COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Bottom Line; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Bottom Line is seeking a College Access Advisor in Boston, MA to guide a caseload of 60-65 high school seniors through college lists, essays, and applications. You will support FAFSA/CSS Profile submissions, analyze and explain financial aid awards, and maintain ongoing communication with students and families.

The role emphasizes site-based and remote advising, with periodic on-site work at partner schools or community sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required.
• Work authorization to work in the United States.
• 1+ years of related work experience with students.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Experience developing trusting relationships with students.
• Valid driver's license; access to a car strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line’s mission and values.
• Ability to commit to a minimum two-year period.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60-65 high school seniors.
• Coach students on college lists and admissions chances.
• Help brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays.
• Design and monitor individualized applications plans.
• Guide FAFSA/CSS Profile submissions and financial aid analysis.
• Maintain regular contact with all students and schedule meetings.
• Travel up to 50% for in-person support and events.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing skills

Relationship building

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Who We Are and What We Believe:

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization with a mission to partner with degree-aspiring students of color from under-resourced communities as they get into college, graduate, and go far in life. We achieve this mission by providing one-on-one guidance during the college application process through college graduation and the successful launch of their careers.

Boston, MA

What You Will Do:

Reporting to the Program Director, the primary focus of the College Access Advisor is on effectively serving a caseload of college aspiring high school seniors using the Bottom Line LEAD (Lists, Essays, Applications, Decisions) Model. The College Access Advisor helps students identify college options, write application essays, submit applications, complete financial aid and application requirements, analyze acceptances and award packages, and make a responsible college choice. Advisors are also active participants in efforts to recruit and onboard each new cohort of students. The College Access Advisor tracks and records student progress in our database using both quantitative and qualitative data. Advisors are expected to build advising skills and learn the Bottom Line program model and expectations for supporting a caseload of students, with an opportunity for a performance-based promotion to Senior Advisor after their first full year as an Advisor. Training and professional development in the Advisor role is focused on the Bottom Line curriculum and student services, as well as Bottom Line Foundations.

Direct Student Support - 70%

• Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60 - 65 high school seniors
• College Lists
  • Coach each student towards a college list that meets Access Program standards, is individualized to that student, and is in line with admissions and affordability data
  • Adjust admissions chances based on changes to student academic profile throughout the year
• Essays
  • Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays by utilizing both in person and remote support tools
• Applications
  • Design individualized service plans to ensure each student submits complete, high-quality college applications by institutional priority deadlines
  • Support students in identifying and completing missing/additional application materials throughout the Winter and Spring
• Financial Aid/Decision Making
  • Guide students (in person or remotely) to submit FAFSA and/or CSS Profile by institutional priority deadlines
  • Identify and support students selected for federal income and/or citizenship verification
  • Identify students eligible for a variety of scholarships
  • Explain financial aid award data to each student, and coach them to make a financially responsible college decision
  • Support students with submitting a deposit to a college by May 1st
• Maintain ongoing communication with all students on caseload
• Lead 60-minute meetings for 15 - 20 students per week at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off-site locations throughout the region
• Respond to all student text/calls/emails within 2 business days
• Develop individualized communication plans to ensure students remain engaged with the program and meet deadlines
• Help students resolve general obstacles that come up throughout the school year by coaching them on self-advocacy and resourcefulness skills

Caseload & Data Management – 20%

• Track and record student progress in our database, using both quantitative and qualitative measures
• Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
• Maintain accurate student contact information in the student database
• Enter and update data for students applying to Bottom Line and/or transitioning into the Success Program
• Manage a caseload of 60 - 65 high school students, including, but not limited to:
• Schedule all student meetings on a weekly, or as needed, basis
• Manage time and calendar to meet minimum number of meetings per week and minimum number of meetings per student per year
• Align meetings to student process, ensuring adequate progress is being made and driving towards individual student deadlines
• Ensure all students adhere to individual and institutional deadlines

Student Recruitment - 5%

• Build understanding and excitement about Bottom Line with prospective students via group presentations, workshops, and tabling events; support students in filling out the online application
• Support a caseload of applicants through the Bottom Line application process by processing student applications, making phone calls, and answering questions about the process and the program
• Onboard students into the Access program via phone calls, group events, and scheduling 1:1 meetings

Program & Organizational Support - 5%

• Support the Development team by attending events, networking with guests / supporters, and providing event logistics as needed
• Support planning and staff of Access Program events, including but not limited to, student workshops and the core program events
• Additional program support as assigned by supervisor
• Represent the Bottom Line brand in a positive light, and take actions to increase brand awareness throughout the community

Work Schedule:

• We operate under an in-person first, hybrid program approach which includes a combination of in-person and virtual work. There will be periods during the year when remote work is more feasible, with in-person work ranging from 30-90%.

College Access Advisors are non-exempt, overtime eligible staff and work an 8.5 hour shift, including a daily ½ hour unpaid meal/rest break to comply with FLSA. There will be times throughout the year when an advisor will be expected to work additional hours and/or flex their schedule to meet our students' needs. This can include 8 AM starts to comply with the school day or 11:30 – 7:30 PM schedules to accommodate meeting with students afterschool.

Expected Travel:

Up to 50%, local travel

This role involves travel, commuting to locations readily accessible to students. In-person services may happen at the Bottom Line office, a high school campus, or other off-site locations throughout the region.

Who Should Apply:

If You Meet The Qualifications Below, You Should Apply.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Work authorization
• 1+ years of related work experience
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Experience developing trusting relationships with students
• Valid driver’s license, with access to a car strongly preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to Bottom Line’s mission, vision, and core values
• Demonstrated proficiency and/or growth potential in Bottom Line's seven core competencies: Relationships, Results, Communication, Inclusiveness, Talent Development, Agility, and Planning
• The ability to make a minimum of a two-year commitment

Preferred:

• Fluency in language other than English a plus

Compensation:

$52,800