Educational and Career Planning Specialist - Part-time

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: about 19 hours ago
Location: Fort Collins, COLORADO
Deadline: 08 Apr 2024

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title Educational and Career Planning Specialist - Part-time
Position Location Fort Collins, CO
Work Location Position is fully in-office/in-person
Research Professional Position No
Posting Number 202400442AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Prof/Indiv Contrib I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 20
Proposed Annual Salary Range $50,000-$52,000 (based on 1.0 FTE) Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion , and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
  • Review our detailed benefits information here.
  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here .
  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator .
  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in !
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 04/08/2024
Description of Work Unit
The Access Center (TAC) is comprised of 12 programs: Upward Bound (77), Upward Bound (17), Upward Bound (Math/Science), Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Center, Bridge Scholars Program, Reach Out, Community For Excellence, Alliance Partnership program, CSU College Bound, the TRIO Priority 1 training grant, and the Lorenzo De Zavala Leadership Institute.
As part of its Land Grant Mission, Colorado State University is committed to making education accessible to those who, due to economic or social conditions, have not previously been offered full participation in post-secondary education. It is with this mission in mind that the Access Center was created.
The Access Center strives to develop the talents of those who have been traditionally underrepresented in higher education (first-generation, low-income, ethnically or racially diverse, and non-traditional age) during their pre-college years by:
  • Nurturing college-bound aspirations
  • Increasing academic skills and motivations
  • Reaching out to Colorado’s historically under-served secondary students
  • Facilitating the college application enrollment, and student aid processes
  • Assisting in the transition to college supporting retention efforts
Position Summary
This is a part-time position that reports directly to the Director of the Colorado State University (CSU) Education Opportunity Center (EOC) and works in the Larimer County EOC (LEOC) office. The LEOC is one of three site county offices (Adams and Weld counties are the two other sites) operated under the Educational Opportunity Center Project that is sponsored by Colorado State University and administered through the Access Center within the Student Access and Success area. The Educational Opportunity Center Project is a United States Department of Education federally funded TRIO grant program that provides free services and assists primarily low-income and first-generation adult participants in furthering their education.
The Education and Career Planning Specialist is responsible for recruiting, enrolling, and providing quality educational services to eligible participants. This position advises and refers participants to enroll in adult basic education (ABE) and general education diploma (GED) programs and assists participants with all aspects of the post-secondary and college planning process, including the completion of the admission and financial aid application process, and provides detailed information on two and four-year colleges/universities, as well as certified and vocational programs.
Additionally, the Education and Career Planning Specialist administers career counseling and career exploration assessments and conducts formal presentations on topics such as financial aid/scholarships, financial and economic literacy, study skills, time management, and the college planning process. The Education and Career Planning Specialist is expected to assist with the day-to-day operation of the LEOC office and to consult and/or represent the LEOC.
This position requires a varied work schedule that includes some evenings and weekends. The Education and Career Planning Specialist must maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License or have access to a licensed driver, possess a reliable motor vehicle for transportation, and be committed to travel. As part of the job search and internal promotion process, the university will conduct a criminal and motor vehicle background check.
  • Identify, recruit, enroll, and provide services to eligible individuals as outlined by federal guidelines to participate in the Larimer County Educational Opportunity Center.
  • Assist the Larimer EOC Site in coordinating and conducting assigned program presentations, sponsored events, and workshop sessions.
  • Assist with the daily operational functions of the LEOC and effectively execute all university, state, federal, and Access Center policies and procedures.
  • Prepare and conduct special presentations and workshop sessions on a variety of topics such as, but not limited, to the college admissions process, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, financial literacy, test taking, career counseling, time management, computer competency, and study skills.
  • Provide participants with individualized career exploration and career counseling/planning sessions, academic assessment, and academic advising.
  • Work with the Larimer County EOC site to identify and establish a network of community and educational resources to enrich and fulfill each participant’s educational and career goals and for the benefit of the Colorado State University EOC Project.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships with key college and university offices and departments as well as various local, state, and national/federal educational organizations and service agencies to leverage resources for participants.
  • Research and secure appropriate educational, financial literacy, financial wellness, and career advising materials for eligible participants.
  • Maintain accurate participant contact records and submit information onto the EOC Project Database on a daily and/or weekly basis for tracking purposes and to be in compliance with federal, state, and university guidelines and regulations.
  • Be a positive, contributing, and active employee of the EOC Project and the Access Center.
  • Attend all required meetings and professional development/training opportunities
  • Fulfill other duties as assigned.
Required Job Qualifications
  • A Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, education, behavioral/social sciences, social work, communications, or related field.
  • Demonstrated one year full-time (40hrs) professional experience promoting educational access and/or providing academic assistance and knowledge of the college admissions and financial aid processes.
  • Demonstrated one year full-time (40hrs) professional experience working with underrepresented, ethnically and racially diverse and disadvantaged populations. (According to the United States Department of Education, “disadvantaged” signifies an individual who meets low-income guidelines and who is a potential first generation college student. A “first generation” individual is a person whose parents have not earned a baccalaureate degree.)
  • Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License or have access to a licensed driver and have a reliable motor vehicle to be used for work related travel.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Evidence of strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated public speaking experience to a variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrated commitment to furthering diversity, inclusion, equity, and social justice within an educational setting.
  • Experience working with educational needs and concerns for underrepresented, ethnically, and racially, and disadvantaged populations.
  • Evidence working collaboratively with college and university personnel and/or community and educational organizations and service agencies.
  • Experience with email, word processing, spreadsheets, database entry, and other computer software programs, such as the Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
  • Bilingual ability in Spanish/English is desirable.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Recruitment/Presentations/Advising
Duty/Responsibility
  • Identify, recruit, enroll, and provide services to eligible individuals as outlined by federal guidelines to participate in the Larimer County Educational Opportunity Center.
  • Assist the Larimer EOC Site in coordinating and conducting assigned program presentations, sponsored events, and workshop sessions.
  • Prepare and conduct special presentations and workshop sessions on a variety of topics such as, but not limited, to the college admissions process, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, financial literacy, test taking, career counseling, time management, computer competency, and study skills.
  • Provide participants with individualized career exploration and career counseling/planning sessions, academic assessment, and academic advising.
Percentage Of Time 50
Job Duty Category Networking/Community Involvement
Duty/Responsibility
  • Work with the Larimer County EOC site to identify and establish a network of community and educational resources to enrich and fulfill each participant’s educational and career goals, and for the benefit of the Colorado State University EOC Project.
  • Maintain collaborative relationships with key college and university offices and departments as well as various local, state, and national/federal educational organizations and service agencies to leverage resources for participants.
Percentage Of Time 25
Job Duty Category Documentation/Team Member
Duty/Responsibility
  • Research and secure appropriate educational, financial literacy, financial wellness, and career advising materials for eligible participants.
  • Maintain accurate participant contact records and submit information onto the EOC Project Database on a daily and/or weekly basis for tracking purposes and to be in compliance with federal, state, and university guidelines and regulations.
  • Be a positive, contributing, and active employee of the EOC Project and the Access Center.
  • Attend all required meetings and professional development/training opportunities
  • Fulfill other duties as assigned.
Percentage Of Time 25

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter that addresses how professional experiences align with the identified required and preferred qualifications of the position, a current resume, and the names, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers of three (3) professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to the full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you need assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), Valid Driver’s License
Search Contact Rachel Martinez, [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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