Special Information

• This position is a hybrid position which allows the incumbent to complete their work at both an NAU site, campus, or facility and at a non-centralized site with or without accommodation.
• This position is subject to the availability of funding. The incumbent is not eligible for Service Professional non-renewal notice, or Classified Staff layoff or recall status.
• This position is posted as Peer Transition Advisor, which is a working title. The NAU system title for this position is Part-Time Temporary.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver’s license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.
• This is for a part time position, 10-20 hours a week, starting end of May 2026 until September/October 2026. 

About the Department/College

Arizona GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) is a project of Northern Arizona University (NAU), made possible by a multi-year, multi-million-dollar federal grant and contributions from partner organizations. Structured under the College of Education, project administration resides with a State GEAR UP Office in Phoenix.   

The purpose of GEAR UP, as authorized by Congress under the Higher Education Opportunity Act, is to help level the playing field on college access for students from low-income communities.  

Over the course of three grant cycles since 2000, NAU GEAR UP has significantly increased high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment for thousands of students from diverse communities across Arizona.  In addition, through numerous partnerships and collaborations, GEAR UP has leveraged resources, built capacity, and made a variety of local and state initiatives possible so that current and future students gain the opportunity to earn a degree or other postsecondary credential. For more information on NAU GEAR UP, visit: http://nau.edu/gearup 

About the Position

The Peer Transition Advisor will be responsible for providing personalized support to graduates from AZ GEAR UP high schools, assisting them in their enrollment into their first and potential second year of postsecondary education. This role involves proactive outreach, advising sessions, and facilitating connections to relevant resources and support services with special emphasis on assisting students to complete the FAFSA, college applications, and other tasks to support their enrollment in a post-secondary institution by the Fall 2026 semester.  In addition to this you will provide guidance and support to students not choosing to pursue post-secondary education at this time.

The position will have the ability to work remotely, with opportunities to work in-person out of a GEAR UP high school or NAU campus. The hours may vary from 10-20 hours per week based on the candidates' availability.  

Responsibilities Include

Advising Sessions – 40%

• Conduct virtual or in-person advising sessions on various topics including: Assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 
• Guidance on the college application process. 
• Support with college enrollment steps, including navigating student portals and completing necessary documentation. 
• Offer specific guidance, based on provided materials, regarding resources available on college campuses, such as: 
  • Campus health services. 
  • Mental health support resources. 
  • Enrollment and admission advisors. 
  • Financial aid advisors. 
  • First-generation student support services. 
  • Scholarship opportunities.

Outreach and Engagement – 30%

• Initiate communication via text, call, and email GEAR UP students, 2026 cohort, to request feedback on the GEAR UP program services. 
• Maintain regular communication to provide ongoing support and guidance, as needed. 
• Cold calling will be necessary.

Referral Coordination – 15%

• Identify instances where students require more in-depth assistance or specialized guidance. 
• Make appropriate referrals to AZGU (Arizona GEAR UP) State Office staff for additional support. 
• Make appropriate student connections to SSA (Student Success Agency).

Communication Leadership – 10%

• Lead efforts to keep students informed by providing deadline reminders and nudges to complete necessary action steps. 
• Ensure clear and effective communication with students regarding available resources and support services. 

Other - %

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Experience with working with youth, education, advising, mentoring, and other support roles.
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commitment to education 
• Experience related to middle and high schools, college access, working with different groups  
• Experience with completing a FAFSA and/or college application 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
• Familiarity with virtual communication tools and platforms 
• Bilingual – English/Spanish  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of education in post-secondary planning.
• Basic knowledge of career development.
• Basic knowledge of appropriate resources for students.

Skills

• Customer service skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Teams, Excel).
• Active listening skills.
• Communicates clearly and effectively.

Abilities

• Builds trust and credibility by demonstrating consistency between words and action.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Possess basic problem solving, organizational, and analytical capabilities.

Compensation

Hourly Rate is $18.35 ($19 an hour for Bilingual applicants). Salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.