Counselor - Educational Opportunity Fund

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Upload Resume or Curriculum Vitae for automatic population of information to the application.
• The contact information, work experience, and education listed on your Resume/CV will be parsed and input into your Montclair application.
• Review information and double-check all fields containing information that the system parsed – the software is intelligent, but you need to verify that the data is accurate.
• In the “My Experience” section, you will find a Resume/CV upload option where you can submit your cover letter and all other supporting documents.

Note: If you have an expansive CV, we recommend that you apply manually and only include the positions you have held in the last ten (10) years. You will then be able to attach your Resume/CV, as well as all other supporting documentation in the "My Experience" section of your application.

Job Description

SUMMARY

Reporting to the  Director of EOF, the EOF Counselor, serves as an academic advisor and provides career, financial aid, personal, and social support to assigned students, referring them to appropriate University resources as needed. The Counselor collaborates with the EOF team to develop and implement student engagement and success initiatives that support the academic achievement and holistic development of EOF scholars. This position provides comprehensive support services from enrollment through graduation in direct support of the mission and goals of the Educational Opportunity Fund Program and the University.

The EOF Counselor also assists with the collection, research, and analysis of program data; prepares reports for the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)/EOF Central Office; completes projects and other related assignments. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary case manager and academic advisor for a cohort of EOF scholars.
• Provide comprehensive academic, career, financial aid, personal, and social support services that promote student persistence, retention, and timely degree completion.
• Facilitate the successful transition of incoming EOF first-year, transfer, and readmitted students through individual and group advising sessions.
• Manage all aspects of the assigned student caseload, including enrollment monitoring, roster management, referrals, academic success planning, and student outreach.
• Develop and implement individualized intervention plans for students with less than full-time enrollment, Early Alert notifications, academic probation or dismissal appeals, separation status, and post-graduation transitions.
• Manage the EOF state grant roster for the assigned caseload by verifying student eligibility and enrollment, and awarding, adjusting, or removing EOF grants in NJFAMS in accordance with state regulations and institutional policies.
• Maintain ongoing communication with students to resolve eligibility and verification issues in a timely manner.
• Develop, coordinate, and facilitate student success and leadership programming, including semester unity meetings and wrap-up events, workshops, and other engagement initiatives.
• Serve as the primary liaison to Alumni Affairs and the EOF Alumni Association to strengthen student and alumni engagement. Advise the EOF GEMS women's leadership program and coordinate student participation in leadership conferences, professional development opportunities, and related activities, including all registration and logistical arrangements.
• Develop and facilitate workshops and presentations that address academic success, college adjustment, transition, and student development topics to promote student persistence, retention, academic achievement, and overall success.
• Coordinate and oversee the EOF Summer Program hiring process, including the recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, supervision, scheduling, evaluation, and ongoing professional development of summer staff.
• Monitor staff performance, ensure compliance with program and University policies, and provide guidance and support to promote the effective delivery of summer program services.
• Plan, coordinate, and support special events, programs, and initiatives as assigned by the EOF Director.
• Facilitate activities that advance program objectives, foster student engagement, and recognize the academic and personal achievements of EOF scholars.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to strengthen knowledge and skills related to student success, advising, and higher education, while remaining informed of current trends, best practices, and state and federal policies affecting Educational Opportunity Fund programs.
• Direct students to leadership conferences, professional development experiences, and other approved activities, including events that may require evening, overnight, or out-of-state travel.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain program data to support assessment, strategic planning, and continuous improvement initiatives. Assist in the preparation of reports and supporting documentation required by the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE)/EOF Central Office, including annual reports, program outcomes, statistical analyses, and Foundation donor reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Management retains the right to add or change job duties at any time.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university. 
• Minimum three years of professional experience in higher education, education, or a related field, preferably serving a diverse student population from backgrounds with limited access to academic and financial resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, social justice, and student success.
• Strong counseling skills. Ability to establish rapport with students and work in both individual and group formats. Asset-based approach to supporting students, families, and communities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, with minimal supervision. Demonstrated experience developing strong working relationships with both internal and external partners.
• Effective communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking, presentation, and leadership skills. Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively prioritize deadlines.
• Proficient computer skills, including Google Workspace, email and calendar platforms, Zoom, Adobe, and Navigate/Canvas, with familiarity with internet-based software applications and student information systems such as Workday and Banner, as well as experience with social media design, content creation, and maintenance.
• Ability to work on a flexible schedule as needed to accommodate evening or weekend programming activities. 

PREFERRED:

• Previous event planning experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of financial aid.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish, English/Arabic, or English/Haitian Creole).

PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY

Applicants should include a resume and cover letter describing how their background, skills and education match the needs of the University. When applying, please take a moment to carefully read and follow the steps in the application instructions.

Salary Range

$76,486.40-$76,486.40 Annual

The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/benefits/   

Montclair State University considers factors such as, but not limited to, scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s relevant work experience, education, skills, and internal equity, when extending an offer.

Salary offers for internal employees who are part of a collective bargaining unit (CBU) and are applying to a position that is within a CBU will be determined in accordance with contractual provisions. 

Department

BC_Director of Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF)

Position Type

Professional - Non-Faculty

Contact Information:

For questions or concerns, please contact Human Resources' Workday Recruiting Support at 973-655-5000 (Option 2), or email [email protected].

Inclusion Statement

Montclair State University values access and educational excellence. We are committed to an environment of diverse perspectives which ensures that graduates will be civically engaged, committed to democracy, and prepared to thrive as global citizens. We foster a community that promotes varied experiences and voices. We seek applicants who will contribute diverse ideas and perspectives and who value an environment that promotes educational growth and advancement for all.

EEO/AA Statement

Montclair State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution with a strong commitment to diversity.

Additional information can be found on the website at
www.montclair.edu/human-resources/about-us/eo-aa-and-diversity/

Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 Policy

Montclair State is required by Title IX and 34 C.F.R. 106 not to discriminate on the basis of sex or gender, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities.  The requirement to not discriminate on the basis of sex or gender in the operation of education programs and activities extends to admission and employment. For further details, please visit: https://www.montclair.edu/human-resources/job-seekers/