Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor

King Street Center; Burlington (VT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

King Street Center in Burlington, Vermont seeks an Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor to support high school students in achieving academic success and exploring post‑secondary pathways.

The role focuses on mentoring, college readiness activities, career exploration, and collaboration with schools and community partners to ensure students have access to opportunities and resources needed for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of experience working with high school youth in mentoring, academic support, or career exploration.
• Experience serving youth from diverse backgrounds including low-income, immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities.
• Ability to complete a Vermont background check and maintain a safe, trauma-informed environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee ACE academic programming in collaboration with the ACE Director.
• Provide college readiness activities, college application support, and financial aid guidance.
• Track attendance, participation, outcomes, and student progress for program evaluation.
• Build partnerships with local schools, colleges, employers, and community organizations.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Youth Development, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor

King Street Center - Burlington, Vermont Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5931385
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Sep 17, 2026 12:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor
King Street Center | Burlington, VT
Full-Time, Non-Exempt | 40 Hours/Week | Year-Round
Reports to: ACE Director
Salary: $55,000-$63,000 annually

King Street Center where kids & opportunity meet. King Street Center empowers youth to explore their talents and find their voice through learning, play and opportunity.

Located in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, King Street Center serves youth and families experiencing economic insecurity and systemic marginalization, with a focus on families from global majority communities in Burlington through afterschool programs, mentoring, early childhood education, and enrichment opportunities, we empower youth to explore their talents, develop confidence, and create bright futures.

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor to support high school students in achieving academic success, exploring career opportunities, and preparing for life after graduation.

Position Summary
The Academic Advisor leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of King Street Center's Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program. This role serves as both a mentor and academic guide, helping students navigate high school coursework, identify post-secondary pathways, and develop individualized plans for success.

The ideal candidate is skilled in youth development, academic advising, and relationship-building, with a commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. This position works closely with students, families, schools, colleges, and community partners to ensure youth have the support and opportunities needed to reach their goals.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Director of ACE to develop and oversee academic programming for High School aged youth.
• Design and facilitate college readiness activities, including:
• College application support
• Personal statement and essay coaching
• Common Application guidance
• Financial aid, scholarship, and grant workshops
• College and career exploration activities
• College tours and educational field trips
• Mentorship opportunities
• Create engaging programming options that accommodate diverse student schedules through both drop-in and structured formats.
• Provide direct academic support, tutoring, proficiency based assessment, and study skills coaching to youth.
• Coordinate post-secondary preparation including college visits, application assistance, SAT/ACT preparation, and exploration of vocational, certification, and trade programs.
• Maintain a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach in all student interactions.
• Collaborate with local high schools and school personnel to support student success.
• Reports to and takes direction from the ACE Director.

Student Engagement & Mentorship

• Build meaningful, supportive relationships with youth as a trusted adult mentor.
• Provide one-on-one and small-group coaching focused on academic achievement, goal-setting, and career planning.
• Encourage student leadership, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
• Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where all youth can thrive.

Community Partnerships & Family Engagement

• Develop and maintain partnerships with local schools, colleges, employers, and community organizations.
• Engage and coordinate guest speakers and mentors from a variety of professional fields including local colleges and universities and VSAC.
• Serve as a connector between youth, families, schools, and community resources.
• Engage parents and caregivers to strengthen support for students' educational and career goals.

Program Administration & Evaluation

• Track attendance, participation, outcomes, and student progress.
• Ensure completion of required program milestones and documentation.
• Collect and analyze data to evaluate program effectiveness and support grant reporting.
• Collaborate with the Development team to provide success stories and program outcomes.
• Purchase and maintain educational and program materials.
• Support program operations, classroom behavior management, and staff coverage when needed.
• Continuously assess and improve programming based on youth feedback and emerging best practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Youth Development, Social Work, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience working with high school youth in mentoring, academic support, college readiness, career exploration, workforce development, or related fields.
• Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, including low-income, immigrant, refugee, and BIPOC communities.
• Strong understanding of adolescent development and post-secondary planning.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Ability to successfully complete a Vermont Child Care Development Division background check.

Preferred

• Knowledge of college access processes, financial aid systems, and career readiness programming.
• Experience developing partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations.
• Proficiency in additional languages, particularly:
  • Nepali
  • Maay Maay
  • Somali
  • Burmese
  • Swahili

Core Competencies

• Successful candidates will demonstrate:
• Integrity and trust-building
• Cultural humility and appreciation of diverse perspectives
• Self directed professional capable of work independently
• Resilience and adaptability
• Courage to address challenges directly
• Curiosity and continuous learning
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to navigate