ACE Program Academic Advisor (Full-Time)

King Street Center; Burlington, Northern (VT, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

King Street Center in Burlington, VT is seeking an Academic & Career Exploration (ACE) Program Academic Advisor to guide high school students toward academic success and post-secondary pathways. You will design college readiness activities, provide mentoring, coordinate with schools and families, and track student progress in a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach.

This role emphasizes relationship-building and collaboration with community partners to ensure equitable access to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience mentoring high school youth and supporting college readiness.
• Experience with youth from diverse backgrounds and strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead ACE program planning, coordination, and implementation for high school youth.
• Design and facilitate college readiness activities: applications, personal statements, financial aid, tours.
• Provide direct academic support, tutoring, and study-skills coaching; track progress and outcomes.
• Collaborate with schools, families, and community partners; maintain trauma-informed practices.
• Mentor youth, foster leadership, and promote inclusive, safe environments.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Relationship-building

Driving

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, 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

Financial aid, scholarship, and grant workshops

College and career exploration activities

College tours and educational field trips

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.

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

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 ambiguity and changing priorities

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position involves both indoor and outdoor activities throughout the year. Responsibilities may include:

Participating in recreational and educational activities with youth both indoors and in outdoor environments

Travelling to neighborhood and community sites

Lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally

Working with youth and families experiencing behavioral, emotional, or environmental challenges

Supporting a safe and active youth development environment

Your experience working with youth from low-income, refugee, and/or immigrant communities.

Why you are interested in joining King Street Center.

Candidates should be prepared to provide three professional references during the hiring process.

King Street Center is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

King Street Center is an equal opportunity employer.

Join us in helping Burlington youth discover their strengths, pursue their goals, and build bright futures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed by the individual assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary. Minimal heavy lifting and no strenuous activity required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. King Street Center is an equal opportunity employer.