Mid-Atlantic HERC

Position Summary

This position directly supports the initiatives of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future acting as an AACC liaison within a designated AACPS high school supporting students navigating college and career planning, connecting students with AACC and resources as needed, and supporting collaborative partnership activities. Through strong connections with the various departments at AACC, along with close relationships with high school teachers and staff and awareness of the school needs and community culture, the Transition Advisor supports students by bridging the gap between high school and college/career, helping with college processes and procedures, breaking down barriers to move students along their educational pathway to success. The Transition Advisor, being embedded in the high school, is key to promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism by meeting students where they are, supporting them by addressing individual needs, helping them through the unfamiliar, and connecting high school students to AACC programs and resources aimed to break down barriers to access and success. By building close relationships with personnel within the high school, Transition Advisors serve as a point person for high schoolers needing support along their pathway towards college/AACC, especially students who identify as traditionally under-served populations such as first-generation college goers, English Language Learners, African American students, and special education students.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Support student access to Early College Programs in alignment with the Blueprint for Maryland's Future initiatives including on-location signature aligned pathways, proficiency credit opportunities, and dual enrollment. Work directly with AACPS high school personnel (teachers, counselors, staff, career coaches, signature site coordinators.) to enhance awareness of AACC programs and opportunities.

Decreasing Barriers: support students navigating through administrative processes including admissions, financial aid, and registration; break down obstacles that hinder students’ progress ensuring a smooth transition; provide guidance on relevant topics such as college readiness, study skills, and time management; liaise with high school personnel to plan relevant opportunities including class visits, AACC guest speakers, and AACC field trips.

Guidance & Support: work with students to understand their aspirations, interests, and educational goals; provide personalized advice on educational pathways leading to program selection (credit and noncredit); help students prepare to transition from high school to their higher education opportunities. Outreach may include 1:1 mentoring, class visits, presentations, and workshops. Transition advisors also work 1:1 and with groups of students as needed on course success.

Equity and Inclusion Champion: recognize the diverse backgrounds and support unique challenges faced by students; promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, access and anti-racism by addressing individual needs; support underrepresented populations, including first-generation college students, English Language Learners, African American students, and those with special education requirements.

Resource Connection and Advocacy: forge strong relationships with the various departments at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC); serve as a liaison connecting students to AACC resources such as financial aid, academic advising, and career services; advocate for students’ needs and ensure access to necessary supports.

Relationship Building: cultivate close ties with high school teachers, staff, and administrators; be embedded within the high school community meeting students where they are; serve as a point person for students seeking support and guidance on their educational pathways.

Use technology effectively and efficiently to maintain records and files related to outreach strategies, student contact, and related follow-up. Create resources (including handouts and presentations) that support students’ awareness of AACC opportunities, processes, support resources, and information.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or higher

Minimum of two years experience working with students in secondary education or higher education

Experience in secondary school or higher education working directly with students.

Experience with academic/educational regulations and processes.

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to develop and deliver presentations.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to utilize technology efficiently including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and virtual meeting software such as Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet.

Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and with attention to accuracy, details, and deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to communicate in Spanish.

Knowledge of dual enrollment legislation including Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Experience working with underserved or underrepresented student populations.

Working knowledge of student development and learning theories.

Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality.

Ability to use Google Suite/Google Workspace effectively.

Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) is committed to enriching the educational experience it offers through the diversity of its faculty, administrators, and staff members. The college seeks to recruit and support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to the college's excellence, diversity of viewpoints and experiences, embrace concepts of equity and inclusiveness, and support the equal rights of all people by advancing the understanding and appreciation of differences including age, race, gender, ability, religious convictions, socio-economic status, ethnic heritage, or sexual orientation.

While we appreciate your interest in employment with Anne Arundel Community College, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for any position.

Pay dates occur on the 7th and 22nd of each month. If those dates fall on a weekend, the pay date occurs on the Friday prior to the 7th and 22nd. As an employee of the college, you are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package.

In the best interest of the College, only individuals who are residents of Maryland or one of the following states will be eligible for employment at the college: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia or the District of Columbia. The college will annually review this restriction and, if appropriate, expand the list of states of employment eligibility.