Job Title: High School Advocate
Time Commitment: 20-40 hrs/month (based on # of students)
Compensation: Starting at $18/hr, with consideration for returning Student U High School Student Advocates based on years of service in the role
Student U is a Durham-based education organization working at the intersection of direct student support and systems transformation. We are students, families, and educators cultivating joyful, academically excellent learning communities so all students thrive in Durham and beyond.
Everyone deserves opportunities in their educational journey that enable them to reach their full potential. As a result of structural racism, poverty and other systemic injustices, we acknowledge that first generation college-bound students face significant personal and institutional obstacles to educational success. We want to change the odds for children in our community.
High School Student Advocates play a critical role in supporting Student U high school students as they prepare for graduation, postsecondary education, careers, and lifelong success. Advocates serve as trusted mentors, coaches, and champions for approximately 10–20 students, building meaningful relationships with students, families, and school staff throughout the school year.
Successful advocates are relationship-centered, organized, culturally responsive, and committed to educational equity. They believe in students' potential, communicate effectively across diverse groups, and proactively connect students and families with resources and opportunities.
Advocates work closely with Student U's High School Team and school partners to ensure students receive individualized academic, social-emotional, and college readiness support.
At Student U, we believe strong relationships are the foundation of student success. High School Student Advocates are successful when they consistently build trust, foster belonging, and support students and families in reaching their goals. Successful advocates demonstrate the following:
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Students identify their advocate as a trusted adult who consistently shows up, listens, encourages, and celebrates their growth.
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Students actively engage in weekly check-ins and Student U programming and make progress toward academic and postsecondary goals.
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Families feel informed, supported, and connected to both Student U and their student’s school community.
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School staff view the advocate as a collaborative and reliable partner in supporting student success.
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Advocates proactively identify barriers to success and connect students and families with appropriate resources and supports.
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Student records, contact logs, and documentation are completed accurately and on time to support coordinated care.
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Advocates contribute positively to team culture through collaboration, reflection, and continuous learning.
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Advocates consistently embody Student U’s mission by leading with empathy, equity, and high expectations for students.
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20–40 hours per month depending on caseload
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Weekly student check-ins
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Monthly staff meetings
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Monthly supervision meetings
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Required trainings
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Two Saturday events annually
Year Round Duties and Responsibilities:
Student Coaching & Advocacy:
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Meet weekly with assigned students at school, after school at W.G. Pearson Center, or through zoom.
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Monitor student academic progress, attendance, and overall well-being.
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Support students in developing and implementing academic success plans.
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Connect students to enrichment, leadership, college readiness, and community opportunities.
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Advocate for students within schools by collaborating with teachers, counselors, and administrators.
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Build strong relationships with school staff to coordinate student support.
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Participate in intervention planning with Student U staff as needed.
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Facilitate monthly check in meetings with students and caregivers (virtual or in person).
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Provide additional communication updates for families as needed.
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Serve as a consistent communication bridge between families, schools, and Student U.
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Support families in navigating school systems and accessing resources.
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Attend monthly staff meetings, training, and professional development sessions.
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Attend student + family meetings to support tired conferences with our AD of Family Engagement
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Support school-based student gatherings and community events.
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Participate in required student and family events, including two Saturday events annually.
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Support additional programming as needed within monthly hours.
Maintain accurate student contact logs within 24–48 hours of interactions.
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Complete monthly reports in Apricot.
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Share monthly updates with families.
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Attend monthly check-ins with your supervisor.
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Submit monthly timesheets on time.
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Skills and Qualities:
Required Qualifications
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Experience working with high school-aged youth.
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Ability to build strong, trusting relationships with students and families.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills.
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Excellent organization and time management skills.
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Ability to collaborate with educators, families, and community partners.
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Commitment to Student U’s mission and educational equity.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
Experience working in Durham Public Schools or similar school settings.
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Experience supporting first-generation college-bound students.
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Familiarity with college access, college admissions, or financial aid processes.
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Knowledge of community resources for youth and families.
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Bilingual or multilingual skills are highly encouraged.
Successful High School Student Advocates demonstrate:
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A deep belief in all students’ ability to succeed.
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Cultural humility and commitment to equity.
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Strong relationship-building skills.
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Initiative, flexibility, and problem-solving ability.
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High expectations for themselves and students.
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A collaborative and team-oriented mindset.
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Passion for mentoring young people.
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Proficiency with email, Google Workspace, Zoom, and web-based systems such as Apricot.
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Ability to learn and consistently use Student U documentation and communication tools.
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Reliable access to a computer and internet for documentation and virtual meetings.
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Responsiveness during scheduled work hours.
Optional Additional Assignment: After-School Student Advocate
High School Student Advocates may elect to take on additional paid hours as an After-School Student Advocate at the W.G. Pearson Center.
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Facilitate a safe, structured, and welcoming after-school learning environment.
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Supervise an assigned group of high school students.
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Support students with homework completion, studying, and academic progress.
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Build strong, consistent relationships with students.
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Reinforce Student U Core Values.
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Support positive behavior through relationship-building and restorative practices.
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Monitor student engagement, attendance, and well-being.
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Communicate relevant updates with the High School Team.
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Collaborate with Academic Coaches, Senior Advisors, Mental Health + Wellness Counselors, tutors, and other Student U staff to support student success.
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Support implementation of individualized student success plans.
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Maintain a positive, organized, and engaging classroom environment.
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Model professionalism and Student U values at all times.
Selection is based on program needs, staff availability, and performance in the High School Student Advocate role.
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Anti-Discrimination Policy & Commitment to Equity & Child Safeguarding Policy
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Student U is committed to fostering an inclusive culture within our organization where people from various backgrounds can participate fully and equitably, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to our mission.
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Student U has a commitment to ensuring the safety of our students. All staff will participate in a child safeguarding training to help them understand why it is necessary to safeguard and protect children and to be fully aware of the procedure for reporting concerns.
Compensation: Starting at $18.00/hour
Priority Deadline to Apply: July 24, 2026
Commitment: August 2026 - May 2027
How to Apply: Please apply online and include your resume, responses to two short answer questions, and two references. Applications are rolling with a priority deadline of July 24, 2026.
