St. Petersburg College (SPC) and the University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) are public post-secondary institutions committed to promoting student success and economic mobility to Pinellas County residents through education, career development, and self-discovery. To these ends, the two institutions are working together to create an educational ecosystem in Pinellas County that requires collaborative outreach and recruitment actions.  As part of the Pinellas Access to Higher Education (PATHE) initiative, designated PATHE Counselors are key to the success of these endeavors.

The PATHE Counselor is one of four positions that comprise a cross-institutional team responsible for community outreach, developing partnerships with local area secondary schools and community based organizations, counseling students and their families on the college admissions process, and supporting the intellectual, social and personal development of students in the program through high quality student life programs. Each institution employs two of the four positions.

The person in this position is responsible for supporting a collaborative and innovative outreach strategy that is consistent and aligns with both SPC and USFSP’s’ enrollment, retention and progression goals and objectives. As part of the overall strategy, this position spearheads efforts and creates tactics to cultivate post-secondary educational opportunities for students in Pinellas County, including but not limited to low-income, first generation in college, and underrepresented students, as well as supporting students through their transition into higher education to ensure they develop and maintain personal and academic goals.

Responsibilities of the position directly support the enrollment, retention, and graduation of students at SPC and USFSP.

Ideal candidates for this position will need to excel while working independently and must be self-starters.

Responsibilities:

• Build, cultivate and maintain exceptional working relationships with key constituents within Pinellas County.  This includes, but is not limited to, guidance and college counselors, high school and middle school principals, administrators, and program managers;
• Develop programs and delivers informational sessions to key constituent groups.
• Educate key constituents on academic opportunities available in local community, with an emphasis on academic pathways at and between SPC and USFSP;
• Prepare and maintain an outreach calendar in collaboration with other PATHE Counselors and admissions recruitment teams at both SPC and USFSP;
• Counsel prospective undergraduate applicants and their families regarding academic programs, admissions policies and procedures and out-of-classroom opportunities at SPC and USFSP. This interaction may include phone, in-person, or written contacts;
• Respond to prospective students’ concerns and needs by providing excellent customer service;
• Report statistical data on outreach initiatives and activities;
• Ensure compliance with all SPC and USFSP policies; and all federal, state and accreditation requirements;
• Arrange events, programs and speakers in a collaborative manner to create an integrated and sequenced set of experiences for students in the program that promote community and academic engagement, foster a strong connection with SPC and USFSP, and enhance the sense of belonging;
• Plan and/or provide academic success workshops aimed at developing positive academic behaviors and mindsets such as time management, stress management, study skills, strategies to improve academic performance, financial literacy, and career development;
• Conduct ongoing assessment of programs and workshops and report outcomes;
• Review data on program cohorts to coordinate and conduct focused mentoring/coaching, and provide student support services to help students persist in their program of study;
• Conduct outreach to students designated as at risk, or who have not registered for subsequent terms;
• Work with advisors and other student support personnel to orchestrate effective early interventions, reinforce successful behaviors, and serve as a liaison regarding issues affecting students in the program;
• Foster a culture of community, integrity, and care.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an appropriate field of study;
• Professional work experience in areas of student development/programming, outreach, recruitment, and admissions in higher education; experience working with underrepresented, first-generation, or economically disadvantaged groups;
• Demonstrated ability to organize and handle multiple projects simultaneously; strong computer, written, and verbal communication skills; strong interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge of Pinellas County, particularly local cultures, interests, history, and needs of local residents;
• Bilingual and biliterate skills, English/Spanish preferred.

Special Qualifications:

• Must be willing to travel and work nights/weekends especially during peak periods;
• Must possess a valid driver’s license;
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25lbs;
• Due to nature of the position and responsibilities, this position is subject to background check in accordance with college/university policy.

Incumbents in this class focus on coordinating professional-level support services to students (local, out-of-state, international) and prospective students in single areas or across a number of disciplines that may include admissions, financial aid, academic advising, career services, study abroad, honors college, and disability services. In addition to providing student support services, incumbents are responsible for developing internal and external partnerships to enhance services; conducting program assessment and evaluation to ensure effective delivery of services; making referrals for resources to assist in the students' career and educational success; and serving as a liaison between high schools, students, employers, and the college.  Incumbents in this class perform professional-level student support activities and may have formal supervisory responsibility for program staff.