COLLEGE ACCESS ADVISOR

Bottom Line•Chicago, IL

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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
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, including, but not limited to:
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
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.