College Access Advisor

Bottom Line; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Bottom Line is seeking a College Access Advisor in Detroit, MI to provide one-on-one guidance to high school seniors, help with college lists, essays, applications, and financial aid decisions. The role emphasizes data entry, meeting deadlines, and cohort onboarding in a hybrid, in-person-first environment.

You will support FAFSA/CSS submissions, coordinate 60-65 student caseloads, and advance Bottom Line’s mission by guiding students toward affordable college options and successful transitions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 2+ 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60-65 high school seniors.
• Lead 60-minute meetings for 15-20 students per week at various sites.
• Respond to student text/calls/emails within 2 business days.
• Develop individualized communication plans to keep students engaged and meeting deadlines.
• Track and record student progress in our database with timely data entry.
• Maintain a caseload schedule and ensure meetings align with student deadlines.
• Support recruitment and onboarding of new cohorts.
• Assist with program and organizational support activities.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

2+ years of related work experience

Excellent writing and editing skills

Relationship development

Valid driver’s license

Commitment to mission and values

Bottom Line core competencies: Relat­

Two-year commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Full Time

Advisor

Michigan Office

Salary Range:

$44,300.00 To $44,300.00 Annually

Detroit, MI

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 from first-generation and low-income backgrounds as they get into college, graduate, and launch meaningful careers. For over two decades, Bottom Line has provided consistent, one-on-one support to help students navigate the challenges of accessing and succeeding in college.

Today, we proudly serve over 7,000 students through our three core programs—College Access, College Success, and Bluprint—across regional offices in Massachusetts, New York City, Chicago, Ohio, Detroit, and soon, Houston. Our vision is to create a far-reaching ripple effect, launched by the transformative power of a college degree and a mobilizing first career, that uplifts individuals, families, and entire communities.

When you join Bottom Line, you will become a part of a team that combines passion with expertise to advance equity and opportunity for degree-aspiring students. In our dynamic, results-driven environment, your contributions will help shape brighter futures and stronger communities.

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
  1. 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
  2. Essays
     • Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays by utilizing both in person and remote support tools
  3. 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
  4. 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
  1. 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
  2. Respond to all student text/calls/emails within 2 business days
  3. 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
  1. Enter data into the database within 3 business days of a student interaction or status change
  2. Maintain accurate student contact information in the student database
  3. 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:
  1. Schedule all student meetings on a weekly, or as needed, basis
  2. Manage time and calendar to meet minimum number of meetings per week and minimum number of meetings per student per year
  3. Align meetings to student process, ensuring adequate progress is being made and driving towards individual student deadlines
  4. Ensure all students adhere to individual and institutional deadlines

Program & Organizational Support - 10%

• 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
• Support student recruitment, intake, and transition from Access to Success, which may include presenting at partner schools and organizations
• 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

Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without advanced notice.

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
• 2+ 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

$44,300

Benefits

Learn about our benefits here.