College & Career Advisor (Adult Learning)

College Now Greater Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

College Now Greater Cleveland is seeking a College & Career Advisor (Adult Learning) to support adult learners in pursuing postsecondary education and financing options. The role involves community-based and center-based advising across multiple sites in the Northeast Ohio region, with a focus on accessibility and persistence.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree and offers a hybrid work arrangement, with potential evening/weekend hours and travel to partner sites.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and group advising on education, career, and workforce goals.
• Help adult learners identify postsecondary pathways that fit their goals and life responsibilities.
• Identify and help address barriers to enrollment and persistence (childcare, transportation, etc.).
• Guide learners through certificate, credential, apprenticeship, and college options.
• Assist with applications, transcript requests, and financial aid requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of adult education, financial aid, and postsecondary opportunities.

Skills

Excellent communication

Independent worker

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: College Now - Cleveland, OH 44113, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: Bachelor's degree preferred, An established leader in the Northeast Ohio civic landscape, College Now has been changing the lives of students in our region since 1967. We do this by providing college and career access advising, financial aid counseling, and scholarship and retention services to students from middle school through adulthood. An individual filling this position can expect to have an impact on Northeast Ohio students and families.

When you work for College Now, you are part of an innovative and visionary team, committed to College Now's mission, vision, and values as we are committed to creating a collaborative workplace for team members. Offering superior benefits, ample opportunities for professional growth and development, and the chance to make an impact on the community, College Now is where careers are made and grown.

Position Title

College & Career Advisor, Access Programs and Services (Adult Learning)

Status

Full-time; Non-Exempt

Standard Hours

40 hours/week Monday–Friday, with some evening and weekend hours required

Location

Hybrid - Community settings, College Now Resource Center, and schools; travel to multiple sites required (Lorain/Elyria, Cleveland, Akron)

Reports To

Manager, Access Programs and Services (Adult Learning)

Salary Range

$43,000 to $48,000, increasing with relevant experience

Assigned To

Access Programs & Services

Position Summary

The College & Career Advisor (Adult Learning) helps adult learners aspire to, prepare for, and enroll in postsecondary education while identifying ways to finance their education. Services are provided in group and one-on-one settings throughout the community and in the College Now Resource Center.

Essential Functions

• Provide individual and group advising on education, career, and workforce goals, including program selection, admissions, enrollment, financial aid, and persistence.
• Help adult learners identify postsecondary pathways that fit their career goals, prior education, work experience, financial situation, and life responsibilities.
• Identify and help address barriers to enrollment and persistence, including childcare, transportation, technology access, employment demands, financial instability, and other life circumstances.
• Guide learners through certificate, credential, apprenticeship, two-year, four-year, and other postsecondary options.
• Assist with applications, enrollment steps, transcript requests, placement requirements, and re-entry to college or training.
• Support completion of the FAFSA and other financial aid requirements, including verification, special circumstances, satisfactory academic progress, and dependency issues.
• Help learners understand financial aid offers, college costs, scholarships, employer benefits, workforce funding, and other sources of financial support.
• Recommend eligible learners for College Now scholarships and support scholarship applications.
• Assist learners with prior college debt, institutional balances, transfer credits, student loan repayment, consolidation, rehabilitation, and forgiveness options.
• Serve as a resource on prior learning assessment, transfer credit, competency-based education, and credit for work, military, or professional experience.
• Provide ongoing follow-up to support enrollment, persistence, and completion.
• Refer learners to appropriate college departments, workforce partners, and community resources for needs beyond College Now’s scope.
• Build relationships with colleges, workforce organizations, adult education providers, employers, and community partners.
• Conduct outreach, workshops, presentations, and community events and programs to support and promote Adult Programs and Services.
• Accurately document participant demographics, services, referrals, milestones, and outcomes while maintaining confidentiality.
• Maintain current knowledge of adult education, financial aid, workforce credentials, student loan programs, and regional postsecondary opportunities.
• Contribute to grant development, reporting, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Must-Have Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Must-Have Technical Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Comfortable using a laptop, navigating the Internet, and entering data into a student database.

Previous Work Experience

• Experience working with students, preferably adults.
• Background in education, higher education admissions, student support services, advising, or counseling is a plus.

Education Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Counseling certificate and/or experience preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Evening and weekend hours required.
• Must have reliable transportation to multiple locations.
• Ability to lift up to 10 pounds (e.g., laptop, printer, materials).

Disclaimer: "Nothing in this position description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time."