Edtech.com's Summary

BRICK Networks is hiring an Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) to support students at Gateway U by blending academic advising with wraparound support coordination. This role involves managing student caseloads to ensure academic progress while addressing non-academic barriers such as housing, childcare, and mental health to promote persistence and graduation.

Highlights

Manage student caseloads to support academic progress and persistence.
Conduct holistic assessments to identify and address non-academic barriers.
Develop individualized success plans integrating academic and life needs.
Connect students to internal and community resources, including public benefits and mental health services.
Maintain relationships with community organizations and referral partners.
Monitor student progress data and advocate for students within complex systems.
Support daily operations, workshops, orientations, and student programming.
Requires 3+ years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree.
Strong skills in assessment, case management, communication, and technology platforms.
Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 annually, based on experience; includes health, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits; employment period of eleven to twelve months.

Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) Full Description

OUR MISSION

BRICK is on a mission to support families from pre-cradle-to-career through holistic support, excellent schools, and clear pathways to college and career. By creating a comprehensive network of services, we are righting the wrongs of racial and economic inequality and paving the way for families to forge futures abundant with opportunity, wellness, and joy

OUR VISION

BRICK envisions a world of racial and economic justice, where every child and family has the support they need to learn, achieve, and work towards a fulfilling life of personal and collective prosperity.

To learn more about BRICK, please visit https://www.bricknetworks.org/

Overview

A college degree can be a life-changing ticket to career fulfillment and economic mobility. But for many Gateway U students, working adults, parents, returning citizens, and those navigating systemic barriers, academic success is only one piece of the equation. Gateway U was built to remove those barriers.

As New Jersey’s first hybrid degree pathway site, Gateway U combines flexible, competency-based college programs with high-touch coaching and wraparound support, ensuring students don’t just enroll, but persist, graduate, and thrive. The Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) plays a critical role in this mission by addressing the non-academic barriers that often prevent students from completing their degrees.

The Role

The Specialized Academic Advisor (Resource Navigator) is a dual-role position that blends academic advising with intensive wraparound support coordination. This advisor will manage a caseload of students, ensuring they are progressing academically while also identifying, addressing, and removing life barriers that impact persistence. This role is ideal for someone who understands that: Students don’t drop out because they can’t learn, they stop out because life gets in the way.

Key Responsibilities

1. Academic Advising & Coaching (50%)

Manage a caseload of students to ensure consistent academic progress
Build strong, trust-based relationships with students to support persistence and completion
Monitor daily and weekly student progress data to identify intervention points
Meet with students (in-person, virtual, or phone) to:
- Set goals
- Review academic projects
- Provide feedback and accountability
Support students in navigating the competency-based SNHU model
Collaborate with the advising team to problem-solve barriers to academic progress
Analyze trends across caseloads and implement strategies to improve outcomes

2. Resource Navigation & Wraparound Support (50%)

Serve as the primary Resource Navigator for assigned students: Conduct holistic student assessments to identify barriers (housing, childcare, employment, transportation, technology, mental health, etc.)

Develop individualized student success plans that address both academic and life needs
Connect students to internal and external resources (public benefits, workforce programs, childcare providers, mental health services, etc.)
Build and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, service providers, and referral partners across Newark
Track student progress against their support plans and provide ongoing follow-up and accountability
Advocate for students navigating complex systems (financial aid, public assistance, re-entry services, etc.)
Support students through crisis intervention and escalation when needed
Maintain accurate documentation of services, referrals, and outcomes

3. Logistics & Operations (10%)

Support daily operations of the student center (study spaces, student engagement)
Assist with workshops, orientations, and student programming

4. Other (Flexible/Entrepreneurial Work)

Participate in community engagement efforts
Support recruitment and enrollment as needed
Take on additional responsibilities aligned with Gateway U’s growth

About You

You are deeply committed to educational equity and community impact and understand that student success requires more than academics.

You are:

A relationship builder who meets students where they are
A problem-solver who can navigate complex systems
Community-rooted and knowledgeable about local resources
Energized by working in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environmen

Experience

3+ years of experience (academic advising, case management, social work, education, workforce development, or similar)
Experience managing a caseload of students or clients
Experience connecting individuals to resources and support services strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree required

Skills

Strong assessment and case management skills
Ability to create and track individualized support plans
Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
Data-driven mindset with strong organizational skills
Ability to navigate ambiguity and problem-solve in real time
Comfort with technology platforms and student data systems

Success in This Role Looks Like:

Academic Goals

80% of students on your caseload are on track to master 8 projects by the end of their current term.
80% of students on your caseload are on track to graduate within 3 years.
70% of students on your caseload persist to the consecutive term.
0% of your caseload receive pell recalculations

Engagement Goals

The Academic Department will host two events annually, achieving at least 75% attendance from active students.

Resource Goals

100% of actively enrolled students have a profile within Salesforce.
70% of actively enrolled students grow at least one step up within one year
48-hour response time for triage; 5 business days to provide a solution.

Salary Range: Based Upon Experience / Performance Contract

· Employment Period: Twelve Months/Eleven Months

· Fringe Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401 K (BRICK, SWPN, Buffalo)

Original Job Description