Counselor in the Educational Opportunity Fund Program 

Drew University seeks applications for the position of Counselor in the Educational Opportunity Fund program. Reporting to the Director of EOF, the counselor will support the recruitment, retention and success of undergraduate EOF students by helping them navigate the higher education environment, set academic and campus engagement goals, and develop and implement academic success strategies. Counselors meet with students in both one-on-one and group settings and track students' academic progress and engagement with on- and off-campus resources, coordinate and/or conduct interventions, and troubleshoot roadblocks that could be impeding success. The successful candidate will be able to coordinate information from students, faculty, and staff members in order to best advise students and ensure that they are successful at Drew and after graduation.

Key Responsibilities:

● Serve as a holistic advisor/counselor to EOF students, working with them as individuals to address personal needs. This may include but is not limited to supporting recruitment of new students and the transition to Drew and higher education, identifying resources that will facilitate success as an undergraduate student, and providing support for and assistance with the development and implementation of a personalized plan for academic, co-curricular, and post-graduation success.

● Monitor students’ academic and engagement progress at Drew, intervene as necessary to ensure that students have the resources that are necessary to facilitate success, and utilize relevant software platforms and technology to communicate with students, document interactions, and track progress on co-developed success plans.

● Collaborate with EOF colleagues and staff in the Center for Academic Excellence and across the University to create and facilitate workshops and other programming for EOF students and assess the effectiveness of this programming.

● Collaborate with the EOF staff to plan and execute the summer bridge program for EOF students.

● Collaborate with the EOF staff to enhance the peer mentoring program and oversee students who are serving in peer mentor roles.

● Establish and cultivate relationships with administrators, faculty and staff to ensure accurate and timely communication of student needs, obstacles, and questions and help students negotiate University regulations, assisting with follow through on various processes as needed.

● Serve on appropriate University-level committees and perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

● Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years experience in higher education with a focus on student engagement and advising. Masters Degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities:

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to interact with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds.

● Excellent interpersonal skills, including sensitivity to cultural differences and success in building partnerships.

● Ability to handle multiple assignments, work under pressure, take initiative, and meet deadlines.

● Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office, Google suite, database management, etc.)

● Knowledge of current practices in student affairs/higher education and student development theories preferred.

About Drew University:

Drew University, a Phi Beta Kappa liberal arts university, includes the College of Liberal Arts, the Drew Theological School and the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies. Drew is located on a beautiful, wooded campus in Madison, New Jersey, a thriving small town close to New York City.

It has a total enrollment of more than 2,200 students and has 136 full-time faculty members, 96% of whom hold the terminal degree in their field. The Theological and Caspersen schools offer master’s and doctoral degrees, and the College confers BA and BS degrees in 40 disciplines and offers 19 dual-degree programs.

Drew’s one-of-a-kind, leading edge path to an undergraduate degree, Launch, ensures that every student graduates with a purpose, sought-after transferable skills, a network of mentors, and an experience-based résumé—guaranteed. Particularly noteworthy opportunities for undergraduates include the Charles A. Dana Research Institute for Scientists Emeriti (RISE), the Drew Summer Science Institute (DSSI), the Center for Civic Engagement, as well as seven New York City semesters and several international study abroad programs.

The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies offers a wide array of distinctive and flexible advanced degree programs designed to meet the needs of almost any busy schedule. All programs are based on Drew’s renowned commitment to faculty-student mentorship, opportunities for out-of-the-classroom experiential learning, and facilitating a robust intellectual community. 

The Theological School has a distinguished history rooted in the United Methodist Church. Today, it serves many denominations as a center for preparing clergy and leaders for service in the church and the world. Its focus on biblical and theological scholarship and social justice has made it a sought after destination for students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

To enrich education through diversity, Drew University is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Following federal and state requirements; a candidate must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States if selected for hire. 

This position is subject to a background check.