COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Bottom Line•Houston, TX

1d•$49,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Founded in 1997, Bottom Line [http://www.bottomline.org] 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. Our vision is to dramatically transform urban communities by producing thousands of new career-ready college graduates. When you join Bottom Line, you will find a rewarding, fast-paced, results-oriented environment. We build strong relationships with our students and with each other. We take our work seriously, and we know that a focus on data and metrics is integral to our continued success. Experts in our fields, we are driven by our mission and extremely proud of the work we 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. Note: Our Access programming in Houston will begin in June 2026. From date of hire until June 2026, this person’s responsibilities will be concentrated in the other areas of the job description, particularly student recruitment.

Requirements

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 [https://www.bottomline.org/content/mission-and-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

Nice To Haves

Fluency in language other than English a plus

Responsibilities

Provide one-on-one guidance to a caseload of 60 - 65 high school seniors
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
Help each student brainstorm, revise, and finalize college essays by utilizing both in person and remote support tools
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
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
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
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
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
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