Acad Adv. for Upward Bound

Posting Number

RTF00171PO26

USC Market Title

TRIO Program Coordinator

Business Title (Internal Title)

Acad Adv. for Upward Bound

Campus

Sumter

Work County

Sumter

College/Division

USC Sumter College/Division Level

Department

USC Sumter - Palmetto College

Anticipated Hiring Range

Location of Vacancy

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37.5

Work Schedule

Type of Staff Position

Staff Research Grant (SRGP)

Basis

12 months

Job Search Category

Student Services

About University of South Carolina

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Benefits for Research Grant or Time-Limited Positions Are Indicated Below

The University of South Carolina (UofSC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.

South Carolina Retirement

Yes

State Insurance Programs

Yes

Annual Leave

Yes

Sick Leave

Yes

Advertised Job Summary

The Academic Advisor for Upward Bound performs services at the target high school, as well as at the host institution that increase the academic development and non-cognitive personal skills of high school students who are low-income and potential first generation college students. The academic advisor will be responsible for providing services that increase academic success, high school graduation in rigorous course study and completion of dual enrollment courses, university enrollment and graduation from a 4-year college program. The academic advisor reports to the Program Coordinator and Program Director. This position is contingent upon continued grant funding. Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those facing project participants and experience with federal TRIO programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for disadvantaged students preferred. Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of experience, which may be substituted by equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 1 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional or personal experience in overcoming barriers similar to those facing project participants

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Experience with federal Trio programs, academic support programs, or similar programs for disadvantaged students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff and the public.

Job Duties

• Advises and mentors students with services including, but not limited to: academic course requirements, supplemental tutoring, career choices, admissions requirements, assists with the college application process, FAFSA and financial aid, housing contracts, student activities and institutional policies and procedures.

• Recruits, processes applications, interviews and evaluates prospective high school student participants and their families, advises and monitors the Upward Bound student participants and assists with the retention of students being successful in high school and preparing them for entry into post-secondary education.

• Assists with the development and implementation of the Upward Bound Program, including coordinating and planning both academic year and summer programming. Planning of program activities and events including but not limited to: college tours, supplemental Saturday workshops, overnight educational trips, supplemental evening activities, presentations to the constituents aligned with the project’s plan of operations.

• Keeps accurate and proper documentation of student contact records pertaining to all project services, and enters documentation accurately into the student database.

• Serves as a chaperone during program activities including but not limited to: overnight trips, Saturday workshops and events, evening activities.

• Works collaboratively with the local high school, participants, parents, community agencies, civic organizations, and local businesses.

• Assists in the preparation of the annual report for the U.S. Department of Education, as well as other periodically requested reports.

Position Attributes

Hazardous weather category

Non-Essential

Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.

No

Number of Vacancies

1

Desired Start Date

08/03/2026

Job Open Date

07/20/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

As part of the online process, a cover letter, resume, unofficial college transcripts and list of three references with contact information must be attached to the online application form. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

EEO Statement

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.