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Project Advisor - GEAR UP Hawthorne
Toro Auxiliary Partners
Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Partially Benefited- Medical Insurance Only & Sick Pay | Onsite | Hourly Rate $23.00
About the CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners
The California State University, Dominguez Hills Toro Auxiliary Partners was incorporated in 1968 as a partner of the University to provide services and develop and enhance programs integral to the University's educational mission. CSU Dominguez Hills is a highly diverse, metropolitan University primarily serving the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. Established in 1960, CSU Dominguez Hills is one of the 23 campuses in the California State University system.
About CSU Dominguez Hills
Founded in 1960, CSU Dominguez Hills is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system. The University is recognized for its rich diversity and is a vital educational hub for the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Its mission is to foster academic excellence and community engagement in a dynamic, metropolitan environment.
About GEAR UP:
California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), in partnership with the Centinela Valley Unified School District, is implementing a GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) Partnership Project serving students beginning in the 9th grade at three high schools: Lawndale, Hawthorne, and Leuzinger. This four-year initiative is designed to strengthen academic preparation, increase college and career readiness, expand financial aid awareness, and support students through high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment. The CSUDH GEAR UP-Centinela Valley (CV) Project provides academic enrichment, advising, mentoring, and professional development to ensure target students are prepared for postsecondary success.
Position Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the GEAR UP Director, the Project Advisor plays a key role in delivering and supporting core academic, college readiness, and enrichment services for students and families. The Project Advisor is responsible for assisting with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of GEAR UP activities at assigned school sites and supporting the Program Coordinator.
The Project Advisor serves as a liaison among GEAR UP, school site personnel, community organizations, and families to ensure effective implementation and support of college access initiatives. This role also includes participation in programs such as the Toro Summer Academy and other duties assigned by the Director.
Position Type
This is a Full-time, partially benefited position. Employment is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice.
Hours per week: 30-39 Hourly Rate: $23.00
Work location: Centinela Valley Union High School District
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Student Support & Academic Advising

• Provide academic, college, career, and financial aid advising to students.
• Support non-cognitive skill development and 21st-century employability skills.
• Monitor student progress through grades, attendance, and transcripts.
• Facilitate Postsecondary Educational Planning Sessions (PEPS) and create individualized success plans.
• Deliver workshops on college admissions, FAFSA/CADAA, financial literacy, and career pathways.

Program Delivery & Implementation

• Assist in planning and implementing high-impact educational activities such as workshops, field trips, mentoring, and summer enrichment programs (including the Toro Summer Academy).
• Support the development of strategies to improve student performance and college readiness based on data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure program activities meet GEAR UP guidelines and federal grant requirements.

Family and Community Engagement

• Provide college and financial planning resources to parents in English, Spanish, or other languages as required.
• Support partnerships with community organizations, higher education institutions, and businesses.
• Help leverage in-kind contributions and community resources to enhance program sustainability.

Administrative & Reporting Duties

• Maintain accurate student records and ensure timely data entry into program databases (e.g., CoBro, Blumen).
• Represent GEAR UP at the school and community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, counseling, social sciences, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Experience with federally funded programs such as GEAR UP/TRIO or similar educational opportunity programs serving at-risk youth.
• Demonstrated experience providing case management, academic advising, college admissions guidance, and financial aid support.
• Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is preferred due to the population served.
• Professional or personal experience overcoming barriers similar to those faced by target students and families.
• Knowledge of secondary and postsecondary education systems, including A-G requirements, college admissions, and financial aid processes.
• Experience with student support services, intervention strategies, and educational equity practices.

Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities; detail-oriented.
• Proficiency in MS Office and student data systems (e.g., CoBro, Blumen).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, families, school staff, and community partners.

Qualifications:

• College graduate.
• Experience working with high school students from underserved and underrepresented communities.
• Knowledge of higher education college systems and financial aid.
• Experience providing workshops about college options, admissions requirements, and application procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Must be reliable and punctual.
• Must be able to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Must pass LiveScan fingerprinting provided by the program.
• Must have reliable transportation

Review of applications will begin on January 5, 2025, and the position will remain open until it is filled.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Toro Auxiliary Partners is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.
Individuals with disabilities requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the TAP Human Resources Office at (310) 243-1070.
EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled
This notation reflects our commitment to affirmative action for minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in compliance with regulatory requirements.
E-Verify Employment Authorization
This position requires new hire/re-hire employment verification to be processed through the E-Verify program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
If hired, candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United States.
Conditions of Employment
At-Will Employment: Employment at Toro Auxiliary Partners is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or advance notice.
Permanent status is neither offered nor guaranteed.
Mandated Reporter: This position is classified as a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. Compliance with the Act is a condition of employment.
Background Check: All candidates must pass a background check, including a criminal records check, as a condition of employment. Positions deemed sensitive, including this role, require heightened scrutiny due to the potential for harm to individuals, children, animals, property, or the financial security of CSUDH Toro Auxiliary Partners. Failure to complete the background check satisfactorily may affect an applicant's status or the continued employment of current employees.