, or other CRM systems is preferred
  
  Reasonable
  accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform
  the essential functions.
  
  DISCLAIMER - This position description is only a summary of the typical
  functions of this seat, and not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and
  areas of accountability.
  
  DIRECT INQUIRIES
  CONTACT: Paige Cadman, [email protected]
  
  HOW TO APPLY: Applicants will be
  asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then
  providing personal and demographic information. In addition, please be prepared
  to upload a:
  
• Cover letter
  
• Resume
  
• Include the name,
  phone number, email address and relationship of at least three professional
  references who can attest to your ability to perform the job you are applying
  for. Professional references should include at least one current or former
  supervisor. Professional reference may also include current or former
  employers, colleagues or other professionals who have first-hand knowledge and
  can recommend you for employment.
  
• Copy of
  transcripts for all degrees completed (if your transcripts include a social
  security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading
  the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire)

  ABOUT
  COLORADO MESA UNIVERSITY

  A comprehensive
  university in Grand Junction, Colorado Mesa University provides exceptional
  educational opportunities on a state-of-the-art campus. As western Colorado's
  largest university, CMU serves students on its main campus in Grand Junction,
  its satellite campus in Montrose, its technical college, CMU Tech, and via
  online offerings.

  Colorado Mesa
  University serves as the primary intellectual and cultural center of western
  Colorado and promotes the exchange of ideas that are of regional, national, and
  international importance. Founded in 1925, it is a dynamic university enrolling
  10,000 students at the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate levels.
  
  At the heart of
  the CMU experience is an integrative and experiential approach to higher
  education that encourages students to think differently and empowers them to
  challenge assumptions. CMU brings students together with expert scholars and
  thinkers from different disciplines to make connections between ideas and gain
  the skills to solve the unstructured, complex problems they will encounter in
  life. Our focus is on providing quality academic programs, built on a strong
  liberal arts core that supports students' interests and regional employment
  needs, as well as technical programs that respond to vocational workforce
  demands.
  
  The Grand Valley is
  home to some of the best outdoor recreation in the state of Colorado and you
  will not have to fight traffic and crowds to enjoy it. CMU is surrounded by the
  Grand Mesa, Book Cliffs, and the Colorado National Monument. We have world-class
  mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and a mountain resort that's
  less than 45 minutes from campus for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country
  skiing. Living and working in Grand Junction, you will be able to explore one
  of Colorado's best kept secrets.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working
  with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment
  to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students
  within higher education.
  
  Colorado Mesa
  University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living
  community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all
  final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations
  include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when
  appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history. Applicant must be able
  to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Colorado Mesa University is an Equal
  Opportunity Employer, committed to a culturally diverse faculty, staff and
  student body. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a
  disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided
  reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an
  employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU
  Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide
  additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional
  limitations and the type of accommodation needed.

  
  Colorado Mesa University
  
  Attn: Human Resources Office
  
  1100 North Avenue
  
  Grand Junction, CO 81501

  
  970.248.1820