Counselor For Academic Belonging

Hamilton College enrolls approximately 160 students as part of Opportunity Program (OP), which is funded by New York State (HEOP) and campus resources. OP aims to help economically and educationally disadvantaged students–majority first-generation low-income–succeed academically, retain them to graduation, and assist them in pursuing post-graduate opportunities. The Counselor for Academic Belonging will play a vital role in mentoring and advising students in this program by working to ensure that they have the resources and support they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. 

Specifically, this position provides leadership and programming to support equity and inclusion in the OP office and other offices that work closely with OP, like Hamilton’s Writing Center (WC) and Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning Center (QSR), which provide individualized peer tutoring programs to support the academic work of all students. The Counselor for Academic Belonging (CAB) will directly supervise the Fellow for Academic Belonging, a post-bacc position working in the WC and QSR to support projects that underpin their equity and inclusion missions and recurring tutoring programs. The CAB will oversee this work and act as the coordinator of academic support for OP students, helping to facilitate a strong connection between students and tutoring.

This is a benefited position on a 65% schedule (1,200 hours). The CAB will work approximately 28 hours/week on a regular schedule. This will include some evening and/or weekend hours. This is a nonexempt position with a pay range of $35.00 to $37.00 per hour.

Responsibilities:

• Student Advising and Social Counseling:
  • Provide comprehensive academic advising to Opportunity Program students, assisting them in selecting appropriate courses, majors, and career paths
  • Offer guidance on academic success strategies, time management, study skills, and goal setting
  • Serve as a mentor and advocate for Opportunity Program students, offering support and encouragement throughout their academic journey
  • Conduct individual counseling sessions to address personal, social, and emotional concerns that may impact students' academic performance. Build meaningful mentoring relationships with OP students by serving as their academic coach
• Financial Aid Counseling:
  • Assist students in navigating the financial aid process, including completing forms, understanding eligibility criteria, and accessing available resources
  • Provide information and guidance on scholarship opportunities, helping students identify and apply for relevant scholarships
  • Advocate for students' financial needs and work to connect them with additional financial resources when necessary
• Building a Culture of Academic Belongingness:
  • Stay informed about best practices in student support services and make recommendations for program adjustments. Participate in training and mentoring tutors in best practices to support belonging, equity, and inclusion
  • Collaborate with the WC and QSR Center directors to facilitate effective academic support for all OP students. Participate in the planning of academic support models, workshops, and events for OP students and further develop the WC/QSR as inclusive spaces that demonstrate a commitment to antiracist and socially just practices
  • Supervise the Fellow for Academic Belonging
  • Work with the Director of OP, ARC Directors and faculty to identify OP students in need of additional support and facilitate early intervention and ongoing supplemental instruction within the WC/QSR
  • Assist Center Directors with assessment of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging program effectiveness and activities related to DEIB goals
• Data Management and Reporting:
  • Maintain accurate records of student interactions, counseling sessions, and program activities
  • Prepare reports and assessments on student progress, program outcomes, and areas for improvement
  • Utilize data to evaluate the effectiveness of support services and make recommendations for program enhancements
  • Assist the Director of OP with data collection and NYS reporting

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in a related field, such as counseling, and have worked in Opportunity Programs or equivalent academic support resource at an institution of higher education. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience with peer tutoring in a liberal arts setting. Candidates must demonstrate a clear commitment to and interest in creating equitable and inclusive tutoring spaces.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Experience working with diverse student populations, particularly students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds
• Knowledge of academic advising principles, counseling techniques, and student development theory
• Familiarity with financial aid processes and resources in higher education
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable working with students, faculty and staff on a daily basis
• Familiarity with leading and managing undergraduates and committment to creating radically welcoming spaces for diverse student populations with a focus on equity and inclusion
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Candidates will be expected to contribute their best ideas and to participate actively in strategic conversations
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Interest in experimenting with innovative approaches, developing creative programs, and using new technologies. Experience navigating a variety of software platforms and cloud-based applications and ability to troubleshoot technology issues is imperative
• Detailed-oriented and able to work autonomously

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification or licensure in counseling or related fields
• Proficiency in a second language relevant to the student population served

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Submit a statement of interest that addresses what you find most exciting about this position and how your background and experiences make you uniquely qualified; a resume; and contact information for three professional/academic references. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and continue until each position is filled.

Hamilton College is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to creating an accessible, supportive environment and an educational experience that recognizes diversity in all of its forms and a wide array of cultural experiences  as integral components of academic excellence. Candidates who can contribute to those goals are encouraged to apply and to identify their strengths in these areas.