College Advisor I

Position Overview:

The College Advisor plays a pivotal role in guiding 9th-12th grade students through the college preparation process, with a strong focus on helping seniors secure both college admissions and the financial aid necessary to attend their "best fit" institutions.

About the Academic Success Program (ASP):

The Academic Success Program (ASP) is a non-profit organization committed to making higher education more accessible for students in underserved communities. Through fostering a college-going culture, ASP supports students in raising their academic aspirations and gaining access to institutions that align with their unique goals and capabilities, whether that’s a community college or a prestigious university.

ASP has a proven track record of success, with the Class of 2024 securing over $430 million in scholarships and institutional grants. Our students have been accepted to a variety of top colleges, including Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, MIT, USC, Notre Dame, Babson College, Davidson, USC, Olin College of Engineering, UT Austin, Texas A&M, as well as the local community colleges. ASP is expanding its reach, and the College Advisor is crucial in sustaining and building on these accomplishments.

The Opportunity:

This position provides an exceptional opportunity to help lead the college prep program on a high school campus and make a direct, measurable impact on students’ futures. As a College Advisor, you will have the chance to witness firsthand the outcomes of your efforts each year.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are required; proficiency in Spanish is a plus but not mandatory.
• Experience & Traits:
  • High energy and passion for working with students and helping them improve their educational opportunities.
  • Proven ability to motivate, inspire, and advocate for all students in words and through actions.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Comfortable working with diverse populations and in a collaborative team environment.
  • Strong commitment to high standards, both for yourself and for students.
  • Ability to pass a criminal background check.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group counseling workshops on college preparation, test preparation, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
• Support students and families in completing the full college application process, including essays, resumes, recommendation letters, FAFSA, CSS Profiles, and scholarship applications.
• Collaborate with school staff, ASP colleagues, and district administrators to achieve campus and organizational goals.
• Coordinate and oversee the ASP Ambassador Program, a student run organization that allows students to coordinate and sustain the college-going culture within their high school.

Essential Functions:

• Act as the primary point of contact for students and families in the college prep process, ensuring they understand and meet key deadlines.
• Provide classroom presentations, as well as student and family workshops, to close the knowledge and opportunity gaps that exist with respect to the college and financial aid processes
• Advocate for the success of all students and maintain high standards for academic and personal growth.
• Maintain accurate data and records on student progress and use this data to inform decision-making and support.
• Flexibility to work some evenings and Saturdays as required.

Other Information:

ASP reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of this position as necessary. This description is intended to convey a general sense of the role and responsibilities, but it may evolve as the needs of the organization and students change.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000, based on experience.
• Benefits: ASP covers 100% of vision and dental insurance premiums, and 85% of health insurance premiums.