Academic Career Advisor

Destiny Arts Center•Oakland, CA

3d•$70,300 - $72,000•Onsite

About The Position

Destiny Arts Center (DAC) is an Oakland-based arts organization and nationally recognized leader in creative youth development. Its mission is to inspire and ignite social change through the arts. The Academic & Career Advisor connects Destiny’s movement, music, and visual arts programming with practical support for graduation, postsecondary pathways, financial aid, workforce readiness, and family advocacy. As part of Destiny’s Care team, the Advisor works closely with the Youth and Family Support Specialist to integrate educational support into a broader, strengths-based, holistic wraparound-services model. The role primarily serves high school students ages 13–18 and young adults ages 18–24 who are pursuing graduation, college or trade programs, or stable employment. It also provides lighter support and referrals for students ages 5–12 and maintains connections with families. This is an exempt, salaried position requiring independent judgment and discretion in managing a caseload, prioritizing needs, developing workshops, and representing Destiny in institutional and community settings. The position is based on-site at Destiny Arts Center in Oakland, alongside teaching artists and programming. Some evening or weekend work may be required for workshops, performances, or family events, with flexibility to manage time and workload. The role is not eligible for overtime compensation under the FLSA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
At least 2 years of experience working directly with young people in youth development, case management, school counseling, or a related setting.
Working knowledge of California A-G requirements, college and financial-aid systems, and IEP processes.
Comfort facilitating groups and leading workshops.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, manage a varied caseload, and prioritize competing needs with minimal direct supervision.
Culturally responsive communication style.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish and English.

Responsibilities

Guide students through California A-G requirements, credit recovery options, and graduation pathways.
Support college applications to community colleges, UC, CSU, and private institutions.
Help young adults complete GEDs or re-enroll in school after time away.
Track academic standing for students in Destiny performance companies and coordinate with schools and partner organizations to balance academic and performance opportunities.
Support students with FAFSA, Cal Grant, the California Dream Act, WIOA/WIA workforce grants, award letters, degree costs, scholarships, and work-study options.
Provide younger students with light academic mentorship focused on study habits, executive functioning, and a love of learning.
Support families navigating IEP processes and school accommodations, acting as a liaison among Destiny, school personnel, and caregivers without replacing special education services.
Help students and families identify how skills developed through dance, martial arts, and theater can transfer to classrooms, workplaces, and creative careers.
Develop and lead workshops on resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, and workplace dynamics.
Connect participants with internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, and vocational programs.
Manage youth-employment administration, including work permits, labor-law basics, I-9s, and W-4s.
Support Destiny youth staff and camp counselors through hiring and onboarding.
Co-develop workforce-readiness workshops with the Youth and Family Support Specialist and external partners, covering skills such as goal setting, professional communication, and time management.
Provide practical financial-literacy guidance on budgeting, pay stubs, taxes, bank accounts, pricing performances, negotiating rates, variable income, and contracts, as relevant to each young person’s goals.
Develop periodic financial-literacy workshops with the Youth and Family Support Specialist and outside experts.
Advocate alongside parents and caregivers in institutional meetings, including IEP and financial-aid meetings.
Host workshops to help families understand their entitlements and how to advocate for them.
Stay connected to young people and families experiencing housing instability, system involvement, or other barriers.
Communicate in a culturally responsive way that acknowledges systemic barriers and keeps advising relevant, affirming, and community-rooted.
Maintain accurate case notes and records tied to each student’s goals.
Gather data and write narratives for grant reports.
Coordinate with teaching artists and outside partners so students remain connected across programs.
Partner with the Case Manager to integrate academic support into Destiny’s broader wraparound-service model.